Dino Kartsonakis Among Christian Artists Headlining Israel Gala Benefit

Christian music artists are honoring Israel this spring in a gala benefit concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The event is being hosted by pianist Dino Kartsonakis and his wife, Cheryl.

The Honoring Israel at Carnegie Hall concert will be held at 8 p.m. EST, Thursday, April 11, and will feature appearances by the Philadelphia Boys Choir, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, the Christian Cultural Center Chorale, Robert Stearns, Daniel Rodriguez, Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris.

“Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and Israel is now surrounded by nations committed to her destruction,” Kartsonakis said. “Cheryl and I have always prioritized praying and working for the peace of Jerusalem. It is vital that we stand together.”

Stearns, author of No We Can’t: Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence (Chosen/Baker Publishing Group) and founder of the pro-Israel group Eagles’ Wings, added: “There has never been a time in our nation’s history that our public and private bond with Israel has been more critical. With this historic concert, we hope to make it clear that New York stands with Israel.”

Proceeds from the event will go to feed Jews, Arabs and Druze in Israel through the humanitarian nonprofit group Hope for Zion, as well as to help build a prayer and study center in Migdal Arbel, Israel.

Meanwhile in another Carnegie Hall appearance, Christian music veteran Michael W. Smith performed for a capacity crowd of 2,800 Jan. 27. Part of an extended New York City weekend fan experience, the concert featured a guest choir comprising 300 members and fans from more than 30 states and six countries who joined Smith on stage for several songs, including “Above All,” “Total Praise” and “Agnus Dei.”