The Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC) is organizing two classical concerts to raise money for its relief and development work in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. This year, the JVC will present two seasonal concerts, Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" at Izumi Hall, Osaka (Dec. 10) and Handel's "Messiah" at Showa Women's University in Tokyo (Dec. 17).

JVC is a Tokyo-based nongovernmental organization, founded in 1980, that began as a group of Japanese expatriates in Bangkok. This small community began securing food and clothing for war-weary refugees who were then fleeing Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Following work in Somalia, Ethiopia and southeast Asia in the mid-1980s, the JVC began to shift its emphasis to developmental work, focusing on the medical, environmental and vocational needs of disadvantaged communities.

Last year's concerts raised over 10 million yen that went to JVC projects on rural development, vocational training, education and emergency relief.

An international cast of performers will travel to Japan for both concerts to perform with the Telemann Chamber Orchestra, including Dutch conductor Jos van Veldhoven and four soloists.

The 12th Annual Osaka Concert, "Christmas Oratorio," takes place Dec. 10 at Izumi Hall, Shiromi 1-4-70, Chuo Ward, Osaka. The performance starts at 4 p.m.

The 17th Annual Tokyo Concert, "Messiah," takes place Dec. 17 at Hitomi Memorial Hall, Showa Women's University, 1-7 Taishido, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, starting at 4 p.m.

Tickets are 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 4,000 yen and can be purchased from the JVC Concert Office (tel. [03] 3836-4108 or e-mail [email protected] For further information, visit www.ngo-jvc.net