King George Tupou V hosted a charity classical concert on Friday, May 9 at the Consular House, Kolomotu'a, raising about $20,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.

The occasion celebrated two 60th birthdays - those of the king who was 60 on May 4, and the king's first cousin, Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu who was 60 on May 12.

The concert was attended by the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho, Princess Nanasipau'u, other members of the royal family and about 200 guests who were invited to the Black Tie evening.

The Starlight String quartet from New Zealand who came to Tonga especially for the concert treated the audience to two hours of classical and contemporary music including some favourites of the king

The Starlight String Quartet was made up of three violinists and a cello, and was accompanied by Tongan Meleane Richelmann of Auckland on piano, and Jack Bourke, a prominent Tongan tenor.

Proceeds from the concert, which raised about $20,000, were donated to the Children's Cancer Fund by Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu at the end of the concert.

The Children's Cancer Fund was established in November 2007 to support children diagnosed with cancer and to find ways of reducing the incidence of the disease. Mrs Moala Sisifa is the President of the Fund and the activities are managed by Mrs Snai Tu'itahi.