THE wife of ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has teamed up with Autism Together to host a classical music concert in aid of the charity.

Montse Benitez will join representatives from the Wirral-based organisation during the show at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall on Sunday, June 16.

Proceeds will go to the charity's Future 50 appeal, raising funds to build a pioneering autism centre in the region.

The evening will feature familiar classics including Carl Orff's roof-raising Carmina Burana and Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, will go to the charity's Future 50 appeal, which is raising funds to build a pioneering autism centre in the region.

Montse Benitez, who has lived in Wirral for 15 years, said her family feels connected to Autism Together because of its Wirral roots and because she and Rafa have had first-hand experience of autism.

She said: "We think that my great aunt was probably on the spectrum. She lived like a recluse, but not enough was known then to help her.

"Rafa and I also have very close friends with a son on the spectrum. He is an extreme case and we have watched over the years the terrible pressure this has put on the family.

"I have watched the great work that Autism Together does. So many people are helped and it is clear that the staff who work at the charity really care."

Montse added that classical music was close to her heart and that it felt natural to help organise a concert as a fundraising event.

"She was born into a musical family and had played classical guitar until a decade ago when a finger injury meant that was no-longer possible. Since then she has focused on piano and is now at grade eight.

She said: "We want our concert to appeal to absolutely everyone, so we’ve chosen three pieces of music that are very popular.

"I chose the Tchaikovsky piece (Piano concerto one) because I’ve loved it since I was a child.

"My uncle used to teach piano and our family had an album of classical music for children which included it.

"And composer Orff's Carmina Burana is so powerful.

"It has been used in so many adverts that people recognise it instantly the moment they hear it."

Performing the famous classics will be the North West England Orchestra and Choir, alongside soloists Roderick Barrand, Isla McKewan, Richard Pollock and Alastair McCall.

Renowned conductor Russell Medley, who has performed across the world, will be leading the musicians and singers.

Rick Myers, fundraising officer at Autism Together, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have Rafa and Montse's support with our event.

"It will feature the most passionate music that will be familiar to many even if they are not regular classical music fans."

Autism Together's Future 50 appeal, launched in 2018, the charity’s 50th anniversary year, will fund the creation of an autism crisis centre and an out-patient diagnosis clinic for all ages.

Both these services are desperately needed in the North-West.

Tickets for the concert are from Liverpool Philharmonic box office

www.Liverpoolphil.com

or 0151 709 3789. Seat prices from £21

To purchase a VIP box contact fundraising@autismtogether.co.uk or 0151 334 7510