SINGAPORE - The annual ChildAid charity concert, now in its 10th year, has raised $2.327 million, a record high since it first started in 2005.

More than 200 performers, including a 64-strong orchestra, took to the stage on Friday night for the two-day event held at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands.

This year's line-up featured several well-known ChildAid alumni such as piano prodigy Abigail Sin, pop singer Farisha Ishak, soprano Janani Sridhar and classical guitarist Kevin Loh.

The proceeds from the concert will go towards The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which helps needy students pay for transport and meals, and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, an initiative that supports arts training for financially-disadvantaged students.

Mr Alvin Tay, co-organising chairman of ChildAid and editor of The Business Times, said: "This year, we welcome back on stage several young talents who had performed in previous ChildAid concerts. They have done well for themselves on the international stage. It is heartening to note that for some of them, their journey started with ChildAid."

President Tony Tan Keng Yam was guest-of-honour at the event. Also in attendance was Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, who was a guest guitarist in a group act.

"ChildAid has grown to become an iconic and inspiring fundraising show that we all look forward to," said Mr Wong. " I'm heartened to see our corporate partners coming forward to give generously and helping to make a difference."

Since its inception in 2005, the annual charity concert has raised over $10 million.

Another two shows will be held on Saturday.