WELCOME

The UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) is a group of accomplished musicians and admirers of classical chamber music within the international community – which promotes the values of the United Nations through the universal language of music.  The group embraces the passion and intimacy of chamber music, which has the creative power to move audiences and help promote the universal ideals, principles and values enshrined in the United Nations Charter – such as the ideals of peace, respect for human rights, respect for cultures, the dignity and worth of the human person, and the equal rights of men and women.

The ensemble has performed on multiple occasions for humanitarian purposes at the United Nations Headquarters.  In October 2018, the ensemble made its Carnegie Hall debut.  Founded in 2016 by Brenda Vongova, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.
 
 

Virtual Concerts may be viewed at the United Nations 
UN Global YouTube:  "UN Chamber Music Society Playlist"
and the United Nations WebTV.

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"Music is a powerful way to express commitment to causes dear to our hearts, and I commend the United Nations Chamber Music Society for its continuous dedication to using music as a tool to support the values of the United Nations."
~ H.E. MR. ANTÓNIO GUTERRES,
SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS

“We commend the UN Chamber Music Society, which helps to promote the universal values of the United Nations, for its belief in the power of the arts to heal, and for dedicating this concert to music therapy.”
~Maestro Jaap van Zweden and Aaltje van Zweden
Music Director of the New York Philharmonic
in his Message for the UN Chamber Music Society “Music Therapy Concert”

“Today’s concert by the musicians of the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council reflects two of my greatest aspirations.  The first is associated with the UN, an organization I greatly admire for its decades of acting on the belief that what all of humanity has in common is far more powerful and far more important than any differences of culture, ethnicity, religion, or nationality … I commend the UN Chamber Music Society for dedicating this evening to the Czech Republic and The New World Initiative, and for helping to promote the universal values of the United Nations.  Through the universal language of music, the Society echoes our own firm belief in the power of the arts to bring people and nations together.”
~Maestro Alan Gilbert, Former Music Director of the New York Philharmonic
in his Message for the “New World Concert” hosted by the Ambassador
of the Czech Republic to the United Nations, the Consulate General of the
Czech Republic in New York, and Czech Center New York
– as part of the New York Philharmonic’s New World Initiative.
(New York, 4 May 2017)

“The art of music has been an essential part of the human experience for millennia, bringing joy, solace, and intellectual stimulus to societies around the world.  Today, as we deal with a pandemic which has touched everyone of us, we can experience this concert as a manifestation of the best of humanity – an experience which makes seemingly abstract sounds come together in sophisticated structures to stimulate the mind and feed the soul…I wish to congratulate Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director of the United Nations Chamber Music Society, and this evening’s performing artists, for providing us with a joyful experience, communicating the very best values of our global community.”

~ Dr. Joseph W. Polisi, President Emeritus of Juilliard

In his message at the UN Chamber Music Socity Concert in Celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2020

“On behalf of Juilliard, I want to thank the United Nations Chamber Music Society for its dedication to promoting the UN goals through the universal language of music, and for this opportunity to welcome the global audiences to this performance to celebrate World Humanitarian Day.”

~ Dr. Adam Meyer, Provost of Juilliard

In his message at the UN Chamber Music Socity Concert in Celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2020

“I commend the UN Chamber Music Society for its dedication to promoting the United Nations goals at large - through the universal language of music, and for inspiring the world by educating its global audience through classical music.”
~LANG LANG, Pianist and UN Messenger of Peace

“Initiatives such as this concert by the UN Chamber Music Society are critical.  
I commend the Society for contributing their talents.  They are using music – the language of peace – to advance the cause of refugee protection, raise awareness and promote the universal values of the United Nations.”
~ H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
in his message on the occasion of the Benefit Concert for Refugees
by the UN Chamber Music Society
(New York, 29 January 2017)

"The creation of the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council symbolizes our belief in the power of the arts to bring people and nations together.  I commend the ensemble for using the universal language of music to promote the goals of the United Nations and our shared values of mutual understanding and equal rights for all.”
~ H.E. MR. BAN KI-MOON, 8th SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
IN HIS MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF THE UNITED NATIONS STAFF RECREATION COUNCIL AT A CONCERT DEDICATED TO REFUGEES
(New York, 26 April 2016)

“The UN Chamber Music Society strengthens our vital performing arts sector through its concerts featuring talented United Nations personnel and members of our thriving diplomatic community. This gifted ensemble also gives back by championing the UN’s mission to promote peace and security, advance freedom and equality, and address the world’s most pressing crises.”

~ Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City
IN HIS MESSAGE FOR THE UN Chamber Music Society Virtual Concert in celebration of World Day for Social Justice
(20 February 2021)

World Premiere performance of the chamber music arrangement of the opening theme of "Calling All Dawns", composed by 2x Grammy Winning Composer Christopher Tin - on occasion of the commemoration of World Refugee Day.  
(UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, 19 JUNE 2017)
Photo Credit: UNHCR Photo / Scott Nelson