UPCOMING CONCERTS

In partnership with the World Health Organization

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
PRESENTS

HEALING HANDS CONCERT

A virtual concert in celebration of Portuguese Language Day and Culture
& in observance of WHO’s World Hand Hygiene Day

 

In support of the
GLOBAL RESPONSE PLAN TO COVID-19

LAUNCH DATE:
Thursday, 7 May 2020

Watch the performance on:
WHO-GLOBAL CITIZEN SOLIDARITY SESSIONS

https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/together-at-home

or DIRECT LINK TO CONCERT:
https://youtu.be/axJCvtFH8ek

MESSAGES

Joaquim de Almeida,
Portuguese-American Actor

FEATURING ARTISTS

Dani Alves, Percussion (World Debut with the UN Chamber Music Society)
Captain of São Paulo FC and the Brazilian National Soccer Team

Paulo Flores, Angolan Singer

Tiganá Santana, Brazilian Singer

Luís Represas, Portuguese Singer

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

The UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) is proud to present the world debut of Brazil’s football superstar Dani Alves, as a percussionist with the UNCMS, in collaboration with the legendary Paolo Flores from Angola.  The concert celebrates World Hand Hygiene Day, which coincides with International Day of the Portuguese Language and Culture.  The performance features music from the three regions of the world where Portuguese is spoken: Latin America (Brazil), Africa (Angola) and Europe (Portugal).  Special thanks to Portuguese-American actor Joaquim de Almeida, for delivering opening remarks, the soulful Tiganá Santana from Brazil, Portuguese music icon Luís Represas, and all the musicians who contributed.

Launched in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the concert draws attention to the simple practices that each of us can take throughout this pandemic to protect our friends and loved ones, and to protect the healing hands of our medical professionals.  The prevention and control of infection of the coronavirus, using hand hygiene, is critical to achieving this goal.  Musicians’ hands are also healing hands, because music heals.

With 240 million Portuguese language speakers worldwide, Portuguese is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity. Established by the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) - the community of nations where Portuguese if the official language, including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor - Portuguese Language Day is dedicated to celebrating the common linguistic and cultural ties which unite these eight countries.  Portuguese is now recognized as a working language by European Union, the Mercosul, the African Union, the Organization of Ibero-American States, and the Organization of American States, among other world organizations.  As music is a universal language, the repertoire at this concert will symbolize the spiritual and philosophical connection between music and the Portuguese Language – while supporting WHO’s call to hand hygiene.

Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.  All musicians will perform chamber ensemble music from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Part I: AFRICA - Angola
PAULO FLORES (1972 - )  Kunanga do Amor
(arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society by Ghiya Rushidat)
Paulo Flores (Voice), Dani Alves (Percussion), David Strongin (Violin), James Quinlan (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Daniel Gurfinkel (Clarinet), Mohamed Gamal (Trombone)

Part II: LATIN AMERICA - Brazil
TIGANÁ SANTANA (1982 - ) Reverência
Tiganá Santana (Voice & Guitar), Amir Farsi (Flute), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Naoko Nakajima (Violin), James Quinlan (Bass)

Part III: WESTERN EUROPE - Portugal

LUÍS REPRESAS (1956 - ) FEITICEIRA | Music: Luís Represas | Lyrics: Francisco Viana | Arrangement: Carlos Garcia
Luís Represas (Voice & Guitar), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Naoko Nakajima (Violin), Abigail Elder (Viola), Bass (James Quinlan)

Part IV: World Music
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) Passou o Verao from The Drop That Contained the Sea
(arr. by Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Amir Farsi (Flute), Gabriel Majou (Violin), Ori Wissner Levy (Violin), Marta Lambert (Viola), Anouchka Hack (Cello), James Quinlan (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

Support the Global Response Plan to COVID-19 by donating to
https://covid19responsefund.org/

SPECIAL THANKS

World Health Organization
 

Mohammed Shaker

Aguinaldo Baptista

Arturo De La Fuente

Monica Cosas

Artwork of Poster:
La Cathédrale | Auguste RODIN

S.1001 | Pierre | H. 64 cm ; L. 29,5 cm ; P. 31,8 cm

Paris, musée Rodin © musée Rodin - photo Christian Baraja

VERY SPECIAL THANKS

Philip Yusuff, Video Editor

Classical music is central to world sports history. It is played everywhere, from the opening of every FIFA World Cup, to Formula 1 Races, the Olympics, and Ice Skating among others. This concert celebrates this long-standing but little-known marriage. Music, art and sports will be crucial to maintaining our physical and mental health in the times ahead.
 

We will need all our strength as we consider and prepare for how we must rebuild the world better when the coronavirus pandemic ends.  The United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Day of Sport for Peace and Development in 2013 to recognize sports’ contributions to the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.  Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.

All musicians will perform chamber ensemble music from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

LAUNCH DATE:
Thursday, 9 April 2020

Watch the performance on:
World health organization

https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/together-at-home

MESSAGES

World Health Organization (WHO)
 Christopher Bailey, Arts and Health Lead at the World Health Organization

Dani Alves
Professional Athlete – Captain of São Paulo FC and the Brazilian National Soccer Team

David Alaba
Professional Athlete – FC Bayern Munich and Austrian National Soccer Team
 

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Part I: Classical Music & Sports
 

Football
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685 - 1759) Zadok the Priest (aka. “The Champions League Anthem”)
David Strongin, Violin
Ori Wissner Levy, Violin
Anouchka Hack, Cello
Brenda Vongova, Piano
 

Football
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Waltz No. 2
Sindy Mohamed, Viola
Arthur Hornig, Cello

Olympics Ice Skating Finals
MAURICE RAVEL (1875 - 1937) Boléro
Hana Mundiya, Violin
Rohan Mundiya, Violin

Formula 1

GEORGES BIZET (1838 - 1875)  Carmen – Overture
Ori Wissner Levy, Violin

FIFA World Cup

GIACOMO Puccini (1858 - 1924) Nessun Dorma
Amir Farsi, Flute
Hana Mundiya, Violin
Abigail Elder, Viola
Sarah Favinger, Bass

Part II: Classical Music & Peace
 

MANUEL DE FALLA (1876 - 1946)  NANA from "7 cançiones populares"

Kian Soltani, Cello
Petrit Çeku, Guitar

Group Dance in the 17th–18th centuries

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750)  Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, Gigue
Assif Binness, Cello

Group Dance in the 17th–18th centuries
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750)  Partita No. 3, Gigue
Gabriel Majou, Violin

David Yardley (1978 - ) A Troubadour’s Lament for Toulouse, in the Plague of 1348
(Meravilhar nós devo pas las gens) [Words: Cavalier Lunel de Monteg (alias Peire de Lunel), 1326-1384]
David Yardley, Countertenor and Medieval Harp

Group Dance in the 17th–18th centuries
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750)  Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, Sarabande
Drake Driscoll, Cello

JEAN-MARIE LECLAIR (1697 - 1764) Sonate Duo, No. 5, Movmt. 2

Sara Ferrández, Viola
Yamen Saadi, Violin

***********************

Support the Global Response Plan to COVID-19 by donating to
https://covid19responsefund.org/

SPECIAL THANKS

World Health Organization
 

Mohammed Shaker

David Strongin

Arturo De La Fuente
Jennifer Peros
Clare Ngai-Howard

Artwork of Poster:
Discus-thrower (The Townley Discobolus), Roman copy of a bronze original of the 5^th century B.C.E., attributed to Myron, from Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, Italy © The Trustees of the British Museum
 

VERY SPECIAL THANKS

Lightbox

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
Performance to Provide Solace during the coronavirus Pandemic

 

LaunchED
Friday, 20 March 2020
 

Watch the performance on:
UNITED NATIONS

UN Web TV (Featured Videos): https://bit.ly/2IZy6RE

In support of the

who-Global citizen Solidarity sessions initiative

In solidarity and support to all those who are affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, and especially the most vulnerable among us – the elderly, the sick, those without reliable healthcare, and those on the edge of poverty – on Friday, 20 March 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), will launch a Webcast performance to pay tribute to all the outpourings of selflessness and love that have inspired the world in these uncertain times with.  All participating musicians will perform solo repertoire gems from their own homes, in encouragement of physical distancing to prevent the Coronavirus’ spread.  Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.

MESSAGES

H.E. Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

MUSIC PROGRAMME
 

Eastern Europe

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Prelude
Arthur Hornig, Cello

Sindy Mohamed, Viola, Musician of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra Ensemble

Western Europe

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Sarabande from Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002
Hana Mundiya, Violin

NICCOLÒ PAGANINI (1782 - 1840) Variations
David Strongin, Violin, Musician of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra Ensemble

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Bach Sonata in A minor: Andante
Johnna Wu, Violin

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Partita No. 3 in E Major, Gavotte en Rondeau
Rohan Mundiya, Violin

GARIEL FAURE  (1845 - 1924)  Pavane
Amir Farsi, Flute

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Bach Invention No. 13 in A minor
Sara Ferrández, Viola
Yamen Saadi, Violin, Musician of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra Ensemble

Americas

TRADITIONAL SONG  "Amazing Grace"
Florrie Marshall, Viola

Africa
TRADITIONAL HYMN "Seteng Sediba"
Thapelo Masita, Cello
 

Asia
JOE HISAISHI (1950 - ) "The Name Of Life" from Spirited Away
Mai Fujisawa, Singer, Daughter of Joe Hisaishi

Middle East
Lubana Al Quntar, Singer and Star of Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era musical - Singing "Inta Omri"
           MONA KHASH PRODUCTIONS
 

FRANÇOIS RABBATH (1931 - ) Poucha-Dass

Sarah Favinger, Bass

ANONYMOUS (muwashshah, Andalusia (before 1492)) Lamma Bada Yatathanna (arr. David Yardley)

David Yardley, Countertenor and Medieval Harp

Friday, 1 May 2020, 7:30pm

CONCERT FOR FRENCH LANGUAGE DAY

Bruno Walter Auditorium, Lincoln Center

On Friday, 1 May 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) in association with The Open Mind Project is proud to hold a concert in celebration of French Language Day (observed officially during the month of March – on March 20^th, which is also International Francophonie Day, celebrated on five continents.).  One of the most widely spoken languages in the world, French is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity. As music is a universal language, the repertoire at this concert will symbolize the spiritual and philosophical connection between music and the French language.

Language Days at the United Nations were introduced to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and promote the equal use of the six official languages ​​across the Organization. These days are also an opportunity to sensitize the United Nations community to the history, culture and use of each of these languages.  Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music. 


OPENING REMARKS
H.E. Mr. Nicolas de Riviere,
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations

Mrs. Jelena Pia Comella,
Adviser to the Permanent representation of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to the United Nations
 

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director & Piano

Hana Mundiya, Violin
Naoko Nakajima, Violin
Gabriel Majou, Violin
Anne-Chris Visser, Violin
Ji Eun Park, Viola
Clara Abel, Cello

Sarah Favinger, Bass

Amir Farsi, Flute

Michael O, Singer

François-Thibaut Pencenat, Visual Artist

MUSIC PROGRAMME
 

I. Baroque Period
CHARLES GOUNOD (1818 - 1893) Ave Maria (Originally published as "Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de S. Bach")
FRANÇOIS COUPERIN (1668 - 1733) Le Parnasse, VII. Remerciment de Corelli

II. Classical Period
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Quartet in g minor, I. Allegro
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor, Op. 1b No. 3, Allegro

III. Romantic Period
GABRIEL FAURE (1845 - 1924) Pavane (arr. by Henri Büsser)
GEORGES BIZET (1838 - 1875) Overture from Carmen (arr. by Louis Saar)
FREDERIC CHOPIN (1810 - 1849)   Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23

IV. Early 20th century Modern Period
CLAUDE DEBUSSY (1862 - 1918) Syrinx
LILY BOULANGER (1893-1918) Nocturne (arr. by Michael Hankinson)

V. Late 20th century Popular
ANGELE (1995 - ) Balance ton quoi
CHARLES AZNAVOUR (1924 - 2018) La Bohème
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) “Rassemblons-Nous” from Calling All Dawns (arr. Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society)
 

$25 recommended donation to support the UNCMS World Language Day Concerts.  Open seating.  RSVP not required.  Doors open at 7pm.