UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United
Nations
UN Chamber Music Society
Virtual Performance at the Observance of INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
Monday, 22 February 2021
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Watch the EVENT on: UNITED NATIONS
UN Web TV
http://webtv.un.org/watch/observance-of-the-international-mother-language-day-2021/6234437603001/
On 21 February 2021, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will perform during the Observance of International Mother Language Day (IMLD). The event will be hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations, in collaboration with Members States from across the regions and UNESCO.
The event is aimed at upholding the inalienable right of people globally to their mother languages and the importance of linguistic and cultural diversities. Multilingualism, one of the core values of the UN, contributes to promoting, protecting and preserving diversity of languages and cultures globally and in the process, achieving the goals of the United Nations. While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed our lives, it has reminded us how interconnected we are today. And how we all must all work together to tackle our current global crises. Multilingualism and diverse culture cultures are important elements in building a peaceful and inclusive world.
The music programme by the UN Chamber Music Society that you will hear today, will reflect on our diverse
elements – through the universal language of music. It will honour multilingualism, by featuring composers from South Africa, Bangladesh, France and Guadeloupe. Founded in 2016, the UN
Chamber Music Society 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.
MESSAGES
Welcome remarks by H.E. Ms. Rabab
Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh
Statement by H.E. Mr. Volken Bozkir, President of the General Assembly
Message of Director General of UNESCO, to be delivered by UNESCO Representative to the UN in New York
Statement by Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Delivery of Message by Mr. Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City
Music Programme
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
SOUTH AFRICA / IsiXhosa
Sibusiso Njeza (1982 - ) “Nyana Wam” (“My Son”) aria
from Madiba the African Opera
Nosango Mtirara (Soprano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Amir
Farsi (Flute), Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
FRENCH / GUADELOUPE
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Quartet in g minor, I. Allegro
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
BANGLADESH / Bangla
GARRY SCHYMAN (1954 - ) "Praan"
[Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)]
SPECIAL THANKS
Dylan Louie, Video Editor
UN Chamber Music Society Messages
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
Concert in Celebration of
World Day for Social Justice
in
support of (In)visible Women Organization at the
United Nations International School (UNIS)
VIRTUAL GLOBAL LAUNCH:
UNITED
NATIONS
Saturday, 20 February 2021
12pm Eastern Standard Time (New York)
Watch the performance: United Nations
UN
YouTube: https://youtu.be/jAqPtDmYhP0
UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/watch/concert-social-justice/6233807631001
Sending support to homeless women in the New York community, on World Day for Social Justice, Saturday 20 February 2021 at 12:00pm EST, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will launch a virtual concert dedicated to helping thousands of women suffering from homelessness – through (In)visible Women, a non-profit organization based at the United Nations International School (UNIS).
From job discrimination, to lack of affordable housing, for them and their children, homeless women in unstable living conditions face many challenges. These issues make the daily lives of homeless women in need, immensely difficult. (In)visible women is a nonprofit, student-led organization, committed to help in making our community a safer, happier and healthier place for women on the streets and transitional shelters in New York City.
Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
Opening Messages
Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City
to be delivered by
Penny Abeywardena, New York
City's Commissioner for International Affairs
Remarks
Dr. Dan Brenner
Executive Director of the United Nations International School
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
Special Guest Artist
Patrick Jee, NY Philharmonic Cellist
Music Programme
VADIM PETROV (1932 - 2020) Mám Tě Rád ("I Love You"), Op.76
Brenda Vongova (Piano), Amy Baskurt (Violin I), Marien Chatard (Violin II), Abigail Elder (Viola), Derek Louie
(Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Sooah Jeon (Flute), Saerom Kim (Clarinet),
Ben Goldscheider (Horn)
Osvaldo Golijov (1960 - ) “Omaramoor”
Patrick Jee (NY Philharmonic Cellist)
JAMES RA (1974 - ) Evocation
Patrick Jee (NY Philharmonic Cellist), Tamami Awaji (Piano)
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685 - 1759) "Prayer": Dettingen Te Deum
David Strongin (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D major, BWV 1050: I. Allegro (excerpt)
Jonathan Salamon (Harpsichord), Amy Baskurt (UNIS Violin Solo), Ye-won Chang (Flute Solo), Amane Miura (UNIS Violin & Co-Founder of (In)visible Women), Kristen Meola (UNIS Violin
& Co-Founder of (In)visible Women), Abby Elder (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass)
********************
Support
the (In)visible Women NYC
https://invisiblewomennyc.org/
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Recording of Handel:
High Line Nine
Christina Maxwell, Manager
Artist Kyle Meyer, represented by Yossi Milo Gallery
Artwork of Poster: Laydown
By Abeer Obaido
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Mickey Alexander, Audio Engineer
Daniel Drake, Video Editor
VIRTUA CREATIVE PRESENTS
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
Virtual Concert on occasion of the
International Day of Commemoration
in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
VIRTUAL
GLOBAL LAUNCH:
Wednesday, 27 January 2021
7:00 PM EST (New York time)
Watch the CONCERT on: UNITED NATIONS
UN GLOBAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtu.be/leOXQsA6-3g
UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/watch/holocaust-concert-un-chamber-music-society/6226046104001
On 27 January 2021, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), will perform a virtual concert in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The Holocaust was a turning point in history, which prompted the world to say "never again". The classical music programme will feature Jewish composers, to instill the memory of the tragedy in future generations to prevent genocide from occurring again.
Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society carries out the United Nations’ mission of peace, understanding and
cooperation, 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.
Message
H.E. Mr. António Guterres
UN Secretary-General
Remarks
Melissa Fleming
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Professor Roger Berkowitz,
Director of the Hannah Arendt Center
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
Kol Nidrei (An ancient Jewish prayer, that all of the Jewish victims knew by heart.)
Ori Wissner Levy (Violin)
Performed in the Treblinka Death Camp, in a forest north-east of Warsaw, Poland.
ERNEST BLOCH (1880 - 1959) Baal Shem: II. Nigun
David Strongin (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
MICHELLE DIBUCCI (1961 - ) "Wenn Ich Dich Sehe" aria from the ballet-opera
Charlotte Saloman: Der Tod und die Malerin
Clare McNamara (Mezzo-Soprano), Krystof
Witek (Violin Solo), Ted Mook (Cello),
Kohei Yamaguchi (Bass), Tanya Witek (Flute/Piccolo), Lisa Kozenko (Oboe),
Saerom Kim (Clarinet), John Falcone (Bassoon/Alto Saxophone), Ehren L. Valmé (Trombone),
Anran Qian (Piano), Tom Betsalel (Vibraphone)
YAMEN SAADI (1997 - ) Introduction and Longa, Op.1
Yamen Saadi (Violin)
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, Sarabande
Alexander Warenberg, Cello
GUSTAV MAHLER (1860 - 1911) Kindertotenlieder (Songs of the Deaths of
Children):
IV. "Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen"
Clare McNamara (Mezzo-Soprano), Marie Gitman (Oboe), Ben Goldscheider (Horn), Anran Qian (Piano)
MAX REGER (1873 - 1916) Three Suites for Solo Viola, Op. 131d: Suite No. 1 in G Minor: I. Molto sostenuto
Sindy Mohamed, Viola
JULIUS KLENGEL (1859 - 1933) Hymnus for 12 Celli
Derek Louie (Cello)
MICHAEL COHEN (1938 - ) "I Remember" from the musical Yours, Anne (Lyrics by Enid Futterman)
Britt Hewitt (Soprano), Jaye Simmons (Mezzo-Soprano), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Nathan Melzer (Violin), Derek Louie (Cello), Saerom Kim (Clarinet), Jordan James (French Horn)
Shalom Aleichem (Traditional Jewish prayer)
David Strongin (Violin)
Performed in the Buchenwald concentration camp.
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme
Recording of Bloch’s
Nigun:
High Line Nine
Christina Maxwell, Manager
Artist Kyle Meyer, represented by Yossi Milo Gallery
Collection Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam
© Charlotte Salomon Foundation
Charlotte Salomon®
Artwork of Poster: The Pattern of My Surrender (two)
Courtesy of Artist Naomi Safran-Hon and Slag Gallery
In the piece The Pattern of My Surrender (two) the barbwire is woven into the grid pattern before embedding it into lace and cement, the cement is holding both the lace and the barbwire together.
(28x40 inches, Acrylic, cement, barbed wire and lace, 2019)
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Video Editing
Daniel Drake, Video Editor
Audio
Production
VIRTUA CREATIVE
Edward Bilous, Artistic Director and Producer
Keren Minto, Production Coordinator
Greg Kalember, Mix Engineer
****************************
For complete list of the 2021 Holocaust Remembrance Calendar of Events: https://www.un.org/en/node/104969
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
Virtual Concert in Celebration OF
Human Rights DAY
Featuring composers from diverse backgrounds
VIRTUAL
GLOBAL LAUNCH: UNITED NATIONS
Thursday, 10 December 2020
7pm Eastern Standard Time (New York)
Watch the performance: United Nations
UN Global YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrIMxpOw1ZM&ab_channel=UnitedNations
UN Human Rights
YouTube: https://youtu.be/CroT8JgAwq4
UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/watch/human_rights_concert/6215146393001
UN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNWebTV/posts/3937379909607530
“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home -- so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. [...] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
In celebration of Human Rights Day on 10 December 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), will perform a concert – to celebrate the adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document proclaiming the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.
The music programme will feature and celebrate musical works by female composers and composers of minority communities, representing an artistic tapestry of composers from diverse backgrounds. By celebrating the works of composers from diverse backgrounds, we help to realign the world of classical music with its nuanced history, while expanding notions of what is considered conventional in classical music – symbolizing our hopes of building bridges of understanding of human rights. Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations' goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
Support the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
https://donatenow.ohchr.org/
Opening
Messages
Ilze Brands
Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head of the Office
of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in New York
Derrick León
Washington
Senior Regional Human Rights Fellow at the Office
of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in New York
Ndaba
Mandela
Founder & Chairman of Mandela Institute for Humanity
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
Featuring
Carol Wincenc (Flutist) ● Nancy Allen (NY Philharmonic Harpist) ●
Velléda Miragias (Boston Philharmonic Cellist) ● Charles Neidich (Clarinetist) ● Ayaka Oshima
(Clarinetist) ● Opus Illuminate
GRACE MOORE (2008 - ) Summer (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Derek Louie (Cello), Amir Farsi (Flute), Keeheon Nam (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
GERMAINE TAILLEFERRE (1892 – 1983) Pastorale for Flute and Harp
Professor Carol Wincenc (Flute), Nancy Allen (Principal Harpist, NY Philharmonic)
SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR (1875 - 1912) Petite Suite de Concert, Op. 77: II. Demande et reponse
David Strongin (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
CHARLES NEIDICH (1953 - ) "Why"
Charles Neidich (Clarinet), Ayako Oshima (Clarinet)
FRANCISCA GONZAGA
(1847 - 1935) Atraente (arr. Guilherme Andreas)
Professor Carol Wincenc (Flute), Velléda Miragias (Associate Principal Cellist, Boston Philharmonic)
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES
(1745-1799) String Quartet in D, Opus 1, No. 6, Mvmt. 1
Opus Illuminate: Nathan Meltzer (Violin), Phoenix Avalon
(Violin), Devin Moore (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello)
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in New York
Katarina Mansson
New York Philharmonic
Very Young Composers
Professor Carol Wincenc
Opus Illuminate
National Arts Diversity Integration Association (NADIA)
Artwork of Poster: Peter Mah
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie, Audio Engineer
Rebecca Bai, Video Editor
VIRTUA CREATIVE PRESENTS
UN CHAMBER MUSIC
SOCIETY
“75 Years of Love”
ALBUM in celebration of the 75th
Anniversary of the United Nations
In support of the UN Refugee Agency
Saturday, 12 December 2020
@12:00pm EST (New York)
Listen to the entire
album on Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube, TikTok, Pandora,
and all the major music distribution platforms
worldwide.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5HmIgroTdJ8Doutzi4bNE3?si=9FTdCBQOQByAta7X6alHAA
Watch the ALBUM LAUNCH: UNITED NATIONS
UNHCR YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/vBubHKJ39DE
UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/live-now/watch/75-years-of-love/6213884902001
UN 75 YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/OMt4ojugJws
On 12 December 2020, the UN
Chamber Music Society (UNCMS) – in partnership with VIRTUA CREATIVE – will launch “75 YEARS OF LOVE,” the ensemble’s debut world music album, in support of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and in
celebration of the United Nations 75th Anniversary. The programme will be musically representative at the regional level, as repertoire from all five official regional groups of the United
Nations will be featured. The songs chosen will be linked to the message of the UN’s 75th anniversary. The album will feature World Classical Music and World Pop Music – and will be
launched on the various UN platforms.
All donations and album profits received will be directed to support the
humanitarian work of the UNHCR, which has provided for seventy-years life-saving assistance and protection to refugees globally. Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to
promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
OPENING MESSAGES
H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir
President of the 75th session of the General Assembly
Filippo Grandi
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Fabrizio Hochschild,
Special Adviser on Preparations for Seventy-Fifth United Nations Anniversary
Melissa Fleming,
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
ALBUM PROGRAMME
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
(I) Latin American and
Caribbean Group
BOB MARLEY (1945 - 1981) One Love (arr. Edward Bilous for the UN Chamber
Music Society)
Julian Marley (Singer), Sara Marley (Singer), Addis Pablo (Melodica), Vivaldo Brown (Nyabinghi Drums), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Derek Louie
(Cello), Daniel Chmielinski (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Audrey Martell (Back-up vocalist), Janice Pendarvis (Back-up vocalist), LaJuan Carter (Back-up vocalist)
Recording for Sara Marley’s vocals:
Julian Miller and Ms. Lauryn Hill
Recording for Julian Marley:
Aston Barrett Jr., Engineer and Floyd “John GQ” Barrett, Co-Engineer
SAMUEL ZYMAN (1956 - ) Suite de la Mancha, III. Dulcinea
Eva Ding (Flute), Derek Louie (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
(II) African Group
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music
Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Brenda Vongova
(Piano)
(III) Asia-Pacific Group
GARRY SCHYMAN (1954 - ) "Praan" [Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)] (arr. Edward
Bilous)
Mai Fujisawa (Singer), Little Carol Choir, Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Dao Zai Fan Ye " from Calling All Dawns (arr. Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Eva Ding (Flute), Audrey Emata (Flute), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Ehren L. Valmé (Trombone)
(IV) Eastern European Group
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893) The Seasons, Op.37a,
February (Carnival) June (Barcarolle) and October (Autumn Song)
Jerome Lowenthal (Piano)
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 - 1893) Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50, TH.117: 2. (A) Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto & Coda – Lugubre
Sophia Stoyanovich (Violin), Noah Koh (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
(V) Western European Group
Giacomo Puccini (1858 – 1924) “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi (arr. Marina Lee)
Amy Burton (Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Audrey Emata (Flute), Sam Boutris (Clarinet), Michelle
Gott (Harp)
GABRIEL FAURE (1845 - 1924) Pavane (arr. Marina Lee)
Alita Moses (Opera Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda
Vongova (Piano), Eva Ding (Flute), Sam Boutris (Clarinet), Lucian Avalon (Oboe), Cornelia Sommer (Bassoon), Jordan James (Horn), Michelle Gott (Harp)
****************************
If you wish to make a donation to support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), please visit:
www.unrefugees.org/HelpRefugees2020
All donations are greatly appreciated.
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
UN Office of the President of the General Assembly
Mohammed Shaker
UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
Office of the Special Adviser on
Preparations for Seventy-Fifth United Nations Anniversary
United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna
Martin Nesirky
Christopher Tin
Sean Flahaven
Mai Fujisawa
Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie,
UNCMS Audio Engineer for “Broken Sail”
Rebecca Dixuan Bai,
UNCMS Video Editor for “Broken Sail”
Recording for Sara Marley’s vocals:
Julian Miller and
Ms. Lauryn Hill
Recording for Julian Marley:
Aston Barrett Jr., Engineer and Floyd “John GQ” Barrett, Co-Engineer
Sara Marley
Julian Marley
Rohan Marley
Reggie Kerr
Artwork of Poster: © Robert Marley
Regal Marley
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
VIRTUA CREATIVE
Edward Bilous, Artistic Director and Producer
--
Michelle DiBucci, Producer
Keren Plowden, Production Manager
Greg Kalember, Mix Engineer
Steve Buonanotte, Audio Engineer
--
Rick Kaplan, Film Director and Director of Photography
Eliot Francese, Videographer, Editor
David Scherker, Video Editor
Jessica Rice, Art Designer
--
Katie Jenkins, Arranger
Marina Lee, Arranger
Shelbie Rassler, Arranger
Anran Qian, Digital Audio Preparation
Yusei Hata, Music Preparation
Mia Kyler, Assistant Production Coordinator
Brianna Johnson, Researcher
Eamon Kobel, Video Production Assistant
Noah Hawes, Audio Assistant
Josef Trepetin, Audio Assistant
Daniel Kantzler, Audio Assistant
--
In Partnership with the Westchester Children’s Museum and Virtua Arts
Special Thanks to Pepsico
UNCMS UN75 UNHCR Album_Programme Notes_F[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [885.3 KB]
VIRTUA CREATIVE PRESENTS
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
“75 Years of Love”
Concert in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations
In support of the UN Refugee Agency
Saturday, 24 October 2020
@12:00pm EST (New York)
Watch the CONCERT: UNITED NATIONS
UN YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/mbRY9kOYx-8
UNHCR YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/hw11XmfI0Do
UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/watch/75-years-of-love-concert-201024/6204210443001
UN 75 YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/zjp4Rc9Wngs
TRAILERS: UNHCR YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl_vKBap3BQ
https://youtu.be/MkRrR5hGF3E
On 24 October 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society (UNCMS) – in partnership with VIRTUA CREATIVE – will launch “75 YEARS OF LOVE,” a virtual
concert in celebration of the United Nations 75th Anniversary. The programme will be musically representative at the regional level, as repertoire from all five official regional groups of the
United Nations will be featured. The songs chosen will be linked to the message of the UN’s 75th anniversary. The concert will feature World Classical Music and World Pop Music – and will be
launched on the various UN platforms.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Fabrizio Hochschild, Special Adviser on Preparations for Seventy-Fifth United Nations Anniversary;
Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High Commissioner; and Melissa Fleming,
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. The concert will be launched on the Official YouTube Channel for the UN75, as well as other UN and UNHCR
platforms.
The “75 YEARS OF LOVE” project will also celebrate the debut album launch of the UN Chamber Music Society’s first world music album recording, in support of UNHCR, and in celebration of the UN’s anniversary. All donations received will be directed to support the humanitarian work of the UNHCR, which has provided for seventy-years life-saving assistance and protection to refugees globally. The album is scheduled to be launched by UNHCR in December 2020.
PROGRAMME
Opening Messages
Fabrizio Hochschild,
Special Adviser on Preparations for Seventy-Fifth United Nations Anniversary
Filippo Grandi,
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Melissa Fleming,
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
(I) Latin American and Caribbean
Group
JULIAN MARLEY (1975 - ) Broken Sail (arr. Joel Thompson for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Julian Marley (Singer), Brenda Vongova (Piano), David Strongin (Violin I), Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Rohan Mundiya (Violin II), Naoko Nakajima (Violin II), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Abby Elder
(Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Noah Koh (Cello)
SAMUEL ZYMAN (1956 - ) Suite de la Mancha,
III. Dulcinea
Eva Ding (Flute), Derek Louie (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
(II) African Group
VUSI NOVA (1984 - ) Viva Mandela (arr. RJ Benjamin)
Onesimus (Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
SIBUSISO NJEZA (1982 - ) "Umyolelo" ("The Instruction") aria from Madiba the African Opera (arr. Edward Bilous)
Nonie Mtirara (Soprano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Audrey Emata (Flute), Sam
Boutris (Clarinet)
(III) Asia-Pacific Group
GHIYA RUSHIDAT (1984 -) Izar
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
GARRY SCHYMAN (1954 - ) "Praan"
[Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)] (arr. Edward Bilous)
Mai Fujisawa (Singer), Little Carol Choir, Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Dao Zai Fan Ye " from Calling All Dawns (arr. Gabriel Majou
for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Eva Ding (Flute), Audrey Emata (Flute), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Ehren L. Valmé (Trombone)
(IV) Eastern European Group
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 - 1893) Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50, TH.117: 2. (A) Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto & Coda –
Lugubre
Sophia Stoyanovich (Violin), Noah Koh (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
(V) Western European Group
GIACOMO PUCCINI (1858 - 1924) "O mio babbino caro" from
Gianni Schicchi (arr. Edward Bilous)
Amy Burton (Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Audrey Emata (Flute), Sam Boutris (Clarinet), Michelle
Gott (Harp)
GABRIEL FAURE (1845 - 1924) Pavane (arr. Edward
Bilous)
Alita Moses (Opera Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Eva Ding (Flute), Sam
Boutris (Clarinet), Michelle Gott (Harp)
World
BOB MARLEY (1945 - 1981) One Love
(arr. Edward Bilous for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Julian Marley (Singer), Sara Marley (Singer), Addis Pablo (Melodica), Vivaldo Brown (Nyabinghi Drums), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Derek Louie
(Cello), Daniel Chmielinski (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Audrey
Martell (Back-up vocalist), Janice Pendarvis (Back-up vocalist), LaJuan Carter (Back-up vocalist)
Recording for Sara Marley’s
vocals:
Julian Miller and Ms. Lauryn Hill
Recording for Julian Marley:
Aston Barrett Jr., Engineer and Floyd “John GQ” Barrett, Co-Engineer
If you wish to make a donation to support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), please visit:
www.unrefugees.org/HelpRefugees2020
All donations are greatly appreciated.
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Office of the Special Adviser on Preparations for Seventy-Fifth United
Nations Anniversary
UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna
Martin Nesirky
Mohammed Shaker
Mai Fujisawa
Lance Stehr
Robin Walsh
Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie,
UNCMS Audio Engineer for “Broken Sail”
Rebecca Dixuan Bai,
UNCMS Video Editor for “Broken Sail”
Dylan Louie,
UNCMS Video Editor for Social Media
Julian
Miller
Ms. Lauryn Hill
Sara Marley
Julian Marley
Reggie Kerr
Aston Barrett Jr.
Floyd “John GQ” Barrett
Artwork of Poster: © Robert Marley
Regal Marley
Rohan Marley
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
VIRTUA CREATIVE
Edward Bilous, Artistic Director and Producer
Michelle DiBucci, Producer
Keren Plowden, Production Manager
Steve Buonanotte, Audio Engineer
Greg Kalember, Audio Engineer
Mia Kyler, Production Coordinator
Brianna Johnson, Researcher
Rick Kaplan, Director of Photography
Eliot Francese, Videographer, Editor
David Scherker, Editor
Eamon Kobel, Production Assistant
Marina Lee, Arranger
Shelbie Rassler, Arranger
Katie Jenkins, Vocal Arranger
Yusei Hata, Music Preparation
Anran Qian, Digital Audio Preparation
Noah Hawes, Audio Assistant
Josef Trepetin, Audio Assistant
Daniel Kantzler, Audio Assistant
In Partnership with the Westchester
Children’s Museum
Special Thanks to Pepsico
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
PERFORMANCE DURING THE UN General Assembly
United Nations Summit
on Biodiversity
“Urgent action on biodiversity for sustainable
development.”
Convened by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir
President of the Seventy-fifth Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Wednesday, 30 September 2020
10:00am EST (New York)
Watch the SUMMIT LIVE: United Nations
UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org
UN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UNWebTV/status/1311039684118802439
UN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNWebTV/posts/3730457843633072
UN YouTube: https://youtu.be/5WoQ0JjMzP8
Direct link to the performance:
UN Chamber Music Society YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/gvFwctUVZXM
The United Nations Summit on Biodiversity will be convened by the President of the General Assembly on 30 September 2020, at the level of Heads of State and Government under the theme of “Urgent action on biodiversity for sustainable development.” Our societies are intimately linked with and depend on biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential for people, including through its provision of nutritious food, clean water, medicines, and protection from extreme events. Biodiversity loss and the degradation of its contributions to people jeopardize progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human wellbeing.
In celebration of the Summit, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation
Council (UNCMS), in collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Ricky Kej, will use their creative power to raise awareness about the ongoing planetary emergencies and invite leaders to take strong and transformative action for nature. In words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "Music is a powerful way to express commitment to causes dear to our hearts”. Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations' goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
PROGRAMME
Featuring messages from
H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir
President of the Seventy-fifth Session of the United Nations General Assembly
H.E. Mr. António Guterres
UN Secretary-General
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
“Wild Karnataka” & “Shine Your Light”,
by Ricky Kej, Grammy Award Winning Composer
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Naoko Nakajima (Violin), Abigail Elder (Viola), Clara Abel (Cello), Brenda Vongova
(Piano)
Featuring Special Guests
Ricky Kej (Synths), Lonnie Park (Singer), IP Singh (Singer), Varijashree (Singer, Bansuri), Pramath Kiran (Percussion), Siddhartha Belmannu (Singer), Wouter Kellerman (Flute), Fateh Ali (Sitar), Nate
Horton (Drums), London McDaniel (Bass), Mzansi Youth Choir
SPECIAL THANKS
****************************
For more information:
https://www.un.org/pga/74/united-nations-summit-on-biodiversity/
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
TRIBUTE CONCERT to the Homeless
UN International Day of CHARITY
Saturday, 5
September 2020
12:00pm EST (New York)
Watch the CONCERT: UNITED NATIONS
UN Web TV
http://webtv.un.org/watch/UN-charity-day-concert/6187748885001
On Saturday, 5 September 2020 at 12pm EST (New York), on the UN International Day of Charity, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will perform a tribute concert to the homeless – in the spirit and call of strengthened global solidarity, focused on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. The United Nations recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.
All proceeds will be directed to Food Bank NYC. Founded in 1983, Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger by organizing food, information, and support for community survival and dignity. Food Bank has been New York City’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs for over 36 years. Nearly one in five—or 1.5 million New Yorkers primarily women and approximately 350,000 children, the working poor, immigrants, the elderly, and people with disabilities—relies on Food Bank for food and other resources. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people in New York City turning to the Food Bank’s emergency food network has increased by 50%. With every $1, Food Bank provides 5 meals to New Yorkers in need.
Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
PROGRAMME
Opening Message
Olivier Adam,
UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
DAVID POPPER (1843 - 1913) Requiem, Op.66
Professor Natasha Brofsky (Cello), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova
(Piano)
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Bach Cantatas (arr. for violas)
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140
Professor Carol Rodland (Soprano), Bethlehem Hadgu (Alto), Sean Juhl (Tenor), James Kang (Bass)
JOE HISAISHI (1950 - ) "Carrying You" from Laputa: Castle in the Sky
(arr. Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Mai Fujisawa (Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Marta Lambert (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Eva Ding (Flute), Graeme Steele Johnson (Clarinet),
Cornelia Sommer (Bassoon), Ben Goldscheider (Horn), Tom Betsalel (Percussion), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
***************************
If you wish to make a donation to support the Food Bank for New York City, please
visit:
https://www.foodbanknyc.org/
All donations are greatly appreciated.
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Professor Natasha Brofskyz
Professor Carol Rodland
Sergio Muñoz Leiva
Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie, Audio Engineer
Audio Production of Popper’s Requiem, Op.66
Broadway Presbyterian Church
Production Team for the UN Chamber Music Society’s performance of
"Carrying You" from Laputa: Castle in the Sky
composed by Joe Hisaishi (arr. Gabriel Majou for the UNCMS)
Jose Gomez, Film Director
Paul Darling, Sound Engineer
Pepe Vargas, Creative Director
Alberto Garcia, Producer
Clara Rosado, Production Assistant
Photography of Poster: © Giles Clarke
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Rebecca Bai, Video Editor
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
Performance during Virtual Opening of the High-level Webinar to Commemorate the
UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of
Terrorism
“Not Forgotten: Stories of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism”
Presented by
UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) / UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT)
and the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
Friday, 21 August 2020
10:00am – 11:40am EST (New York)
Watch the COMMEMORATION
on THE UNITED NATIONS PLATFORMS
UN Global YouTube
Channel
https://youtu.be/bakeHh-SUaA
UN Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/UNWebTV/posts/3600396759972515
UN Twitter
https://twitter.com/UNWebTV/status/1296563777853325313
UN Web TV
http://webtv.un.org/watch/terrorism-200821am/5689654736001
UN OCT’s Twitter
https://twitter.com/UN_OCT
On Friday, 21 August 2020 at 10:00 am EST, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will perform during the third commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. The virtual high-level event, “Not Forgotten: Stories of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism”, will be held with the participation of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, and will be an opportunity for victims to speak about remembrance on their own terms.
A short film on remembrance will be launched, with testimonies of victims and survivors of terrorism demonstrating their individual journey and experience, especially since the onset of the pandemic. This will be followed by an interactive discussion with a panel of victims, victims’ associations, and experts on how the pandemic has affected the ability to honour and commemorate victims and survivors of terrorism. This event is organized in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism.
Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
PROGRAMME
Keynote
Address
H.E. Mr. António Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations
Opening Messages
Mr. Vladimir Voronkov
Under-Secretary-GeneralforCounter-Terrorism, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
H.E. Ms. Adela Raz, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the UN and Co-chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
Distinguished Speakers
H.E. Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande,
President of the United Nations General Assembly
H.E. Mr. Agustín Santos Maraver,
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Spain to the UN and Co-chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
Dr. Reinhold Lopatka, Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Screening of
Film
“Not Forgotten: Stories of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism”
Interactive
Discussion
With Victims of Terrorism
Musical Interludes
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756 -
1791) Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622, II. Adagio
Graeme Steele Johnson (Clarinet Solo), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Marta Lambert (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Eva Ding (Flute), Cornelia Sommer
(Bassoon), Ben Goldscheider (Horn), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
JOE HISAISHI (1950 - ) "Carrying You" from Laputa: Castle in the Sky (arr. Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Mai Fujisawa (Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Marta Lambert (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Eva Ding (Flute), Graeme Steele Johnson (Clarinet),
Cornelia Sommer (Bassoon), Ben Goldscheider (Horn), Tom Betsalel (Percussion), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
SPECIAL THANKS
Production Team
Jose Gomez, Film Director
Paul Darling, Sound Engineer
Pepe Vargas, Creative Director
Alberto Garcia, Producer
Clara Rosado, Production Assistant
The Sound Bridges International presents
UN CHAMBER MUSIC
SOCIETY
VIRTUAL CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF
World HUMANITARIAN DAY
VIRTUAL
GLOBAL LAUNCH: UNITED NATIONS
Wednesday, 19 August 2020
8pm Eastern Standard Time (New York)
Watch the performance
on THE UNITED NATIONS PLATFORMS
UN Global YouTube Channel
UN OCHA YouTube
Channel
UN Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/UNWebTV/videos/988104674993619/
UN Web TV
In celebration of World Humanitarian Day on 19 August 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), in partnership with The Sound Bridge Internationa, will perform a concert - to apy special tribute to the real-life heroes from the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, who have committed their lives to helping others in the most extreme circumstances throughout the world. The music programme will feature musical works that represent an artistic tapestry of human experience, to provoke empathy and create a more compassionate world, in hopes of building bridges of cultural understanding.
Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society carries out the United Nations’ mission of peace, understanding and cooperation, through the universal language of music. Music is a symbolizes love and peace, and holds the power to highlight humanitarians dedicated to helping people affected by crises. All musicians will perform chamber ensemble music from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Opening Messages
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Mark Lowcock,
Under-Secretary-General and Head of OCHA
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Richard Blewitt, Permanent Observer and Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to the United Nations
The Juilliard School
Dr. Joseph W. Polisi, President Emeritus of Juilliard
&
Dr. Adam Meyer, Provost of Juilliard
Yale University
Dr. Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León,
Director of the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
Special Guest Artist
Kinan Azmeh, Clarinet
Music
Programme
CECILE CHAMINADE (1857-1944) Selections from Album des Enfants, Op.123, II. “Intermezzo”, X. “Tarentelle”
Ori Wissner Levy (Violin), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Harriett Langley (Violin)
JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Six Pieces for Piano, Op.188: 2. Intermezzo in A Major, Andante teneramente
Graeme Steele Johnson (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
KINAN AZMEH (1976 - ) Meditations on Airports
Kinan Azmeh (Clarinet)
FANNY HENSEL MENDELSSOHN (1805-1847) “Gartenlieder”, V. Abendlich schon rauscht der Wald
Harriett Langley (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Jenny Kwak (Cello)
J. S. BACH (1685-1750) “Concerto for Two Violins”, II. Largo ma non tanto
Hye-Jin Kim (Violin), Ara Gregorian (Violin)
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF (1873 - 1943) Piano Concerto No. 2, II. Adagio Sostenuto
Brenda Vongova (Piano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Jenny Kwak (Cello), Kohei Yamaguchi (Bass), Amir Farsi (Flute), Scott Leger (Horn)
JOSE ROLON (1876-1945) “Piano Quartet” Opus 16
III. Molto Vivace
Amelia Dietrich (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Jenny Kwak (Cello), Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner (Piano)
************************************
Support the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
by donating to the UN
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
https://cerf.un.org/donate
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Photography of Poster: © Giles Clarke/UNOCHA
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
The Sound Bridges
Florrie Marshall, Video Editor & Audio Engineer
UN
CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
CONCERT FOR LEBANON
VIRTUAL Launch: UNITED NATIONS
Sunday, 16 August 2020
@12:00pm EST (New York time)
UN Official YouTube
https://youtu.be/EKZ2Fe7P3gs
UN WEB TV
http://webtv.un.org/watch/concert-for-lebanon-uncms-200816/6181421599001
UN Facebook
https://business.facebook.com/UNWebTV/videos/655824011955208/
LIVE BroadcastS:
Lebanese TV LBC @7:00pm EEST
(Beirut time)
https://www.lbcgroup.tv/
MTV Lebanon @11:20pm EEST
(Beirut time)
https://www.mtv.com.lb/vod/en/program/851
https://www.facebook.com/mtvlebanon/videos/619018252351731/
Sending solidarity and support to Lebanon and its people in the face of the unprecedented explosion, on Sunday, 16 August 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will present a virtual concert in support of Lebanon’s ongoing relief and recovery efforts. The explosion ripped through the city, flipping over cars, shattering glass and causing building infrastructures to crumble. The international community is heartbroken to see the devastation caused by the explosion, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all the citizens of Lebanon and all those who have also been affected. All funds raised will be directed to the Lebanese Red Cross, to benefit the people of Lebanon.
Music binds us together in these
darkest moments. Through compassion, the musicians of UN Chamber Music Society will perform music to support Lebanon – from the safety of their homes, to help stop the spread of the
coronavirus. Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the goals of the UN through the universal language of music
OPENING MESSAGES
H.E. Ms. Amal Mudallali
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations
Melissa Fleming
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Richard Blewitt
Permanent Observer and Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to the United Nations
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
Featuring
Tania Kassis
Lebanese International Singer
MUSIC PROGRAMME
Giulio Caccini (1551 - 1618) Islamo-Christian Ave Maria (arr.
Tania Kassis & Michel Fadel)
Tania Kassis (Lebanese International Singer), Maen Zakaria (Singer), Fares Massaad (Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Marta Lambert (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda
Vongova (Piano)
EDWARD ELGAR (1857 1934) Serenade for String
Orchestra, Op.20, II Larghetto
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Marta Lambert (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello)
LAYALE CHAKER (1990 -) Mkhammas Suite, III: Ya
Fajr (Variations)
Layale Chaker (Violin)
JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Six Pieces for
Piano, Op.188: 2. Intermezzo in A Major, Andante teneramente
Graeme Steele Johnson (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Marwan Khoury
(1968 - ) Watani (arr: Michel Fadel)
Tania Kassis (Lebanese International Singer), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Marta Lambert (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
PoeM
Khalil Gibran, Lebanese American Poet (1883-1931)
******************************
If you wish to make a donation to support the Lebanese Red Cross, please click here. All donations are greatly appreciated.
SPECIAL THANKS
H.E. Mr. Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz
Permanent Observer for the League of Arab States to the United Nations
UN Department of Global Communications
Mohammed Shaker
Katarina Mansson
Tania Kassis
De Mouton Production
Drone footage: The Flying Lab
Rayan Ayash, Photographer
Washington Street Historical Society
Todd Fine
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Rebecca Dixuan Bai, Video Editor
Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie, Audio Engineer
The UN Chamber Music Society
presents
Music and Film:
Rebuilding Better Through Coronavirus and Beyond
VIRTUAL GLOBAL LAUNCH: Tuesday, 21 July 2020
UN75 YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://youtu.be/jhW8RrT3q7U
Watch the FINAL DIALOGUe on UNESCO
‘Music and Film: Rebuilding Better Through Coronavirus and Beyond’, organized by the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), in partnership with UN75 and the UN Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), will be moderated by Ernesto Ottone R, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, The UN Secretary-General’s Advisor on UN75 Fabrizio Hochschild, and World Health Organistion’s Art and Health Lead Christopher Bailey, will offer opening statements. The panel will feature Sean Flahaven, Chief Theatricals Executive of Concord, the fifth largest music company in the world & a Tony and Grammy winning producer, including of the 6x Platinum hit musical Hamilton; Emellie O’Brien, Founder & CEO of Earth Angel, a pioneering sustainability consultancy dedicated to greening film and television production; Joseph Bartning, Executive Director of the Salzburg Festival Society; and Rose H. Schwartz, partner at entertainment law firm Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo, P.C., who represents U.S. and international film and television producers, authors, opera companies, record labels, and creative talent.
This UN75/UNESCO ResiliArt panel discussion will explore the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on the music and film industries, what can be done to protect creators and artists who are disproportionately affected by it, and how the music and film industries can be part of solutions to the global challenges facing our world.
#UN75 is the United Nations’ largest outreach initiative to engage the global public and civil society to address the most urgent challenges of our time. The views, concerns and ideas expressed in UN75 Moderated Dialogues will be presented to world leaders of all 193 UN Member States and UN leadership at the official commemoration of the UN’s 75th Anniversary in September 2020. After September 2020, groups around the world will discuss how best to take forward the priorities and proposals generated from these Dialogues. To learn more about UN75, visit https://www.un.org/en/un75
#ResiliArt is a UNESCO movement to raises awareness about the far-reaching ramification of COVID-19 across the cultural sectors; support artists during and following the crisis, including advocating for incorporating protecting the art and culture sectors and their workers in COVID-19 relief plans, and post-pandemic economic recovery plans; and thinking ahead to rebuild the creative sectors better post Covid-19, in alignment with UN priorities, including socio-economic and environmental sustainability. To learn more about ResiliArt, visit https://en.unesco.org/news/resiliart-artists-and-creativity-beyond-crisis
The #Culture2030Goal Coalition, composed of eight international cultural networks, recently released and signed a statement entitled 'Ensuring culture fulfills its potential in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic'. This statement was recently endorsed by the President of the UN General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande. To learn more about the Coalition, and to add your voice to this advocacy campaign by endorsing the statement, visit http://culture2030goal.net
Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
https://en.unesco.org/news/resiliart-artists-and-creativity-beyond-crisis
Moderator &
Panelists
Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, previously served as Chile’s first Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage from 2015 to 2018. As Minister of Culture, he created a Department of First Peoples, a Migrants Unit and strengthened copyright laws and heritage protections. During this time, he also chaired the Regional Centre for the Promotion of Books in Latin America and the Caribbean (2016 – 2017).
Sean Patrick Flahaven, Chief Theatricals Executive of Concord, the fifth largest music company in the world;, producer on over 30 albums, 12 of which were nominated for Grammy Awards, including the Grammy-winning, 6x Platinum hit, Hamilton; Tony Award winner as a co-producer of the hit 2019 Best Musical, Hadestown
Emellie O’Brien, Founder & CEO of Earth Angel, a pioneering sustainability consultancy dedicated to greening film and television production. Emellie’s sustainability leadership on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 contributed to it being acclaimed as “the most eco-friendly blockbuster in Sony Pictures’ history." Recent clients include the Emmy and Golden Globe winning series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Spielberg’s Oscar nominated film The Post.
Joseph Bartning, Executive Director of the Salzburg Festival Society. Established in 1920, the Festival was one of the first global artistic peace projects, uniting nations with their shared appreciation for artistic excellence. The Society aims to promote peace through strategic partnerships and works to create an inclusive community of enthusiasts.
Rose H. Schwartz, partner at entertainment law firm Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo, P.C., Her clients include U.S. and international film and television producers, authors, opera companies, record labels, and creative talent. Rose is an Adjunct Professor of Law at New York University School of Law. Member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) East Coast; the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (New York Chapter); The Authors Guild (member-at-large); and New York Women in Film and Television.
Performance by the UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
SPECIAL THANKS
Mohammed Shaker
UN Department of Global Communications
UNESCO
WHO
Very Special Thanks
Rebecca Dixuan Bai, Video Editor
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
VIRTUAL CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF
NELSON MANDELA
INTERNATIONAL DAY
Launch: Saturday, 18 July 2020
12pm Eastern Standard Time (New York)
Broadcast:
UNITED NATIONS
OFFICIAL UN YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U28AEf44XEI&feature=youtu.be
& UN WEB TV
http://webtv.un.org/news-features/watch/un-chamber-music-society-concert-to-mark-nelson-mandela-international-day/6172610980001
It was during those long and lonely years that my hunger for the freedom of my own people became a hunger for the freedom of all people, white and black. I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred, he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else's freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.’’
~Nelson Mandela
On Saturday, 18 July 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will present a concert in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day. The music repertoire of the concert will honour the African heritage, by featuring compositions by extraordinary black composers who changed the course of classical music history, including Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges (dubbed the ‘Black Mozart’) – one of the most accomplished classical music composers of African ancestry. The concert will present the international premiere of arias from Madiba the African Opera, composed by the Sibusiso Njeza, and sung by opera singer Nonie Mtirara, niece of Nelson Mandela. In addition, the world premiere of Vusi Nova’s “Viva Mandela”, arranged for the UN Chamber Music Society, will be featured.
In recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, Nelson Mandela International Day recognizes his values and dedication to the service of humanity in the struggle for democracy internationally, and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
All musicians will perform chamber ensemble music
from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. 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. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande
President of the Seventy-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Melissa Fleming
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
FEATURING
Ndaba Mandela
Founder & Chairman of Mandela Institute for Humanity
Ilyasah Shabazz, Daughter of Malcolm X
Rohan Marley, Son of Bob Marley
International Premiere of Madiba the African Opera
with
Nonie Mtirara, Opera Singer, Niece of Nelson Mandela
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
MUSIC PROGRAMME
Onesimus “Viva Mandela” (arr. by RJ BENJAMIN for the UN Chamber Music Society - World Premiere) written by Vusi Nova
Thapelo Masita (Cello), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Sibusiso
Njeza (1982 - ) “Umyolelo” (“The Instruction”) aria from Madiba the African Opera
(International Premiere)
Nosango Mtirara (Soprano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Amir
Farsi (Flute), Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Quartet in g minor, I. Allegro
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
SCOTT JOPLIN (1868 - 1917) Bethena: A Concert
Waltz
David Strongin (Violin), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Violin), Thapelo Masita (Cello),
Sarah Favinger (Bass)
ENOCH SONTONGA (1873 - 1905) Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika
(National Anthem of South Africa)
Michael O (Singer), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Cello
Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prélude
Drew Alexander Forde (Viola), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Sibusiso
Njeza (1982 - ) “Nyana Wam” (“My Son”) aria from Madiba the African Opera
(International Premiere)
Nosango Mtirara (Soprano),
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Amir Farsi (Flute), Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
SPECIAL
THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Ndaba Mandela
Ilyasah Shabazz
Rohan Marley
VUSI NOVA
Lance Stehr
Onesimus
RJ Benjamin
Mohammed Shaker
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Rebecca Dixuan Bai, Video Editor
Edward Bilous, Music Producer
Greg Kalember, Music Editor
Anran Qian, Music Editor
Virtua Music, Audio Production
UN
CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CONCERT
IN
SUPPORT OF UNESCO’S RESILIART MOVEMENT FOR ARTISTS
Launch: Bastille Day
Tuesday, 14 July 2020, 12:00pm EST
Broadcast:
UNESCO OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/unesco
Direct Link:
On Tuesday, 14 July 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United
Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will present a virtual concert in support of UNESCO’s ResiliArt movement for artists in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with UNESCO and the
International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), the concert will take place on Bastille Day, the national day of France, and will celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of humanity, particularly
through French language and music.
Launched in April 2020, following the outbreak of COVID-19, UNESCO’s ResiliArt movement is a concerted global effort to support artists, ensure access to culture for all and promote the diversity of cultural expressions. The health crisis brought on by COVID-19 has plunged the global economy into a recession, which could cost the global economy nearly US $8.5 trillion over the next two years. While billions of people around the world have turned to culture as a source of comfort and connection during this crisis, the impact of COVID-19 has not spared the culture sector. Cultural institutions including museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls are losing millions in revenue each day, and 1 in 8 museums may never reopen. Artists, most of whom were already working part-time, on an informal basis or under precarious contracts prior to the pandemic, are struggling to make ends meet. Today, we are experiencing a cultural emergency.
ResiliArt sheds light on the current state of the cultural and creative industries amidst the crisis through global discussions with key industry professionals, as well as by capturing the experiences and voices of resilience of artists on social media. Together with creative actors, ResiliArt raises awareness about the far-reaching ramifications of COVID-19 across the sector and aims at supporting artists during and following the crisis. This includes incorporating protections for the culture sector and its professionals in COVID-19 relief plans, and post-pandemic economic recovery plans; improving the status of the artist by advocating for fairer regulations and the fair remuneration of artists; and thinking ahead to rebuild the creative sector better post COVID-19, in alignment with UN priorities, including socio-economic and environmental sustainability. ResiliArt also promotes cultural diversity in the face of growing risks of cultural homogenization, due to, among other factors, the rise of online platforms.
During the inaugural debate on World Art Day (April 15), UNESCO called on all interested parties to join the ResiliArt Movement by organizing their own debates with the help of a public guide made accessible by UNESCO for this purpose. More than 100 ResiliArt debates have been organized to date in 54 countries around the world (and more than 30 additional debates are currently scheduled in five regions across the globe). Through ResiliArt, civil society has become an active actor in the decision-making process to enhance the culture sector’s resilience in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge requiring an unprecedented response. Now more than ever, we need to recognize, incorporate, and support cultural concerns in our response to the crisis and planning for the recovery, and support artists and culture professionals in overcoming, this emergency.
During the Bastille Day ResiliArt concert, musicians of the UN Chamber
Music Society will perform music from the safety of their homes, to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the goals of the UN through the
universal language of music.
OPENING MESSAGES
H.E. Mr. Nicolas de Rivière
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations
Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
to be delivered by Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
MUSIC PROGRAMME
I.
Baroque Period
CHARLES GOUNOD (1818 – 1893) Ave Maria (Originally published as “Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de S.
Bach”)
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Alec Manasse (Clarinet)
II. Classical Period
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor, Op. 1b No. 3, Allegro
Naoko Nakajima (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
III. Romantic Period
GABRIEL FAURE (1845 – 1924) Pavane
Alexander Warenberg (Cello)
FREDERIC CHOPIN (1810 – 1849) Nocturne Op.9, No.2 in Eb
David Strongin (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS (1835 – 1921) Clarinet Sonata in E-Flat Major, Op.167,
I. Allegretto
Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
IV. Early 20th century Modern Period
LILY BOULANGER (1893-1918) Nocturne
Eva Ding (Flute Solo), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Naoko Nakajima (Violin), Sergio Muñoz (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello)
V. Late 20th century Popular
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) “Rassemblons-Nous” from Calling All Dawns (arr. Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Michael O (Tenor), Camille Brault (Mezzo-Soprano), Eva Ding (Flute), Gabriel Majou (Violin), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Drew Alexander Forde (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass),
Brenda Vongova (Piano)
******************************
If you wish to make a donation to support ResiliArt, please click here. All donations are greatly appreciated.
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Mohammed Shaker
Gabriel Majou
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Jose Taveras, Video Editor
Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie, Audio Engineer
The UN Refugee Agency presents
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
VIRTUAL CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF
WORLD REFUGEE DAY
VIRTUAL GLOBAL LAUNCH:
Saturday, 20
June 2020
12pm Eastern Standard Time (New York)
7pm Eastern European Summer Time (Mafraq, Jordan)
Watch the BROADCAST performance
on:
UNHCR Global Youtube
or
UNHCR jordan
facebook
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=587243142225740
On the occasion of World Refugee Day on 20 June 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), in partnership with the UN Refugee
Agency (UNHCR), will hold a pre-recorded virtual concert, which will also be broadcasted in
Jordan, which is home to nearly 750,000 refugees. Refugees and other
displaced populations belong to the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society. They are particularly at risk during the time of the coronavirus disease outbreak, because they often have
limited access to water, sanitation systems and health facilities.
The World Refugee Day Concert of the UN Chamber Music Society will raise awareness about the plight of the coronavirus pandemic on refugees. Over 80 per cent of the world’s refugees and nearly all internally displaced people are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, with already strained health care systems.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, these communities face heightened challenges, and their
vulnerabilities must be taken into consideration in readiness and response operations. Keeping the
most vulnerable safe means keeping everyone safe.
As the concert is hosted by the UN Refugee Agency in New York City, Part I of the concert will feature a classical and world music programme, symbolizes the city’s multicultural and global dimension – while providing solace to the city which has been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic. A musician of the New York Philharmonic and dancers of the American Ballet Theatre will be featured. In addition, the UN Chamber Music Society will perform music from the musical Hamilton. Part II of the concert will feature music from Jordan and the Middle East, opening with music composed by the region’s music icon Kadim Al Sahir. Part III of the concert will feature the world debut of a music collaboration “Hope for Refugees” between the UN Chamber Music Society and Afghan rapper and activist, Sonita Alizadeh. Sonita grew up as a refugee in Iran. She was sold into marriage twice as a child bride. However, she escaped that fate, and today - uses rap music as a tool to empower girls and to bring change and equality to this world. Co-produced by UNCMS founder Brenda Vongova,“Hope for Refugees” fuses the world of rap music with the classical music of the J.S. Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto No.1 in D Minor, with the mission of making classical music more accessible to the world.
Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society carries out the United Nations’ mission of peace, understanding and
cooperation, through the universal language of music. Music is a symbolizes love and peace, and holds the power to highlight the plight of the refugees. All musicians will perform chamber
ensemble music from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Opening Messages
United Nations
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
UN Refugee Agency
Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High Commissioner
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Melissa Fleming
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
Part I: Classical, New York and World Music
LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA (1980 -) "Wait for It" from the musical HAMILTON
Tom Lowe (Voice), Hana Mundiya (Violin), James
Quinlan (Double Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Tom Betsalel (Percussion)
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756 - 1791) Piano Concerto No. 13 in C Major, Mvmt. I. Allegro (Excerpt)
Brenda Vongova (Piano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Sindy Mohamed
(Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello)
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, Sarabande
Patrick Jee, Cello (Musician of the New York Philharmonic)
Sarabande | Stephanie Williams & Calvin
Royal III, company members of American Ballet Theatre | ©Claudia Schreier, Choreographer | Music: J.S. Bach; Clare Bradford, Cello | Video: Gus Reed & Harry McFann
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Part II: Jordan and Middle East
Interviews with aspiring young refugee musicians in the camp
KADIM AL SAHIR (1957 - ) Eid al ashak
"Celebration of lovers"
Flute Solo (Amir), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake
Driscoll (Cello), Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Tom Betsalel (Percussion)
ANONYMOUS (muwashshah, Andalusia (before 1492))
Lamma Bada Yatathanna (arr. David Yardley)
David Yardley (Countertenor & Medieval Harp)
GHIYA RUSHIDAT (1984 -) Izar
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), James Quinlan (Double Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Part III: Hope for Refugees
Message from Refugee Artist
Sonita Alizadeh, Rapper and Activist
SONITA ALIZADEH (1996 - ) Hope for Refugees X JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Harpsichord Concerto No.1 in D Minor, BWV 1052: I.
Allegro
Sonita Alizadeh (Rapper), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello)
SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
George Maloian
Sean Patrick Flahaven
Florrie Marshall
Artwork of Poster: Abeer Obaido
Restore
Exploring the refugee self in art dialogues inspires new practices to participate in a community and new tools to articulate a social identity. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the exploration and engagement of the refugee experience are more vital than ever – because they ensure equity and resilience, creating a diversified shared experience. The painting is a part of a series inspired by Hannah Arendt’s work “We Refugees”.
VERY SPECIAL THANKS
Edward Bilous, Music Producer
Anran Qian, Music Editor
Imaginal Music, Audio Production
For list of all World Refugee Day 2020 events:
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 5th 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
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 20th, 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.
The Executive Council of the UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
President & Artistic Director:
Ms. Brenda Vongova
Honorary Artistic Adviser:
Mr. Christopher Tin, 2x Grammy Award winning composer
Vice-President:
Ms. Anne-Chris Visser
Public Relations Adviser:
Mr. Firas Kayal
Special Adviser:
Mr. Mohammed Shaker
Treasurer:
Ms. Ruxandra Ferascu
Secretary:
Ms. Yulya Vanetik
UNCMS Advisory Board
Ms. Eileen Moon, Associate Principal Cello, New York Philharmonic
Professor Edward Bilous,
Founding Director of Juilliard's Center for Innvoation in the Arts
Professor Natasha Brofsky,
The Juilliard School
Designers:
Ms. Megumu Tagami
Ms. Karmen Kolombo
Photographer:
Ms. Sophia Ostapenko
Contact:
United Nations Headquarters
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
c/o Ms. Brenda Vongova (S-3802)
New York, NY, 10017
Email: info@unchambermusic.org
Painting by Adolph Menzel (1850 - 1852). Frederick the Great plays flute in his summer palace Sanssouci, with Franz Benda playing violin, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach accompanying on keyboard, and unidentified string players.
Photo credit: Wikipedia / Google Cultural Institute
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