2024 CONCERTS

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE IN OBSERVANCE OF
WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY

UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL BROADCAST (LIVE & ON DEMAND):

UN Global YouTube:  https://youtu.be/w-H9dJBcgzI

UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1p/k1p1erxytw

Monday, 19 August 2024
9:00am EST (New York Time)

In celeberation of World Humanitarian Day on Monday, 19 August 2024, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), will pay 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.  Daily, the humanitarian community provides life-saving support and protection to those most vulnerable, from refugee camps and displacement settlements to bustling cities and remote areas.

As part of the ongoing efforts to support peace and humanitarian aid through music, the music programme will feature "Hold Your Fire", composed by the renowned musical artist Kadim Al Sahir, and produced in collaboration with the UN Chamber Music Society (Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director).  The song is a timeless and evocative track designed to raise awareness about all global crises in the world.  Its poignant lyrics resonate with the universal human experiences of pain and loss, transcending specific events to touch the hearts of all.  It symbolizes our deep commitment to promoting enduring values of love, solidarity, and unity.

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 symbolizes love and peace, and holds the power to illuminate the plight of the most vulnerable.

PROGRAMME
 

Opening Message
H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterrs

UN Secretary-General 
 

Messages

Kadim Al Sahir
Singer and Composer

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

Music Programme

KADIM AL SAHIR (1957 - ) HOLD YOUR FIRE
Produced in collaboration with the UN Chamber Music Society (Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director)

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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

Ambassador Ivana Pajević

Video Editing
Rebecca Dixuan Bai, Video Editor

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY PERFORMANCE DURING THE FIFTH

UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

"Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators"

21 August 2024
10:00am EST

Watch the COMMEMORATION LIVE & ON DEMAND ON THE unITED NATIONS PLATFORMS:

UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1kybnq8o9

On 21 August 2024, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will perform during the seventh commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Keynote remarks will be delivered by the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres, followed by opening remarks by the Under-Secretary-General for the Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, and statements by the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism – including testimonies from survivors of terrorism.
 

On this occasion, the UN Chamber Music Society will perform Mozart’s Concerto in A Major, K. 622, II. Adagio.  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.

Messages

Keynote remarks by H.E. Mr. António Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations

Opening remarks by Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)

Musical Performance

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)

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Production Team

Jose Gomez, Film Director
Paul Darling, Sound Engineer 
Pepe Vargas, Creative Director
Alberto Garcia, Producer
Clara Rosado, Production Assistant

More information:
https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/international-day-remembrance-and-tribute-victims-terrorism-21-august-2024

Hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of India to the United Nations

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY PERFORMANCE AT THE
COMMEMORATION OF THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

Friday, 21 June 2024
6:00pm EST (New York)
United Nations Headquarters’ North Lawn

Watch the EVENT on THE GLOBAL UN CHANNEL: UN Web TV
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1b/k1bvb85iak


On Friday, 21 June 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters, the UN Chamber Music Society will perform on the occasion of the 10th International Day of Yoga, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.  The theme of this year’s International Day of Yoga is centered around the theme: “Yoga for Self and Society.”  Yoga, a transformative practice, represents the harmony of mind and body, the balance between thought and action, and the unity of restraint and fulfillment. It integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being that brings peace to our hectic lives. Its power to transform is what we celebrate on this special day. 

There is a beautiful parallel between yoga and music.  The rhythmic flow of yoga postures, combined with the soul's harmony – creates a symphony of life.  Both disciplines, music and yoga, have the power to touch our hearts, bodies, minds, and spirits.  In commemoration of the International Day of Yoga, the UN Chamber Music Society will perform a world music programme that embodies the harmony and unity yoga fosters.  Founded in 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters by Brenda Vongova, the UN Chamber Music Society carries out the United Nations’ mission of peace, understanding and cooperation, through the universal language of music. 


 

OPening STATEMENTS
 

H.E. Mr. Ravindra Raguttahalli
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of India
to the United Nations

Message from H.E. Mr. António Guterres

UN Secretary-General
 

Video Message from H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis
President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly
 

Remarks by H.E. Ms. Amina Mohammed
UN Deputy Secretary-General

Music Programme

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

Vartan Mailiantz (Violin)
Eva Ding (Flute)
Alex McLaughlin (Viola)
Zachary Hass (Trombone)
Valeria Chibis (Singer)

Music Programme

"Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Composed by 2x Grammy winner Christopher Tin
Vartan Mailiantz (Violin I), Eva Ding (Flute), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

"Praan"
[Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)]

Valeria Chibis (Singer), Vartan Mailiantz (Violin I), Eva Ding (Flute), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

Hosted by Dame Barbara Woodward CMG OBE, the United Kingdom Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations

UN Chamber Music Society Performance at the
CelebratION OF the Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III


Thursday, 13 June 2024
United Nations Headquarters

On Thursday, 13 June 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters, the UN Chamber Music Society will perform at the Celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III – hosted by the United Kingdom Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dame Barbara Woodward CMG OBE.

 

MESSAGES

Dame Barbara Woodward CMG OBE

United Kingdom Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Ms. Amina Mohammed
UN Deputy Secretary-General


UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director & Piano
Elaine He (Violin I)
Florrie Marshall (Violin II)
Alex McLaughlin (Viola)
Cameron Grimes (Cello)
Eva Ding (Flute)
Antoinette Merrillees (Recorder)

Opening

UK National Anthem
Eva Ding (Flute Solo), Elaine He (Violin I), Florrie Marshall (Violin II), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Cameron Grimes (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Antoinette Merrillees (Recorder)

Reception

"Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Composed by 2x Grammy winner Christopher Tin
Elaine He (Violin I), Florrie Marshall (Violin II), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Cameron Grimes (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

BOB MARLEY (1945 - 1981) One Love (arr. Edward Bilous for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Composed by 2x Grammy winner Christopher Tin
Eva Ding (Flute Solo), Elaine He (Violin I), Florrie Marshall (Violin II), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Cameron Grimes (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

"Praan"
[Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)]
Eva Ding (Flute Solo), Elaine He (Violin I), Florrie Marshall (Violin II), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Cameron Grimes (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

JOE HISAISHI (1950 - ) "Reprise" from Spirited Away [arr. by Sachiko Miyano for the UN Chamber Music Society]
Eva Ding (Flute Solo), Elaine He (Violin I), Florrie Marshall (Violin II), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Cameron Grimes (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

Henry VIII (1491 – 1547) Pastime with Good Company
Elaine He (Violin I), Antoinette Merrillees (Recorder), Alex McLaughlin (Viola), Cameron Grimes (Cello)

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
MUSIC FOR PEACE
CONCERT & ALBUM LAUNCH
ON THE OBSERVANCE OF THE MONTH OF FRENCH LANGUAGE DAY & INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Dedicated to the WORK of Nobel Peace Prize winner,
Dr. Denis Mukwege
For his efforts in the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Watch the performance: United Nations
UN Global YouTube:  https://youtu.be/F-fYcahc2Uc

UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k13/k1358empmj

Sunday, 31 March 2024
9:00am EST (New York Time)

On Sunday, 31 March 2024, to close out the month of French Language Day and International Women’s Day, the UN Chamber Music Society will be launching MUSIC FOR PEACE - a musical exploration promoting reflection, healing, and a commitment to the ideals of the United Nations.  Dedicated to ending violence against women and girls, the album honors Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege's tireless efforts. 

Denis Mukwege grew up in the town of Bukavu in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He trained as a doctor and became a gynecologist after studying in France.  In 1999, he established the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, where he and his staff have treated the injuries of thousands of women victims of sexual violence.  Many millions of people have been killed, abused or forced to flee in the civil wars that have ravaged the DRC since the 1990s. All parties to the conflict have used the rape of women as a weapon to humiliate and weaken their opponents.  Dr. Mukwege has become one of the world’s leading experts on the treatment of internal injuries suffered by women subjected to gang rape. He has carried out countless operations, working long days of up to 18 hours. Quite remarkably, and as a testament to his fundamental human spirit, he was in the operating room when he was told that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

On this occasion of the launch of MUSIC FOR PEACE, opening messages will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Nicolas de Rivière, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations; Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

Available on all the digital streaming platforms worldwide, MUSIC FOR PEACE features the piano legend Jerome Lowenthal – a virtuoso of the fingers and the emotions, and who has served as the piano chair of the Juilliard School.  It also features moving performances by baritone Pacifique Bagalwa N'Nobuko, violinist Hana Mundiya, and pianist Brenda Vongova.  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.

Learn more and support the work of Dr. Denis Mukwege:
https://panzifoundation.org
 

PROGRAMME

Opening Remarks

H.E. Mr. Nicolas de Rivière
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations

Pramila Patten
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
 

Dr. Denis Mukwege
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

 

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

Featuring
Jerome Lowenthal, Pianist
Pacifique Bagalwa N’Nobuko, Baritone Opera Singer from the DRC ● Hana Mundiya, Violinist

Music Programme
 

GABRIEL FAURE  (1845 - 1924)  Les Berceaux, Op.23, No.1 (Poème: Sully Prudhomme)
Pacifique Bagalwa N’Nobuko (Baritone), Brenda Vongova (Piano)


GABRIEL FAURE  (1845 - 1924) Dolly, Op. 56
I. Berceuse
II. Miaou
III. Le Jardin de Dolly
IV. Ketty-Valse
V. Tendresse
VI. Le pas Espagnol
Jerome Lowenthal (Piano), Brenda Vongova (Piano)


GABRIEL FAURE  (1845 - 1924)  Violin Sonata No.1 in A Major, Op. 13: II. Andante

Hana Mundiya (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

 

SPECIAL THANKS

UN Department of Global Communications

Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations

UN Office of Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Jerome Lowenthal

Klavierhaus
James Wu, Recording Engineer

Firas Kayal
Ziad Ayad

Alexandre Mirlesse

Sonita Alizadeh, Page Turner

Baramee Pholpipattanaphong

VERY SPECIAL THANKS

Audio Production: Evergroove Studios
Mixing Engineer: Athena Wilkinson

Immersive Mixing Engineer: Athena Wilkinson

Mastering Engineer: Brad Smalling

Immersive Mastering Engineer: Brad Smalling

Video Editing
Rebecca Dixuan Bai, Video Editor

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Listen to the entire album on Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, YouTube Music,
Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, Facebook / Instagram
and all the major music distribution platforms worldwide.

Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations

un chamber music society
performance at the observance of
International Mother Language Day

21 February 2024
4:00pm to 6:00pm EST 
United Nations Headquarter, CR-4


Watch the EVENT on: UNITED NATIONS
UN Web TV
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1w2te2nrh

On 21 February 2024, the UN Chamber Music Society 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 the Permanent Missions of Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Romania, and South Africa to the United Nations, in collaboration with the UN Secretariat and the UNESCO.

The theme of this year’s International Mother Language Day is “Multilingual education is the foundation of lifelong learning”. Today, 40% of the world’s population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. In some countries this figure rises to over 90%. Yet research shows that the use of learners’ own language(s) in schools provides a solid foundation for learning, boosts self-esteem and critical thinking skills, and opens the door for inter-generational learning, language revitalization, and the preservation of culture and intangible heritage. This year’s celebration of International Mother Language Day is meant to highlight the importance of implementing multilingual education policies and practices as a pillar to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4.

The music programme will reflect on our diverse elements – through the universal language of music.  It will honour multilingualism, by featuring musical styles inspired by poetry from Bangladesh, the USA, the UK, and Africa – including music repertoire composed by 2x Grammy Award winner, Christopher Tin.  Founded in 2016 by Brenda Vongova, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music. 
 

MESSAGES

Welcome remarks by H.E. Mr. Muhammad A. Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh

Statement by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly

Music Programme

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

Brianne Morgan-Silver, Mezzo-Soprano
Hana Mundiya, Violin
Florrie Marshall, Violin
Noémie Chemali, Viola
Jakob Taylor, Cello

SWAHILI
"Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Tristan Siegel (Violin I), Naoko Nakajima (Violin II), Jeremy Kienbaum (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Composed by 2x Grammy winner Christopher Tin

Music inspired by 19^th Century female poets:
Emily Dickinson (USA), Edna St. Vincent Millay (USA), Sara Teasdale (USA), Christina Rossetti (UK)
'Flocks a Mile Wide' from The Lost Birds (arr. Piano Quintet)
Tristan Siegel (Violin I), Naoko Nakajima (Violin II), Jeremy Kienbaum (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Composed by 2x Grammy winner Christopher Tin

BANGLADESH / Bangla
"Praan"
[Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)]
Valeriya Chibisova (Singer), Tristan Siegel (Violin I), Naoko Nakajima (Violin II), Jeremy Kienbaum (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
Composed by Garry Schyman