2025 CONCERTS

Presented by ABU DHABI FESTIVAL
UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF ARABIC LANGUAGE DAY

Weill Recital Hall
at Carnegie Hall
154 W 57th Street

Sunday, 14 December 2025
7:30pm EST 

The accomplished musicians of the UN Chamber Music Society (UNCMS), together with the Abu Dhabi Festival, are proud to hold a concert in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.  One of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Arabic is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity.  In celebration of World Arabic Language Day, and Arabic’s historic role in the development of art and science, the programme will feature a variety of popular and classical music from the Arab region.  Founded in 2016 by Brenda Vongova, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations' goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
 

“Our partnership with the United Nations Chamber Music Society continues to deepen year after year as we commemorate World Arabic Language Day on 18 December at Carnegie Hall, one of the most important and prestigious arts venues in the United States. This collaboration celebrates the artistic excellence of the Society’s musicians and their exceptional performances, which draw inspiration from the beauty of the Arabic language and its rich intellectual heritage in arts, literature and culture. It also reflects the linguistic and musical diversity of the Arab region and the world.  Through masterpieces of poetry, song and traditional Arabic music - both classical and contemporary - the vocabulary and musical rhythms of Arabic resonate with global audiences. These performances showcase the creations of prominent poets and artists, highlighting the historical role of our beautiful language in shaping civilisation and bridging cultural dialogue."

~ H.E. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF); Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival

SPECIAL THANKS

UN Department of Global Communications

Klavierhaus

Artwork of Poster:

Alma Faham

MidAmerica Productions

 

VERY SPECIAL THANKS

Abu Dhabi Festival
H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo
Founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation
Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival

Founding Honorary Patron
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign of Affairs

Patron
H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

 

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Tickets: Carnegiehall.org | +1 212 247 7800
Carnegie Hall Box Office at 57^th and Seventh

https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2025/12/14/UN-Chamber-Music-Society-Concert-in-Celebration-of-Arabic-Language-Day-0730PM

Hosted by the UN Deputy Secretary-General

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
PERFORMANCE DURING
a Commemoration of UN@80:
A Living Legacy
“80 years of service. The United Nations impacting the world we want."

Friday, 19 September 2025
6:30pm - 7:30pm EST (New York)
UN General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters
 

Watch the EVENT on THE GLOBAL UN CHANNEL (Live & ON DEMAND): UN Web TV: 
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k11ybd9197

On the special occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN Chamber Music Society will perform a global music programme during “A Commemoration of the UN@80: A Living Legacy” - to be held on Friday, 19 September 2025, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, in the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters - to reflect on eight decades of collective progress, honor the UN's enduring legacy, and recommit to the principles that continue to guide its work.

This milestone will be a joyous celebration of the UN's enduring legacy, offering an opportunity to reflect on today's global challenges and share a vision for the future. The evening will feature music, a documentary film, and inspiring reflections, capturing the vibrancy, diversity, and shared aspirations of the international community.  The event will bring together Member States, UN staff, academia, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and key philanthropic partners to honour the Organization's achievements and collectively chart its path forward.

The event will feature A Living Legacy, a short film by award-winning director Mr. Sing J. Lee and producer and creative director Ms. Sylvia Zakhary, bringing to life the story of the United Nations — its people, its milestones, and its impact on the world over the past eight decades - building our future together.  The commemoration will also include a performances of the renowned singer Ms. Tiwa Savage and the UN Chamber Music Society, who will perform live in the General Assembly Hall. Directed by Brenda Vongova, the ensemble's global music program will include "Anthem for the United Nations" by Pablo Casals (arranged by Ari Barack Fisher for the UN Chamber Music Society), "Baba Yetu" by two-time Grammy winner Christopher Tin, and "Madiba" by multi-Grammy winner Wouter Kellerman.
 

REMARKS

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

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

Melissa Fleming
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications

Ms. Catherine Pollard
Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance

Ms. Sima Bahous
UN Women Executive Director

WORLD Music Programme

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director & Piano
Julia Hwang, Violin I
Leslie Ashworth, Violin II
Marco Sabatini, Viola
Lydia Rhea, Cello
 

PRE-OPENING
​
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) 'Flocks a Mile Wide' from The Lost Birds (arr. Piano Quintet)

Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Leslie Ashworth (Violin II), Marco Sabatini (Viola), Lydia Rhea (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

JOE HISAISHI (1950 - ) "Reprise" from Spirited Away (arr. by Sachiko Miyano for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Leslie Ashworth (Violin II), Marco Sabatini (Viola), Lydia Rhea (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

OPENING
 

PABLO CASALS (1876 – 1973) “Hymn to the United Nations” (arr. Ari Fisher for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Leslie Ashworth (Violin II), Marco Sabatini (Viola), Lydia Rhea (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

"Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Leslie Ashworth (Violin II), Marco Sabatini (Viola), Lydia Rhea (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

CLOSING (MUSIC VIDEO)

Wouter Kellerman (1961 - ) Madiba (arr. Mauritz Lotz for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Wouter Kellerman (Flute)
Timothy Moloi (Singer)

UN Chamber Music Society: Josh Liu (Violin ), Leslie Ashworth (Violin), Alexander Mclaughlin (Viola), Robin Park (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
VIRTUAL CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF
NELSON MANDELA
INTERNATIONAL DAY
FEATURING WOUTER KELLERMAN


VIRTUAL GLOBAL LAUNCH (LIVE & ON DEMAND): UNITED NATIONS
Friday, 18 July 2025
9:00am EST (New York Time) / 3:00pm SAST (South Africa)

UN Global YouTube: https://youtu.be/wWaRMrOSKV8
UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k117r2y3ag

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”

~Nelson Mandela

On Friday, 18 July 2025, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will present a concert in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day.  On this occasion, prepare to be captivated by the music of Wouter Kellerman, a three-time Grammy Award-winning South African flautist, producer, and composer, who has also earned nine South African Music Awards.

The event will open with insightful remarks from H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, and Ndaba Mandela, Founder & Chairman of the Mandela Institute for Humanity.

Honouring the enduring legacy of the former South African President and his commitment to peace, freedom, and service, the music program will feature two powerful musical tributes composed by Wouter Kellerman:  "The Long Road", an extraordinary flute solo that serves as a biographical homage to Nelson Mandela's journey, and “Madiba", a musical prayer, specially arranged for the UN Chamber Music Society, offering a heartfelt tribute that blends power and tenderness.  Founded in 2016 by Brenda Vongova, 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 about Mandela Day at the United Nations:

https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/

OPENING REMARKS

H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini

Amassador and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations

Ndaba Mandela
Founder & Chairman of Mandela Institute for Humanity

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

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Wouter Kellerman (1961 - ) The Long Road
Wouter Kellerman (Flute)

Wouter Kellerman (1961 - ) Madiba (arr. Mauritz Lotz for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Wouter Kellerman (Flute)
Timothy Moloi (Singer)

UN Chamber Music Society: Josh Liu (Violin ), Leslie Ashworth (Violin), Alexander Mclaughlin (Viola), Robin Park (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)


 

SPECIAL THANKS

UN Department of Global Communications

Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations

Wouter Kellerman
Tholsi Pillay
⁠Timothy Moloi
⁠Paulo Areal/The Moving Picture Company
Gallo Music/Antos Stella
Nelson Mandela Foundation
⁠Mauritz Lotz
⁠Presidential Shirt South Africa

Ndaba Mandela
Mandela Institute for Humanity

Photo of Poster:
Courtesy of Ndaba Mandela and Hachette Books,
from “Going to the Mountain: Life Lessons from My Grandfather, Nelson Mandela”

Recorded at Klavierhaus
by Mumeneer (resident engineers at Klavierhaus)

Edward Bilous, Audio Production
Marco Sabatini, Audio Engineer

Video Editing
Rebecca Dixuan Bai, Video Editor

Hosted by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE AT THE
Recording Academy’s 2nd Annual AAPI Month Celebratory Mixer


Tuesday, 27 May 2025
6:00pm EST 
NYC Grammy Townhouse

 

UN Chamber Music Society will be special guest performers at the Recording Academy’s Gold Music Alliance AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Month Celebratory Mixer, on 27 May 2025, an event dedicated to honoring the AAPI community's rich musical contributions.  The program will feature an all-Asian music selection, including:

"Baba Yetu”, composed by the UN Chamber Music Society’s Honorary Artistic Adviser, 2x Grammy Award winner Christopher Tin, was arranged by the composer for piano quintet – and was performed on World Refugee Day in 2017, at the United Nations Headquarters. "Baba Yetu," meaning "Our Father" in Swahili, was the first video game music ever to win a Grammy. Tin's global recognition inspires the AAPI community and showcases the diverse cultural tapestry and profound impact within it.

“Flocks a Mile Wide”, from Christopher Tin’s Grammy-nominated The Lost Birds album, explores nature and ecosystem balance, resonating with Asian cultures' reverence for nature and the AAPI community's values of harmony.  The UN Chamber Music Society proudly premiered the chamber orchestra version on the global platforms of the United Nations on World Wildlife Day in 2023. 

"Reprise" from Spirited Away, by legendary Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, was arranged by his family for the UN Chamber Music Society. Famously sung by Hisaishi’s daughter, Mai Fujisawa, it was performed at a UN peace event in 2018. The composition embodies resilience and hope, mirroring the AAPI community's strength.

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.  

Music Programme

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

Hana Mundiya, Violin
Josh Liu, Violin
Marco Sabatini, Viola
Elisabeth Chang, Cello

CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Josh Liu (Violin), Marco Sabatini (Viola), Elisabeth Chang (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) 'Flocks a Mile Wide' from The Lost Birds (arr. Piano Quintet)
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Josh Liu (Violin), Marco Sabatini (Viola), Elisabeth Chang (Cello), Brenda Vongova

JOE HISAISHI (1950 - ) "Reprise" from Spirited Away (arr. by Sachiko Miyano for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Josh Liu (Violin), Marco Sabatini (Viola), Elisabeth Chang (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

Presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY)

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
READINGS DURING DCINY'S PRESENTATION OF
 

ONE WORLD: The Music of Sir Karl Jenkins’ “Gloria”

20 January 2025
7:00pm EST (New York)
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall
 

On 20 January 2025, at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will deliver readings during DCINY’s presentation Sir Karl Jenkins’ beloved “Gloria”.  DCINY’s conductor Jonathan Griffith will lead singers from around the globe.  In addition, Sir Karl Jenkins, who was awarded Knighthood in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours for his contributions to classical music worldwide, will join as composer-in-residence.   

Founded in 2016 by Brenda Vongova, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations' goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.  The United Nations embraces interreligious dialogue to diminish hostility, and promote mutual respect and harmony among the people and cultures of the world.  In a similar vein, Sir Karl Jenkins’ “Gloria” is a sacred choral composition in five musical movements, featuring texts focusing on the concept of the divine from various world religions. It takes as its main text the Latin version of the hymn of praise to God from the traditional Christian Mass.  Spoken passages from sacred text from four ancient world religious traditions are then integrated between the movements.  This concept is a unifying feature of all world religions, commonly defined as a personal and loving God or as an eternal truth that governs the universe.
 

Readings during the performance of Sir Karl Jenkins’ “Gloria”

UN Chamber Music Society

Brenda Vongova, President & Artistic Director [Arabic – Islam: The first chapter of the Qur’an, known as ‘Al Fatiha’ (The Opening), which is recited in Muslim daily prayers.]
Christopher Hudson [Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit - Buddhism: The last lines of the Diamond Sutra, the world’s oldest dated printed book.]
Gang Yue [Chinese - Taoism: The opening of the principal Taoist scripture, the Tao Te Ching (The Classic of the Way and Virtue.)]

Dr. Purna Prasad [Sanskrit - Hinduism: Excerpt from the Bhagavadgita (Song of the Divine), the classic Hindu scripture.]

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Tickets: Carnegiehall.org | CarnegieCharge 212-247-7800

Box Office at 57^th and Seventh

https://www.carnegiehall.org/calendar/2025/01/20/the-music-of-sir-karl-jenkins-0700pm