UN Chamber Music Society
United Nations Chamber Music Society | |
|---|---|
| File:United Nations Chamber Music Society.png The United Nations Chamber Music Society at a UN performance | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Chamber music |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Associated acts | United Nations |
| Website | {{URL|example.com|optional display text}} |
The United Nations Chamber Music Society (UNCMS) is a classical ensemble composed of United Nations staff and diplomats, affiliated with the UN Staff Recreation Council. It was founded in 2016 by UN civil servant Brenda Vongova, who also serves as the artistic director. The ensemble presents concerts in conjunction with major United Nations observances, aiming to advance the UN’s core values—such as human rights, peacebuilding, and cultural diplomacy—through chamber music.[1]
The group has performed at numerous international events and venues, including recurring appearances at UN Headquarters in New York. Concerts have been organized in observance of World Refugee Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, World Humanitarian Day, and Nelson Mandela International Day, often in partnership with agencies like UNHCR and UNRWA.[2][3]
In December 2023, UNCMS made its debut at Carnegie Hall in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Festival for World Arabic Language Day.[4] The ensemble’s work has been recognized by prominent figures such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN Messenger of Peace Lang Lang, and has featured cultural collaborations such as with Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir.[5]
Through its musical diplomacy efforts, the ensemble continues to engage with international audiences by performing both Western classical and global compositions. Its concerts are often thematically tied to humanitarian issues, aligning musical programming with UN missions and international observances. The group has partnered with institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Festival and engaged in collaborations to amplify awareness of human rights and social justice through the arts.[6]
History
The ensemble was established under the United Nations Staff Recreation Council to promote cultural diplomacy through music. It also supports humanitarian efforts today in Ukraine through UNCMS Advisory Board Professor Edward Bilous, Founding Director of Juilliard's Center for Innovation in the Arts Ms. Eileen Moon, Associate Principal Cello, New York Philharmonic Professor Natasha Brofsky, The Juilliard School . Key developments include:
- 2018: Debut performance at Carnegie Hall during UN General Assembly week[7]
- 2020: Virtual concert series during the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2024: Release of Music for Peace recording with UN Women[8]
Activities
UNCMS performs regularly for UN observances including:
Performances
| Year | Venue | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Carnegie Hall | UN Day Concert |
| 2022 | Konzerthaus Berlin | Cultural Diplomacy Forum |
References
- ↑ "UN Staffer Creates Musical Diplomacy Group". UN News. 17 November 2017.
- ↑ "UN Chamber Music Society Honors Refugees". UNHCR. 20 June 2023.
- ↑ "UN concert honors Holocaust victims through classical music". UN News. 28 January 2021.
- ↑ "United Nations Chamber Music Society Makes Carnegie Hall Debut". Broadway World. 15 December 2023.
- ↑ "Kadim Al Sahir & UNCMS Release Peace Anthem 'Hold Your Fire'". The Independent. 8 February 2024.
- ↑ "UN Chamber Music Society Presents Concert for Humanitarian Day". PassBlue. 19 August 2024.
- ↑ "UN Musical Group Makes Carnegie Debut". The New York Times. 25 October 2018. p. C5.
- ↑ "UN Musical Initiative Releases Peace Album" (Press release). UN Women. 8 March 2024.
External links
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