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FULLY COMPOSED: Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang performs at the concert (NIU XIAOLEI) |
Music has a way of erasing cultural differences, bridging all languages and inspiring humanity to strive for a more cooperative and peaceful world. As almost each day brings more troubled reports of disease, war and poverty, now is a vital time for a message of peace and goodwill.
The UN celebrated the 69th anniversary of its founding on October 24 with a gala concert dedicated to the values in its charter—maintaining peace and security, promoting equal rights and achieving international cooperation. The concert featured UN Messenger of Peace and classical pianist Lang Lang, and a youth orchestra of members representing five continents.
Annual celebration
"In this time of despair and conflicts and trouble, tonight's concert sounds a note of hope. The outbreak of the Ebola virus is just the latest proof that our fates are all linked together. We are living in a small world, totally, very closely connected," said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his opening remarks.
The hall of the General Assembly erupted with applause as 16-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Sting took the stage along with Lang, who struck the opening chords of the ballad Fragile, notable for its verse: "Nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could."
"It is an honor to perform at the UN Day concert. I'm a great supporter of the important work the UN does each and every day," Sting said.
At a press conference before the performance, Lang said it was the "greatest honor" to be designated a messenger of peace and embark on a mission to build schools for children around the world.
The annual celebration of the UN's founding is "a time when we can bring our love and dreams together, and show the world how important the ongoing work of the UN is. Music is the universal language of humanity and it is in this spirit that we join in celebrating the enduring vision of the UN," said Lang.
Alexandra Ruth Muthoni Murkiri, a young violinist from Kenya, said an "amazing" bond had developed between the members of the youth orchestra, despite their cultural differences.
"When you can't find the words, it's easier to show what you mean through music," she said.
Night full of stars
In addition to the 80-member International Youth Orchestra led by conductor Manuel Lopez-Gomez and musicians Lang and Sting, the stage was graced by actor Alec Baldwin, Secretary General Ban and General Assembly President Sam Kutesa.
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