2022 Summer Arts Season: UN Chamber Music Society Concert in Celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day

UN Chamber Music Society Concert in Celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day

On 18 July 2022, 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 and pop music history - including Julian Marley, Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Walker, and Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges – informally known as ‘The Black Mozart’, and who is remembered as the first classical composer of African origins. The concert will also feature “Baba Yetu”, composed by 2x-Grammy award winning composer Christopher Tin, arranged for the UN Chamber Music Society. 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. The occasion will open with a message from the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres. In addition, opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations; and Professor Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust Chair in Social Justice of Stellenbosch University, Founder of the THUMA Foundation and former Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa, as well as one of the experts that assisted the drafting of the Constitution of South Africa promulgated by Nelson Mandela. Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music. Artwork: Asa Marley.