GENEVA, October 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
UN Orchestra in Geneva Gets Standing Ovation
Sunday night at Geneva's Victoria Hall, the United Nations Orchestra and the internationally-renowned violinist Maxim Vengerov gave an inspiring musical tribute to UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415358 )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415359 )
Conductor & Co-Founder Antoine Marguier led the Orchestra in an all-Tchaikovsky program, with a masterful interpretation of the violin concerto by Maxim Vengerov. The concert ended on a surprise note with the symphonic arrangement of the famous Korean folk tune "Arirang," which clearly moved Ban Ki-moon.
In a packed hall, in the presence of former Secretary General Kofi Annan, Swiss political dignitaries from the federal, cantonal and city levels, as well as from the Fondation pour Genève, warmly greeted Mr. Ban and acknowledged his special relationship with Geneva and Switzerland.
Now in its 6th year, the United Nations Orchestra is faithful to the spirit of the UN. So far, it has received no outside funding, yet it gives the net proceeds from each concert to a different NGO or UN agency. Over the last 5 years, 170,000 Swiss francs have been given to 10 humanitarian organizations. active in the fields of education, health and refugee assistance.
The 70 non-professional musicians who volunteer their time come from UN staff, international organizations and NGOs. The Orchestra is under the baton of Antoine Marguier, a professional conductor who also guest conducts major symphony orchestras.
The Orchestra enjoys the unwavering support of its Honorary Chairman Michael Møller, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva and benefits from the management of President & Co-founder Martine Coppens.
By coincidence, the musicians leave late-October on tour in South Korea, home country of the Secretary-General. Three major cities will host four concerts under the banner of "Music for Peace", in particular for the October 24 United Nations Day. http://www.unorchestra.ch
Media Contact: Morris Zand, +41-22-703-40-10, media [at] zand . us
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