TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
In commemoration of UN Day 2016, the 70th anniversary of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and the peace activities of Music for One(M4one), the UN Orchestra was invited to Korea to spread the message of world peace through music.
The series of concerts entitled "Music for Peace," were held in Seoul, Gwangju, and Busan, South Korea from October 23-27. Through this tour, the UN Orchestra aimed to unite the UN community and civil society under the overarching message of peace. The tour was especially meaningful as it celebrated the 25th anniversary of Korea's membership in the United Nations, and the Orchestra's first visit to the last divided country in the world. During the tour, the orchestra performed a special Korean traditional piece, "Arirang fantasy."
Bonian Golmohammadi, Secretary-General of WFUNA, commented that the event was "a meaningful occasion where UN and international organization affiliates could come together with civil society members to interact with one another for the purpose of promoting peace and security."
As a soloist at the concert, chairwoman Mi Jung Im of Music for One presented Rachmaninoff Concerto no. 2 with the orchestra. She commented that "amid the marginalization, division, poverty and suffering of the world, 'Music for Peace' will give hope for peace and harmony because music powerfully connects people beyond boundaries."
The UN Orchestra consists of 65 members, most of whom are staff at UN organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). WFUNA and M4one hope to continue their partnership to serve as a bridge between the international community and civil society.
