Saturday, November 24, 2012

Music at the service of peace: Danilo Perez & Placido Domingo honoured at UNESCO

World-famous musicians, Danilo Perez and Placido Domingo, were appointed as UNESCO’s Artist for Peace and Goodwill Ambassador, respectively, at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris on 20 and 21 November.


In a world that is increasingly connected, but at the same time more fragmented by deep inequalities, “music and culture can help people better understand and listen to one another," said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. Music creates new bridges of dialogue and respect, strengthening the ties between all. Jazz is an especially powerful example. “Jazz is much more than music. It is the song of freedom – freedom of improvisation, because jazz is reinvented whenever it is played. Jazz is the soundtrack of struggles for human dignity and civil rights – jazz is about values, human rights and action to combat discrimination. Jazz pre-eminently illustrates the power of music against violence, injustice and insularity – it teaches tolerance to our multicultural societies."

In his acceptance speech, opera legend Placido Domingo stressed the importance of encouraging children to learn classical music, a mission he would like to undertake as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Teaching children to appreciate opera will take this artistic genre into the future. “Popular music is at such a distance from classical music,” explained Mr Domingo, “Children should know that there is something else… and they will learn it while having fun.” 

1 comment:

Laura said...

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