A Concert For Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability: An Annual UN Family Reunion
- Jolie Yang
- Dec 12, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 6, 2025
12 December 2023, New York, USA – Carnegie Hall, a beacon of New York City's cultural landscape, played host to an extraordinary concert on December 11, 2023. This event, titled "In Celebration of the Work of the 78th United Nations General Assembly and PGA H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis: A Concert For Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability - An Annual UN Family Reunion," was orchestrated by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research - New York Office (UNITAR-NYO), the President's Office of the 78th United Nations General Assembly, International Academy for Arts and Cultural Studies (IAA), and Carnegie Hall. The concert was supported by member states including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Singapore, Monaco, and Oman, showcasing a seamless blend of culture and diplomacy during these challenging times.
The evening began with opening remarks from Sir Clive Gillinson, Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall, who highlighted the unifying power of music and the arts in bringing nations and people together.
Representing the President of the 78th United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, Chef de Cabinet H.E. Mr. Collen Vixen Kelapile spoke about the importance of uniting communities, especially during challenging times, through the universal language of music which connects audiences and performers alike.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of Ecuador, H.E. Mr. Andrés Montalvo Sosa, also took the stage, expressing gratitude to the audience and recognizing UNITAR-NYO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationships between the UN and its Member States. In a special moment, Mr. Sosa awarded Sir Clive Gillinson with a UNITAR certificate of recognition for his pivotal role in bridging culture and diplomacy, particularly through hosting the UNITAR's sixtieth-anniversary concert and this annual PGA concert.
The concert itself was a symphony of diverse expressions, deeply resonating with themes of peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability, aligning harmoniously with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Byron Wei-Xin Zhou, the Artistic Director, remarked that the evening's diverse repertoire was more than music—it was storytelling that transcended geographical boundaries, with the orchestra’s harmony serving as a metaphor for the unified world we strive to create.
Maestro Jorge Soto, the principal conductor for the evening, led the orchestra through a diverse repertoire that narrated stories transcending geographical boundaries. His direction underscored the orchestra’s harmonious blend as a metaphor for the ideal global community — one where diverse voices unite in unity and peace.
The performances were emotionally charged and varied. Mr. Luciano Lamonarca touched hearts with "Non ti scordar di me," a piece that evokes universal longing and remembrance. Following him, Liang Chai’s mastery on the violin brought Vivaldi’s “Spring” and “Winter” to life, while also delivering an evocative rendition of Piazzolla’s “Spring” and “Winter.” These pieces portrayed the delicate beauty of our planet, emphasizing our collective responsibility to cherish and protect it.
The evening also featured a powerful duet by Liang Chai and Sarah Infini Takagi in Sarasate's “Carmen Fantaisie de Concert,” celebrating empowerment and the resilience of women. Byron Wei-Xin Zhou’s performance of Ravel's 'Gaspard de la nuit' provided a contemplative journey through complex rhythms that mirrored the multifaceted path towards achieving sustainable societies.
The concert’s narrative took a festive turn with the appearance of Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, whose performance of "Jean and Dinah" brought the vibrant spirit of Trinidad and Tobago to the stage, encapsulating the joy and resilience of Caribbean culture.
As the evening concluded, the United Nations Chamber Orchestra for Hope, under Maestro Jorge Soto’s direction, exemplified how music can serve as a powerful symbol of global unity and an inspirational force in bridging cultural divides.
This event underscored the role of music as a powerful educational medium, adept at conveying complex global themes and cultural stories in a language that transcends borders. The concert served as an engaging lesson in global citizenship, effectively illustrating the importance of recognizing and valuing cultural diversity in forging a more united and empathetic world.
Reflecting on the evening, Ambassador Marco A. Suazo emphasized the commitment of advancing Agenda 2030 through effective partnerships. The concert was not only a celebration of cultural diversity and artistic excellence but also a vibrant example of how the arts can serve as a catalyst for education, understanding, and global cooperation.