UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY VIRTUAL CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF ARABIC LANGUAGE DAYSaturday, 18 December 20219:00am EST 

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE: UNITED NATIONSUN Global YouTube:  http://youtube.com/unitednationsUN WebTV: http://webtv.un.org/

On Saturday, 18 December 2021, the Chamber Music Society (UNCMS) will present a virtual concert in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, which will be launched on the global platforms of the United Nations.

One of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Arabic is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity.  In celebration of World Arabic Language Day, and Arabic’s historic role in the development of art and science, the programme will feature a variety of popular and classical music from the Arab region.  The opening will present  ‘I Lift My Eyes’ composed by Christopher Tin, 2x Grammy Award Winning Composer – sung by Lebanese singer-songwriter Abeer Nehme.  Throughout the concert, “Magic Carpets” artwork by Saks Afridi will be presented. Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations, and Chair of the Arab Group for the month of December 2021.  Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations' goals and values at large - through the universal language of music. 

MESSAGEH.E. Mr. António GuterresUN Secretary-GeneralOPENING REMARKS

H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hussein Bahr AluloomAmbassador and Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations,Chair of the Arab Group for the month of December 2021UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation CouncilBrenda Vongova, Artistic Director & Piano

FEATURING:

‘I Lift My Eyes’ composed byChristopher Tin, 2x Grammy Award Winning Composersung by Abeer Nehme, Lebanese Singer/Songwriter

“Magic Carpets” artwork by Saks Afridi 

PROGRAMME

CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) 'I Lift My Eyes'Abeer Nehme (Lebanese Singer)UN Chamber Music Society: Brenda Vongova (Piano), Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Jeremy Kienbaum (Violin II), Noémie Chemali (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Kohei Yamaguchi (Bass)Jamie Papish (Percussion), Sandro Friedrich (Duduk), Angel City Chorale

“The Becoming” by Saks Afridi

GHIYA RUSHIDAT (1984 -) Izar

Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), James Quinlan (Double Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

“Woven Heart 2021” by Saks Afridi 

MARY KOUYOUMDJIAN (1983 - )  The REVOLT of the StarsNoémie Chemali (Viola)

“Woven Desert” by Saks AfridiKADIM AL SAHIR (1957 - ) Eid al ashak "Celebration of lovers"Flute Solo (Amir), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Tom Betsalel (Percussion)“Illusion 2021” by Saks Afridi****************************

SPECIAL THANKS

UN Department of Global CommunicationsArtwork:Saks AfridiMohammed Shaker

Klavierhaus

Dylan Louie, Director of Photography 

VERY SPECIAL THANKS

Rebecca Dixuan Bai, Video EditorAudio ProductionMickey Alexander, Audio Engineer