18 September 2007

New York, USA: Dozens of young musicians representing many of the world’s regions and cultures will harmonize to form a new Orchestra for the United Nations, it was announced today.

“The Orchestra is a unique project which will galvanize support for the UN through music and multimedia projects focused on the UN’s ideals, values and priorities,” Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Kiyotaka Akasaka said.

UN Volunteers (UNV) Executive Director Ad De Raad signed an agreement with Mr. Akasaka and the Director of the United in Music Foundation Geert Boogaard to launch the new orchestra, officially named “United in Music: The Orchestra for the United Nations.”

Members of the orchestra will all be UNV volunteers. When performing abroad, local guest musicians will also perform with the Orchestra. It will not be a classical ensemble, but rather will reflect a range of musical styles.

“We often need a thousand words to get a simple message across and sometimes we only need one language: music,” said Mr. Boogaard, who conceived of the Orchestra and with the backing of the Dutch Government approached the UN. “I view music as a way to inspire people to embrace the ideals of the United Nations and to feel the need for voluntary action.”

He has managed the 40-member Ricciotti Ensemble, and produced hundreds of their concerts in numerous unusual locations, ranging from the cathedral tower in Utrecht, the Netherlands, to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to war-torn Bosnia.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) will partner with the United in Music Foundation to realize the project. DPI will provide guidance on United Nations goals, priorities, themes, observances and international conferences, assist in developing the most appropriate communications strategies, and cooperate in the promotion of the Orchestra's outreach activities.

In close cooperation with the Foundation, UNV will recruit musicians of various nationalities as UNV volunteers and assign them to serve in the Orchestra. Through its field presence, UNV will facilitate and coordinate logistical arrangements with United Nations system organizations for the performances, tours and other events organized for the Orchestra. Through this partnership, the Orchestra for the United Nations will illustrate the impact of volunteerism for development and peace.