The New York Philharmonic, conducted by Music Director Alan Gilbert, will pay special tribute to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as he prepares to conclude his 10-year term at the helm of the world body at the end of December. The concert will also be an opportunity for a musical welcome to his successor, António Guterres, who will take office on January 1, 2017.
The concert on December 14 will bring New York City’s foremost cultural ambassadors to the iconic United Nations General Assembly Hall. The program will include Beethoven’s Egmont Overture; Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, with Principal Clarinet Anthony McGill as soloist; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. These powerful pieces will carry a message from United Nations Headquarters in New York City to the world, saluting the power of culture and the Secretary-General’s contributions to the work and mission of the United Nations. During his tenure at the UN, Mr. Ban worked closely with world leaders, civil society, and other partners to make possible the adoption of two landmark global agreements: the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a blueprint to end poverty, fight inequalities, and achieve a life of dignity for all on a healthy planet. Mr. Ban also placed high priority on achieving gender equality, empowering young people, strengthening peace operations, and ensuring respect for human rights. “I am extremely grateful to Mr. Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic for offering a concert in celebration of the work of the United Nations over the past decade,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “We look forward to welcoming this globally renowned orchestra for this very special event which underscores the power of music to inspire and unite.” The concert will be attended by United Nations delegates and UN staff, along with invited special guests. “All of us at the New York Philharmonic believe that music has the potential to champion peace, understanding, and cooperation,” said Alan Gilbert. “I am honored to be able to perform at the United Nations in continuation of a long tradition, and to honor SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon and his many accomplishments. I also want to thank Deputy SecretaryGeneral Jan Eliasson for his support of this event and his similar belief that music can help make the world a better place.” The UN Symphony Orchestra and UN Chamber Music Society are among the 80+ music ensembles from all over New York City participating in The New World Initiative, the New York Philharmonic’s season-long, citywide project revolving around Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World, and its theme of “home.”
