UN Chamber Music Society concert to mark Nelson Mandela International Day
The UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) presents a concert in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day. The music repertoire of the concert honours the African heritage, by featuring compositions by extraordinary black composers who changed the course of classical music history. Opening messages are delivered by H.E. Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the Seventy-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly and Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. The concert also features messages from special guests Ndaba Mandela (grandson of Nelson Mandela), Ilyasah Shabazz (daughter of Malcom X), and Rohan Marley (son of Bob Marley). The music repertoire of the concert honours the African heritage, by featuring compositions by extraordinary black composers who changed the course of music history. During the concert, the UNCMS is proud to present the International Premiere of “Madiba the African Opera”, featuring opera singer Nonie Mtirara (Niece of Nelson Mandela), in addition to the world premiere of RJ Benjamin’s chamber ensemble arrangement of “Viva Mandela” – written by and sung by Onesimus.
