On Wednesday’s (9/25) Shenzhen Daily (English-language newspaper in China), Wang Yuanyuan reports, “ ‘ODE to Humanity,’ created, commissioned and composed in Shenzhen, is ‘an artistic contribution to the world,’ Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO’s assistant director-general for culture, said over the weekend. Bandarin made the remarks before Saturday’s performance of the piece in Paris, marking the celebration of International Day of Peace. The concert, performed by Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, began a program of events compiled by UNESCO to commemorate the annual day.… ‘The symphony expresses the same concept of new humanism proposed by UNESCO. Inviting the orchestra to perform on International Day of Peace is very meaningful,’ Bandarin said.… New humanism promotes cultural diversity and innovation, and creative culture is an important force to promote sustainable development, he said.… Bandarin also spoke highly of the city’s development in cultural industries.… Saturday’s concert has drawn wide attention among international media.… ‘The concert was a big success and the orchestra had to perform the coda again after giving several encores,’ reported Nouovelles D’Europe, a Europe-based Chinese newspaper.”
Posted September 26, 2013
