14 July UN Chamber Music Society ResiliArt Concert

Launched in April 2020, following the outbreak of COVID-19, UNESCO’s ResiliArt movement is a concerted global effort to support artists, ensure access to culture for all and promote the diversity of cultural expressions. The health crisis brought on by COVID-19 has plunged the global economy into a recession, which could cost the global economy nearly US $8.5 trillion over the next two years. While billions of people around the world have turned to culture as a source of comfort and connection during this crisis, the impact of COVID-19 has not spared the culture sector. Cultural institutions including museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls are losing millions in revenue each day, and 1 in 8 museums may never reopen. Artists, most of whom were already working part-time, on an informal basis or under precarious contracts prior to the pandemic, are struggling to make ends meet. Today, we are experiencing a cultural emergency.

ResiliArt sheds light on the current state of the cultural and creative industries amidst the crisis through global discussions with key industry professionals, as well as by capturing the experiences and voices of resilience of artists on social media. Together with creative actors, ResiliArt raises awareness about the far-reaching ramifications of COVID-19 across the sector and aims at supporting artists during and following the crisis. This includes incorporating protections for the culture sector and its professionals in COVID-19 relief plans, and post-pandemic economic recovery plans; improving the status of the artist by advocating for fairer regulations and the fair remuneration of artists; and thinking ahead to rebuild the creative sector better post COVID-19, in alignment with UN priorities, including socio-economic and environmental sustainability. ResiliArt also promotes cultural diversity in the face of growing risks of cultural homogenization, due to, among other factors, the rise of online platforms.

During the inaugural debate on World Art Day (April 15), UNESCO called on all interested parties to join the ResiliArt Movement by organizing their own debates with the help of a public guide made accessible by UNESCO for this purpose. More than 100 ResiliArt debates have been organized to date in 54 countries around the world (and more than 30 additional debates are currently scheduled in five regions across the globe). Through ResiliArt, civil society has become an active actor in the decision-making process to enhance the culture sector’s resilience in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge requiring an unprecedented response. Now more than ever, we need to recognize, incorporate, and support cultural concerns in our response to the crisis and planning for the recovery, and support artists and culture professionals in overcoming, this emergency.

During the Bastille Day ResiliArt concert, musicians of the UN Chamber Music Society will perform music from the safety of their homes, to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the goals of the UN through the universal language of music.

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OPENING REMARKS

Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, delivered by
Mr Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture

H.E. Mr. Nicolas de Rivière
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

MUSIC PROGRAMME

I. Baroque Period

CHARLES GOUNOD (1818-1893) Ave Maria (Originally published as "Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de S. Bach")
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Alec Manasse (Clarinet)

II. Classical Period

JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor, Op. 1b No. 3, Allegro
Naoko Nakajima (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

III. Romantic Period

GABRIEL FAURE (1845-1924) Pavane
Alexander Warenberg (Cello)

FREDERIC CHOPIN (1810-1849) Nocturne Op.9, No.2 in Eb
David Strongin (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Clarinet Sonata in E-Flat Major, Op.167, I. Allegretto
Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

IV. Early 20th century Modern Period

LILY BOULANGER (1893-1918) Nocturne
Eva Ding (Flute Solo), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Naoko Nakajima (Violin), Sergio Muñoz (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello)

V. Late 20th century Popular

CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976-) “Rassemblons-Nous” from Calling All Dawns (arr. Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society)
Michael O (Tenor), Camille Brault (Mezzo-Soprano), Eva Ding (Flute) Gabriel Majou (Violin), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Drew Alexander Forde (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

Broadcast: UNESCO YouTube