Kevin Spacey
Darlene Love
Deepak Chopra
Rita Cosby
Tommy Tune
Susan Lucci
Pat Addiss
Anthony Rapp
130 students from over 50 countries across the globe performed in an inaugural classical music concert on September 10, 2013 at the Lincoln Center. The only truly global youth orchestra that combines both classical and ethnic instruments, WPO is a nonprofit organization that convenes young musical talent from around the world in an annual concert inNew York City to demonstrate how the unifying power of music can transcend social and cultural boundaries.
It was a star-studded evening, the musicians led by guest Lithuanian conductor Gintaras Rinkevicius and joined by world renowned violinist Alexander Markov and soprano Dominika Zamara. Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey was on hand to introduce the orchestra.
“Participating in the World Peace Orchestra concert represents diversity and the power of what we can do together to celebrate what unites us,” Spacey said. “Music is universal and I am honored to get to introduce these fine young musicians.”
The September concert is the culmination of a month-long program run by WPO that is dedicated to empowering young people from countries around the world, including conflict regions like Iraq, Kosovo, Uganda, and Ethiopia, to spread their message of peace through music and serve as young leaders in their own communities. For many of the students, the program marks their first trip to the United States.
“Regardless of what country you’re from, regardless of your age, ethnicity, or background, music plays a role in all our lives. WPO’s primary focus is to stimulate harmony between people by tapping in to their love of music,” says Scott Noppe-Brandon, Spokesperson & Leadership Team Member at WPO. “The inaugural concert at Lincoln Center is the launching pad for WPO to grow and bring unique opportunities to young musicians around the world.”
The concert featured music from: Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture,” Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story,” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol,” Vittorio Monti’s “Czardas,” “Hava Nagila,” “Hallelujah,” and “Saba.”
Founded in New York in 2013, the World Peace Orchestra is a unique nonprofit organization that encourages the growth of budding musical talent in youth from around the world. WPO celebrates the unity and diversity of global culture through our annual concert featuring over 130 young musicians from over 50 countries playing both ethnic and classical instruments.
Follow WPO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WorldPeaceOrchestra and on Twitter @WPeaceOrchestra.
Video/Photos: Magda Katz
