Asian Games Concert: Music for Cultural Harmony

"Scheherezade – Rimsky-Khorsakov but not only …"

Monday, 15 November 2010, 8:00pm

At the invitation of the Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC), the Paris-based Melody for Dialogue among Civilisations Association will present a unique multicultural concert on 15 November 2010 at 8:00pm in the new Guangzhou Opera House, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The concert entitled "Music for Cultural Harmony - Rimsky-Khorsakov but not only…" will offer a new interpretation of Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's seminal work "Scheherezade." It will also debut a new composition by contemporary French composer Philippe Rombi. The event will feature over 50 dancers and musicians from throughout Asia as well as China's Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra.

The two-hour event will be opened by Mr Xu Ruisheng, Deputy Secretary General of GAGOC and Vice Mayor of Guangzhou. Maestro Richard Boudharam of France will conduct the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Igor Vlajnic of Croatia will direct the musical dialogue of master musicians from over 25 countries. Hyun Su Shin of the Republic of Korea will be the violin soloist. The lead dancers are Iranian-born Sahar Dehghan and Sharokh Ghalam.

"Scheherezade" consists of themes deeply embedded in the culture of Asian countries and regions. The performance involves authentic dances and music from participating nations in the Asian Games reflecting their traditions and cultural heritage. The evening will culminate with Rombi's "Hymn for Harmony," bringing together all of the evening's performers to harmoniously salute the spirit and occasion of the Asian Games.

The concert's unique dialogue format, between traditional and classical musicians, has been pioneered by the Melody for Dialogue among Civilisations Association presided by Ms Mehri Madarshahi. The Association focuses on music as a medium for the promotion of tolerance, respect for cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and peace.

The concert is sponsored by the Guangdong Automobile Group (GAG) and has received the patronage from the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with support from the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO. The participation of many outstanding traditional artists is made possible with the generous support of their respective governments.

click here for poster and programme booklet, with information on artists

click here for information on Melody for Dialogue among Civilisations Association (www.melodydialogue.org)