Ode to Humanity Played at U.N. Headquarters

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The original Shenzhen-produced symphony Ode to Humanity was chosen as the musical accompaniment for the "Connecting the World" Gala Celebration hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Saturday, September 26, 2015, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

It was the second time for the symphony Ode to Humanity to be played at U.N headquarters since September last year.

The symphony, which was inspired by Confucian culture emphasizing ideas of humanity, attracted hundreds of guests including senior officials and ambassadors at the U.N., heads of international organizations, politicians and entrepreneurs from around the world.

The performance was invited by Sam Kutesa, president of the 69th U.N. General Assembly, and Ms. Sheri Y. Uren, CEO of Global Sustainable Development Foundation, to perform in celebration of ITU 150th anniversary.

Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra had previously performed Ode to Humanity to the acclaims of their U.N. audiences.

Last year's performance, Ode to Humanity was widely praised and recognized. As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Adviser on Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar described it as follows "Ode to Humanity manifests the spirit of Confucius culture and represents highest values which the U.N. pursues." The performance is part of the 70th Anniversary celebratory events of the U.N..

During Saturday's performance, a group of children under the umbrella of the World Unity Inc. gathered on stage to recite an excerpt from Ode to Humanity, evoking for the audiences' ancient oriental sentiments and developing a dialogue with Chinese ancient philosopher Confucius.

Ode to Humanity was composed by Wang Ning, a well-known Chinese composer and doctoral tutor at Chinese Conservatory of Music, written and produced by Wang Jingsheng, winner of the Confucius Medal awarded by the U.N. Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and planned by Li Xiaogan, member of the Standing Committee of Shenzhen Party committee and director of Shenzhen Party Publicity Department.  

Starting from a simple idea in 2006, the creation process of the symphony lasted for seven years with the participation of dozens of academics and artists and hundreds of performers, while the symphony finally debuted in 2013 after several trial performances and modifications.

Inspired by Confucian culture, Ode to Humanity consists of five movements that respectively demonstrate five Confucian values, including benevolence, justice, ceremony, wisdom, and credibility.

Analysts said Ode to Humanity creatively blends Confucian culture with western elements while enriching Chinese ideas of humanity and enhancing the international influence of Chinese traditional culture.

Ode to Humanity has won the applause from global audiences when it was performed in different cities around the world including Paris, New York, Beijing and Taipei.

On Sept. 21 in 2013, World Peace Day, Ode to Humanity was invited to UNESCO headquarters. UNESCO decided to recommend the masterpiece to the world.

In August last year, Ode to Humanity, as a key culture-exchange project across the Straits, was performed in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung.

In September 22, 2014, Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra performed Ode to Humanity at the United Nations during the 69th United Nations Assembly.

On August 17 2015, Ode to Humanity was performed at Grand National Theater, offering a gift for the 35th anniversary of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.  

On August 17 2015, Ode to Humanity was performed at Grand National Theater, offering a gift for the 35th anniversary of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.  

SOURCE Global Sustainability Foundation