UN Symphony Orchestra in Concert: Holidays are Here! 19 December at 7:30pm
The?UNSRC Symphony Orchestra?cordially invites you to our annual holiday concert! Delight in an evening of festive favorites from Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Anderson, Puccini, and more!
Special guests?Sasha Gutierrez, soprano (Colombia), and?Scott Thomas, baritone (USA), join us with soaring arias and classic holiday songs to lift the spirits this season, in a program fit for all ages.
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UNSRC Symphony Orchestra: Holidays are Here!
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When: Thursday,?19 December 2024, at 7:30pm
Where:?
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Tickets:?
Special discount for our UN friends:?un8off?($8 off)
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Please consider supporting us with?Prime Supporter?tickets.
This helps us cover some of the cost of the venue.
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May the universal language of music remind us what’s possible when voices of difference join together in celebration of our shared humanity.
Peace, dignity and equality for all.
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Meet the Artists
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Sasha Gutiérrez, Soprano
Praised for her “versatility” and “splendid vocalism” (Voce di Meche), Colombian soprano Sasha Gutiérrez is a passionate opera performer, soloist, and recitalist. Her roles include Helena in Britten’s?A Midsummer Night’s Dream?with the Bogotá Philharmonic, and the title role in Puccini’s?Suor Angelica?with Manhattan School of Music Opera Theater. Sasha was a recipient of the International Advisory Board Scholarship in MSM and of Colombia’s scholarship program Jóvenes Talentos of ICETEX. She has been a guest soloist with the Bogotá Philharmonic, the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph Orchestra, and the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra. As a recitalist, she is a two-time winner of Colombia’s most prestigious recital competition, Jóvenes Intérpretes.?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sasha founded The Opera Next Door, an independent opera company based in Brooklyn, with the mission of creating free opera productions in diverse, working-class New York neighborhoods. Musical America named her one of the Top 30 Professionals of the Year in 2021 for creating opportunities for fellow musicians during the pandemic.
Scott Thomas, Baritone
Scott Thomas M.M., an esteemed music educator and opera performer, is based in New York City. Specializing in piano, singing, and music theory, he teaches both young learners and adults, emphasizing creativity and technical prowess in his lessons. His operatic career spans numerous lead and principal roles across the United States, demonstrating his vocal versatility and stage presence. Additionally, Scott contributes to the opera community as a board member of the Opera Company of Brooklyn and a frequent guest artist at various colleges. These roles involve conducting masterclasses, performances, and workshops, enriching the next generation of musicians. Holding a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Vocal Music, Scott received seven scholarships and fellowships during his academic journey, reflecting his commitment in the field.
Predrag Vasi?, Music Director
Predrag Vasi? is a veteran staff member of the United Nations and a seasoned musician. Vasi? studied conducting at the Academy of Music of Belgrade, Serbia, and went on to become the youngest professional conductor in Yugoslavia. He has performed with many prominent orchestras of the region, including the Belgrade Philharmonic, the Symphony Orchestra of RTV Belgrade, the Symphony Orchestra of the Armed Forces of Yugoslavia, and the Zagreb Philharmonic. After leaving Belgrade to pursue a career with the UN, Vasi? continued to collaborate with the musical theatre?Pozori?te na Terazijama?as orchestrator and arranger. He works for the Department for Economic and Social Affairs.
The UNSRC Symphony Orchestra?
?The Symphony Orchestra of the UN Staff Recreation Council is an international ensemble of amateur musicians who work as UN civil servants, diplomats, and friends of the UN community. Hailing from 26 countries and counting, we represent various cultures and faiths who stand (more often, sit) together for diversity, equality, and the harmony that comes with mutual understanding.?The ensemble’s mission is, through music, to promote peace, friendship and cooperation between nations, respect for diversity and universality. By involving those who work in international organizations, the orchestra shows their engagement in these ideals.
Upcoming Events
13 March 2025 at 7:30pm
Featuring works by women composers
Guest conductors: Joséfa and Esperanza de Velázco (Mexico)
