Newsletter « Melody for Dialogue Among Civilizations Association

ASPEN INSTITUTE MEETING IN MOSCUT, OMAN

2011-11-26 to 2011-11-28

The President has accepted the invitation to speak at the meeting of
Creative Art Summit organized by Aspen Institute in Muscat Oman. She will
proceed immediately after to the first Regional Meeting on Water Management
organized by the Association in Nigeria in partnership with Africa
Leadership Forum and UNESCO. this meeting is scheduled for 30 November and 1
December 2011. For further detail see our “upcoming event” page in this web
site.

Shanghai,International Forum on Creative City and Industries

2011-10-26 to 2011-10-28

Shanghai

The President was invited by the Organizers of the International Forum to deliver the Opening Ceremony, the Opening Session and a substantive half an hour statement at the Forum on the importance of culture in the creative and design cities. A brief of this presentation is in the attached document (PPT).

Meeting In Shenzhen

Monday, October 24, 2011

Shenzhen

Meeting with the Director of Publicity Department and
attending the opening ceremony of the International Piano Competition Oct 24
-2011.

Humanity Photo Award: Kunming-China

2011-09-13 to 2011-09-17

Kunming, China

The global competition of professional photographers to capture cultural diversity in action were invited by Chinese Folklore Photographic Association in Kunming to which the President attended as a Guest of Honor.

Hangzhou Sept 2011

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hangzhou

President continued her negotiation with the leadership of Hangzhou Municipal Government for holding a Forum on Water related issue followed by a multicultural concert. At the same time she attended the opening ceremony of Hangzhou Leisure World Fair

Shenzhen the opening of Universiade International Games

Friday, August 12, 2011

Shenzhen, China

As part of UNESCO team, President attended the opening ceremony of the Universiade Games in Shenzhen, China. During this trip she also visited the Shenzhen concert Hall and the Shenzhen Orchestra and started a priliminary discussion on a possible concert to be organized by the Association next year in this city.

Eco-Forum Global, Guiyang, China

Friday, July 15, 2011

Guiyang, China

The President of the Association has been invited to deliver a statement at the Eco-Forum Global, Guiyang, China (EFG) on July 15. The topic chosen is “Future Cities: Transition to Green Development”. The main objectives of the Third EFG are:
- to create an interface for members to exchange information and experiences, practices and significant lesson learned
- to promote sustainable development with respect to environmental protection, harmonious relations between people and nature and environmental-friendly consumption and lifestyle
The meeting will take place from 15- 17 July 2011 and it is sponsored by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Peking University, the Guizhou Provincial Government in China, UNEP, UNESCO and other international organizations. Over 6000 spectators and 40 Chinese Mayors plus foreign dignitaries, artists and visionaries are expected to attend at these meetings.

No Peace without Women

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Paris, France

The KitSon (NGO Cohen Amir-Aslani and Associate) invited the President of MDACA as a Guest of Honor to speak on the above topic. The meeting was attended by a number of the Foundation’s Board Members and others. The President drew attention to differences between war and conflict and concluded that while there has so far been an acute absence of women representation at the top tables on war related negotiations but women have had a lasting impact on resolution of conflict by, inter-alia, providing education and raising awareness on human rights and the Rule of Law. A 65 minutes question and answer followed this and other presentations.

International Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Forum on “Peaceful use of outer – space for Science, Education and Culture”, organized by MDACA on the occasion of 50th anniversary of the first man flight around earth namely, Yuri Gagarin. The main objective of the day Forum was to create positive educational experiences that raises humanity’s collective hope for success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and inspires younger generations to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Some 9 Astronauts and 3 Astro –physicists spoke at the Forum and the Director-General of UNESCO delivered the closing statement.

Astro-Ballet, But not only…

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The President in her opening remarks said “Tonight’s program is a meditation on how the universal languages of science and music can harmoniously interact to underpin the importance of the peaceful use and exploration of space. While music itself has always played a role in introducing some levity to very complex and important missions, it has found itself a central role in communicating with distant stars and planets. On February 4, 2008, NASA broadcasted the first ever song directly into deep space towards the North Star, Polaris: Across the Universe by the Beatles not only to commemorate the various anniversaries that marked the day, but as a means to initiate a dialogue with universe itself. In that vain, tonight’s appropriately titled “Astro ballet” will give the audience here a glimpse into the artistic interpretation of science’s magnificent achievements. We will listen to compositions that incorporate the “sounds” of space with our more terrestrial music. The new composition by Andrew Kaiser premiered for this program and we are pleased to start our dialogue with Boerte group from Mongolia.”

This program was held at UNESCO in Paris. Our appreciation goes to a great number of donors including the Russian Government and its diplomatic mission at UNESCO, the United States Dipl mission at UNESCO, the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission and the Government of Nigeria, Egorov, Puginsky, Afanasiev & Partners, Access Industries and many others. Melody for Dialogue among Civilizations Association produced and organized the totality of the program under the patronage of the DG-UNESCO.

Sofya Gaydukova (russia)
Nicola Ayoub (USA)
Renata Zarirzyanova
Alexander Stremov
Alexander Mogitev
Dimitry Akimov
Olexandra Rudyk
Vassily Musikhin
Alexandra Sidorenko

Asian Games Concert: Music for Cultural Harmony

Monday, November 15, 2010

Rimski Korsakov “Scheherezade” – New interpretation
Location: Guangzhou Opera House – Guangzhou, China
Click here to download the full programme

This mega concert, designed and produced by the Melody for Dialogue Association, is sponsored by the City of Guangzhou on the occasion of the 16th Asian Games and will be used for the inauguration of the newly built Guangzhou Opera House. The Zaha Hadid designed Opera House is one of the most prestigious and sophisticated venues in Asia for music and performances. Over 50 dancers and musicians from 46 participating countries of the Games will showcase their intangible cultural heritage along with the music of Rimsky Korsakov. We are very proud to announce the participation of the Orchestra of Shenzhen (China) who will be led by Maestro Richard Boudharam (France) and Igor Valajnic (Croatia). The lead dancers are Shahrough and Sahar. See the attachedprogram brochure for a list of all of the other artists and please visit our facebook page for photos and other media from the event.

Eco Forum Guiyang 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Guiyang, China

The second Eco-Forum was convened on July 30-31, 2010 in Guiyang city to review the development of ecological civilization that seeks to promote stronger civil rights with respect to the environment, harmonious relations between people and nature and friendly consumption and behavior. Against this background, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Peking University, the Guiyang Municipal Committee of Communist Party of China initiated the Eco-Forum Guiyang (EFG) in 2009 in Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province in China which is both an ecological demonstrative city and a picturesque summer resort.

The objective of 2010 Forum was to review the implications of building a green economy, industrial, scientific, engineering and social Innovation, with strong emphasis on the use of alternative energy, new models of sustainable production, exchange of good practices and mobilization of all social resources and cultural trends.

Summit of the Heads of State of South-East Europe

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Istanbul, Turkey

The President of Melody for Dialogue Association attended the 8th Meeting of the Summit of the Heads of State of South-East Europe, UNESCO and the Council of Europe on 23 June 2010 in Istanbul (Turkey). The event was devoted to the theme “Music as a Metaphor of Cultural Dialogue in South-East Europe”, organized under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Abdullah Gül, the Director-General of UNESCO, Mrs. Irina Bokova, and the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Thorbjørn Jagland.

A meeting of experts from all the countries of the region preceded the meeting on “Music as metaphor of cultural dialogue” and finalized the Istanbul Declaration approved by the Heads of States and Governments. These experts focused on the role of music as a vehicle for peace and as a key element of region’s intangible heritage, testifying to the wealth of cultural diversity and mutual influences in the region

The Declaration” interalia , welcomed the focus of ?stanbul Summit on “Music as a Metaphor of Cultural Dialogue”, which highlights the role of music as an integral part of the intangible cultural heritage in South-East Europe as stipulated in the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), and which aims at celebrating the wealth of cultural diversity of the region and its mutual influences through music. Mme Irina Bokova the Director General of UNESCO in a letter to all 11 Heads of the States and Governments present at the meeting emphasized the importance of dialogue through music among civilizations and offered as a gift a set of videos produced by Melody Association since its inception.

?stanbul Declaration on “Music as a Metaphor of Cultural Dialogue in South-East Europe”

Melody Dialogue Book Promotion

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Mehri Madarshahi, the President of the Association during her trip to Geneva met with Mr Pagani, Mayor, Ville de Geneve and presented him with a copy of the book published on « Music as a catalyst for environmental awareness ». This book reflects the outcome of the Forum discussions on this topic with the participation of some 43 visionaries, scientists, musicians and media représentatives, held on 1 October 2009 in Geneva.

This book also was offered to the US representaives at the United Nations Mission in Geneva as well as to the Director-General of Cern and some media représentatives.

“Music as a Catalyst for Environmental Awareness”
Book published by UNESCO/Paris
Edited by Mehri Madarshahi

Proceedings of the meeting held on 1 Oct 2009 in English and French

Available for download here: Cost 7 Euro or US$ 10

Click for Table of Contents

UNESCO European Regional Commissions

June 4-6, 2010

London

President attended the UNESCO European régional commissions meeting which was held in London from 4-8 June. During the course of this meeting, copies of the book published by Melody as well as a sample of its concerts on DVDs were distributed among the participants.

Shanghai Expo

Week of 15-21 May 2010

The président attended the UNESCO week at Shanghai Expo and presented various DVDs produced by Melody Association for présentation at the UN Pavilion during the UNESCO week and beyond. These DVDs were watched by visitors to the Pavilion and a text about Melody’s activities in English and Chinese were distributed to a number of visitors. These programs were very much welcomed and appreciated by the
viewers.

Theme: Climate Change and Sustainable Water Management in Africa

November 30 and December 1, 2011

Lagos, Nigeria

In partnership with the African Leadership Forum (ALF)- Nigeria, Melody for Dialogue among Civilizations Association held a meeting for two days on 30 November and 1 December 2011 at Ota. Present [...]

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International Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Forum on “Peaceful use of outer – space for Science, Education and Culture”, organized by MDACA on the occasion of 50th anniversary of the first man flight around earth namely, [...]

Click for More

Astro-Ballet, But not only…

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The President in her opening remarks said “Tonight’s program is a meditation on how the universal languages of science and music can harmoniously interact to underpin the importance of the [...]

Click for More

Asian Games Concert: Music for Cultural Harmony

Monday, November 15, 2010

Rimski Korsakov “Scheherezade” – New interpretation Location: Guangzhou Opera House – Guangzhou, China Click here to download the full programme This mega concert, designed and produced by the Melody for [...]

Click for More

Eco Forum Guiyang 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Guiyang, China

The second Eco-Forum was convened on July 30-31, 2010 in Guiyang city to review the development of ecological civilization that seeks to promote stronger civil rights with respect to the [...]

Click for More

Blog Updates On Melody’s Water Conferences

Monday, October 10, 2011

Follow us on tumblr to stay up to date on conferences, interesting news surrounding the water crisis, and small blog style updates on the conferences. Please click here to visit our tumblr blog.

If you have any questions, you can email anoush@melodydialogue.org

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Theme: Water – A Key Challenge For Sustainable Development in Asia

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Hangzhou, China

The Asian regional meeting will be held in Hangzhou, China where the famous and newly anointed world heritage site, West Lake, is situated. It was chosen not only to host the Asian regional meeting, but a major multi-cultural concert on February 16, 2012 as well.

As we work to finalize our list of speakers for this important regional component, you can consult our agenda to see the thematic content for the meeting.

The agenda will be as follows: Hangzhou Agenda

Following the meeting, we are pleased to announce that Maestro Tan Dun will give us the honor of conducting a multicultural concert.

In continuing with the theme of our conferences, this concert will be a celebration of Water. In addition, the concert will feature a new interpretation of Vivaldi’s “La Tampesta del Mare” and a new composition by a French Composer. Details of this major concert will be announced soon.

As always, you can follow us on twitter @melodydialogue or visit our conference blog at melodydialogue.tumblr.com

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Water: The Global Challenge of Our Future (Forum)

March 23, 2012

New York, United States

On 23 March 2012, in partnership with the Center for Global Affairs at New York University, Northeastern University, HABITAT, Blue Legacy and others, MDACA will organize an international forum entitled “Water: The Global Challenge of our Future,” to reflect and discuss on the pressing issues such as water security, the role of women, and water as a human right, with prominent stakeholders from the private and public sector as well as academia. A number of short films and videos, interactive displays, data visualizations, and other material will enhance the understanding of the audience and participants. This meeting is open to PUBLIC. Students are welcome to participate in the debates.Lunch and coffee will be served at the conference premises.

twitter @melodydialogue or visit our conference blog at melodydialogue.tumblr.com
For detail of agenda and list of confirmed participants please click on the link below.

ATTENTION: LIMITED SPACE requires advance registration.
The agenda will be as follows: NYU Agenda
Contact for registration: anoush@melodydialogue.org
Deadline for registration: MARCH 21, 2012

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Water: The Global Challenge Of Our Future

November 2011- April 2015

Melody for Dialogue Among Civilizations Association (MDAC) and its partners are embarking on a series of multi-faceted concerts and forums around the world to underline the importance of the growing global challenge concerning the sustainability of fresh water. The first of this series took place in Lagos, Nigeria (31 Nov-1 Dec 2011) and the second regional rogram – Water: The Global Challenge of Our Future will take place in New York City on March 22 and 23, 2012.

North American Regional Event:

1) Multicultural Concert