Scheherezade – Rimsky-Khorsakov but not only ...

Asian Games Concert: Music for Cultural Harmony

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

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

"Scheherazade" 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 culminated 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, was 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 was sponsored by the Guangdong Automobile Group (GAG) and 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 was made possible with the generous support of their respective governments.