On December 5, the Salvation Army in New York hosted a delightful holiday concert, presenting four singing Ambassadors. Little did anyone know that it would fall on the day one of the most revered men who symbolized unity and freedom would pass away. The news of Nelson Mandela’s death grieves us all. It made the concert even more meaningful, as he had committed his life to fighting for freedom and peace, which were precisely the messages that the Ambassadors promoted.
The Ambassadors who sang were:
- Her Excellency Ambassador Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN
- His Excellency Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski, Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN
- His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Pedro Monteiro Lima, Permanent Representative of Cabo Verde to the UN
- His Excellency Ambassador Eduardo Ulibarri, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN
Her Excellency Simona-Mirela Miculescu, the originator of the group, cheerfully introduced the group as “The best singers among Ambassadors, and the best Ambassadors among singers,” and they began to sing.
Though the program was originally scheduled for three songs, the Ambassadors performed two more songs as tribute to Nelson Mandela. The songs performed were “Imagine,” “Paix Sur La Terre,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “Heal the World” – all influential songs that sent forth messages of peace. The Ambassadors’ performance, conveying messages of unity through music, was refreshing and uplifting. It provided a time of reflection where the lyrics of each song resonated in our hearts.
Imagine all the people
Living in peace
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one.
- John Lennon
Check out their musical witness for peace.