World
Celebrating Global Unity Through Music at Carnegie Hall
Join us at Carnegie Hall as we celebrate global unity through the transformative power of music. Experience diverse cultures, inspiring performances, and the universal language of harmony that brings us all together.
Celebrating Music and Culture in New York Harbor
As the tour boat glided through the waters of New York Harbor, anticipation filled the air as 12-year-old Miranda Marín, a passionate violinist from Venezuela, turned to her friends gathered at the bow. With excitement bubbling over, she exclaimed, “We’re here!” as she pointed her camera towards the iconic crown of the Statue of Liberty. “Can you believe it?”
Miranda was not alone in her enthusiasm; she was part of a vibrant group of over 160 young musicians from the National Children’s Symphony of Venezuela, who had traveled to New York for an exhilarating week-long festival that culminated in a spectacular performance at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday. This festival, known as World Orchestra Week, brought together more than 700 student musicians from 38 different countries, including China, Nigeria, Germany, Afghanistan, Israel, Ukraine, and the United States.
When they weren’t immersed in practice sessions featuring masterpieces by Beethoven, Ginastera, or traditional folk music, these talented young artists explored the vibrant city of New York. Their adventures included:
- Exciting boat rides where they savored the skyline views.
- Bus tours that took them to iconic landmarks.
- Subway rides filled with laughter and camaraderie.
- Indulgent outings for classic New York pizza and delicious ice cream.
The Venezuelan musicians even hosted a lively dance party aboard the Circle Line cruise, where they also enjoyed playing a traditional card game called caída. Meanwhile, the Afghan students had the enriching experience of touring prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School and the United Nations, culminating their adventure with breathtaking views from the top of Rockefeller Center.
Leading the National Children’s Symphony was the illustrious conductor Gustavo Dudamel, renowned for his dedication to nurturing young talent. “This is the Venezuela that we want,” he declared passionately from the podium, embodying the spirit of unity and cultural celebration that marked this extraordinary musical journey.