.
Storm clouds have been hovering all over the world, continued tensions in Ukraine, fear of ISIS in the middle east and the nuisance of Boko Haram making life hellish in northern Nigeria and neighboring countries. In the glass half-empty corner of the mind, pessimism won’t yield a centimeter. But in the glass-half full ninety nine yards of the football field, optimists are scoring touch downs on top of home runs - and innumerable sixers, if you are into diplomatic cricket.
Propitiously in Washington on April 1 the Embassy Series – a musical diplomacy program – presented a stunning performance by renowned pianist Vassily Primakov at the Russian Ambassador’s residence.
The artist’s renditions of famous compositions by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff brought the distinguished audience to its feet several times during the evening. The music lubricated the conversations which included an appreciation for the rich heritage of the Russian culture and the commonalities that exist between two nations that have been strategic partners and often on the same side of the struggles through history.
The dangers of diplomatic breakdowns and the horrible ensuing outcomes can be best narrated by those who have themselves have been on the receiving end of violent aggression. The tragic bombings in Brussels on February 22nd, 2016 remind us of what Belgium went through in the last century. A reminder of these struggles and sufferings when hostilities were unleashed on Belgium and its people was through two moving performances “People in the Great War” featuring Tine Ruysschaert, Bart Cafmeyer, Arnold Sercu on April 7, 2016 at the Ambassador Johan Verbeke’s residence.
From the Embassy’s Facebook page one learns that, “it’s not about winners and losers, it’s about simple people and about all the silent tears, and about everything you don’t understand when there is a war.”
Switzerland as a country epitomizes diplomacy and coincidentally on April 7, 2016, the Embassy hosted a musical event featuring famous pianist Olivier Cavé who treated the audience about music diplomacy through European history.
In April 2016, Ambassador Martin Dahinden accompanied a US Congressional Delegation to Switzerland and supported an “international dialogue to prevent violent extremism.” Following Ambassador Dahinden’s tweets in during the month was like seeing diplomatic showers illuminate the iPhone screen and the open minds.
Then came the remembrance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, marked by an elegant diplomatic event at the Polish Embassy on April 19, 2016. A diverse and large audience, representing many countries and faiths, overflowed into a number of rooms and in the hallways. Members of this eclectic audience from many walks of life came together to both remember and be a part of history.
The program was jointly sponsored by the Polish Embassy and the Embassy Series, and through the help of Philanthropic organizations - Harvey M. Meyerhoff and Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundations as well as generous donors like famous rocket scientist Dr. John Dassoulous, Ms. Judith Ramage and Dr. Leslie Fenton & Mrs. Barbara Fenton. Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Ziółkowski’s participation in this event underscored the commitment of Poland to keep the memories of the heroes alive. H.E. Ryszard Schnepf, Ambassador of Poland provided an emotional connection through his brief remarks.
Participants could feel the diplomatic enthusiasm of the Polish Embassy staff who greeted everyone as they stepped foot in the Embassy compound. Beautiful “Daffodils of memory” created on paper lay on the table. Daffodils were slater seen on lapels and chest of the participants - mostly of Jewish ancestry and many adherents of Catholicism and other Christian denominations but also of Muslim and other faiths. Among the participants were the distinguished Humphrey Fellows from many countries, under a program sponsored by US Department of State.
Dr. Stephen Kent, Bolek and Zosia Brodecki – survivors of the Holocaust – lit the seven (7) branched menorah. And then memorable evening which did not want to end began with the memorial prayer (Kaddish) led by Jerome Barry.
Dariusz Skoraczewski and Michael Sheppard delivered an amazing performance on the musical compositions of Max Bruch and Fryderyk Chopin to honor the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising.
An artful presentation of the book on Mark Edelman by Witold Bereś and Krzysztof Burnetko educated the audience with “a rare insight into the mind of a complex man whose life was marked by both Nazism and Communism.” Edelman was a hero of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, a political activist, a cardiologist, and most of all a humanist whose work and personality came alive through the gestures and carefully crafted words of Bereś and Burnetko.
April ended with two amazing programs “In pursuit of Gods and Goddesses” - tales of Fieldwork Chasing Temples and Images - and “Colors of Breath” - a Meditative Thematic Music Recital – were presented at the Indian Embassy.
About the presentation on the pursuit of deities, Dr. Namajeet Ahluwalia, National Institutes of Health researcher, wrote “What a beautiful journey Dr. Dahejia took us upon this balmy night, and what a prophecy she left us all with: awe-inspired to follow one’s passion with no holds barred!”
So with sweet diplomatic April showers – like the Daffodils at the Polish Embassy and the superb sounds of the piano at the Russian Ambassador’s residence, will May spring flowers? Doesn’t hope spring eternal? What say you optimistic diplomats?
Photo credit: All photos courtesy of the author.
The artist’s renditions of famous compositions by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff brought the distinguished audience to its feet several times during the evening. The music lubricated the conversations which included an appreciation for the rich heritage of the Russian culture and the commonalities that exist between two nations that have been strategic partners and often on the same side of the struggles through history.
The dangers of diplomatic breakdowns and the horrible ensuing outcomes can be best narrated by those who have themselves have been on the receiving end of violent aggression. The tragic bombings in Brussels on February 22nd, 2016 remind us of what Belgium went through in the last century. A reminder of these struggles and sufferings when hostilities were unleashed on Belgium and its people was through two moving performances “People in the Great War” featuring Tine Ruysschaert, Bart Cafmeyer, Arnold Sercu on April 7, 2016 at the Ambassador Johan Verbeke’s residence.
From the Embassy’s Facebook page one learns that, “it’s not about winners and losers, it’s about simple people and about all the silent tears, and about everything you don’t understand when there is a war.”
Switzerland as a country epitomizes diplomacy and coincidentally on April 7, 2016, the Embassy hosted a musical event featuring famous pianist Olivier Cavé who treated the audience about music diplomacy through European history.
In April 2016, Ambassador Martin Dahinden accompanied a US Congressional Delegation to Switzerland and supported an “international dialogue to prevent violent extremism.” Following Ambassador Dahinden’s tweets in during the month was like seeing diplomatic showers illuminate the iPhone screen and the open minds.
Then came the remembrance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, marked by an elegant diplomatic event at the Polish Embassy on April 19, 2016. A diverse and large audience, representing many countries and faiths, overflowed into a number of rooms and in the hallways. Members of this eclectic audience from many walks of life came together to both remember and be a part of history.
The program was jointly sponsored by the Polish Embassy and the Embassy Series, and through the help of Philanthropic organizations - Harvey M. Meyerhoff and Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundations as well as generous donors like famous rocket scientist Dr. John Dassoulous, Ms. Judith Ramage and Dr. Leslie Fenton & Mrs. Barbara Fenton. Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Ziółkowski’s participation in this event underscored the commitment of Poland to keep the memories of the heroes alive. H.E. Ryszard Schnepf, Ambassador of Poland provided an emotional connection through his brief remarks.
Participants could feel the diplomatic enthusiasm of the Polish Embassy staff who greeted everyone as they stepped foot in the Embassy compound. Beautiful “Daffodils of memory” created on paper lay on the table. Daffodils were slater seen on lapels and chest of the participants - mostly of Jewish ancestry and many adherents of Catholicism and other Christian denominations but also of Muslim and other faiths. Among the participants were the distinguished Humphrey Fellows from many countries, under a program sponsored by US Department of State.
Dr. Stephen Kent, Bolek and Zosia Brodecki – survivors of the Holocaust – lit the seven (7) branched menorah. And then memorable evening which did not want to end began with the memorial prayer (Kaddish) led by Jerome Barry.
Dariusz Skoraczewski and Michael Sheppard delivered an amazing performance on the musical compositions of Max Bruch and Fryderyk Chopin to honor the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising.
An artful presentation of the book on Mark Edelman by Witold Bereś and Krzysztof Burnetko educated the audience with “a rare insight into the mind of a complex man whose life was marked by both Nazism and Communism.” Edelman was a hero of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, a political activist, a cardiologist, and most of all a humanist whose work and personality came alive through the gestures and carefully crafted words of Bereś and Burnetko.
April ended with two amazing programs “In pursuit of Gods and Goddesses” - tales of Fieldwork Chasing Temples and Images - and “Colors of Breath” - a Meditative Thematic Music Recital – were presented at the Indian Embassy.
About the presentation on the pursuit of deities, Dr. Namajeet Ahluwalia, National Institutes of Health researcher, wrote “What a beautiful journey Dr. Dahejia took us upon this balmy night, and what a prophecy she left us all with: awe-inspired to follow one’s passion with no holds barred!”
So with sweet diplomatic April showers – like the Daffodils at the Polish Embassy and the superb sounds of the piano at the Russian Ambassador’s residence, will May spring flowers? Doesn’t hope spring eternal? What say you optimistic diplomats?
Photo credit: All photos courtesy of the author.The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
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Diplomatic April Showers in Washington
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May 16, 2016
Storm clouds have been hovering all over the world, continued tensions in Ukraine, fear of ISIS in the middle east and the nuisance of Boko Haram making life hellish in northern Nigeria and neighboring countries. In the glass half-empty corner of the mind, pessimism won’t yield a centimeter. But in the glass-half full ninety nine yards of the football field, optimists are scoring touch downs on top of home runs - and innumerable sixers, if you are into diplomatic cricket.
Propitiously in Washington on April 1 the Embassy Series – a musical diplomacy program – presented a stunning performance by renowned pianist Vassily Primakov at the Russian Ambassador’s residence.
The artist’s renditions of famous compositions by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff brought the distinguished audience to its feet several times during the evening. The music lubricated the conversations which included an appreciation for the rich heritage of the Russian culture and the commonalities that exist between two nations that have been strategic partners and often on the same side of the struggles through history.
The dangers of diplomatic breakdowns and the horrible ensuing outcomes can be best narrated by those who have themselves have been on the receiving end of violent aggression. The tragic bombings in Brussels on February 22nd, 2016 remind us of what Belgium went through in the last century. A reminder of these struggles and sufferings when hostilities were unleashed on Belgium and its people was through two moving performances “People in the Great War” featuring Tine Ruysschaert, Bart Cafmeyer, Arnold Sercu on April 7, 2016 at the Ambassador Johan Verbeke’s residence.
From the Embassy’s Facebook page one learns that, “it’s not about winners and losers, it’s about simple people and about all the silent tears, and about everything you don’t understand when there is a war.”
Switzerland as a country epitomizes diplomacy and coincidentally on April 7, 2016, the Embassy hosted a musical event featuring famous pianist Olivier Cavé who treated the audience about music diplomacy through European history.
In April 2016, Ambassador Martin Dahinden accompanied a US Congressional Delegation to Switzerland and supported an “international dialogue to prevent violent extremism.” Following Ambassador Dahinden’s tweets in during the month was like seeing diplomatic showers illuminate the iPhone screen and the open minds.
Then came the remembrance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, marked by an elegant diplomatic event at the Polish Embassy on April 19, 2016. A diverse and large audience, representing many countries and faiths, overflowed into a number of rooms and in the hallways. Members of this eclectic audience from many walks of life came together to both remember and be a part of history.
The program was jointly sponsored by the Polish Embassy and the Embassy Series, and through the help of Philanthropic organizations - Harvey M. Meyerhoff and Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundations as well as generous donors like famous rocket scientist Dr. John Dassoulous, Ms. Judith Ramage and Dr. Leslie Fenton & Mrs. Barbara Fenton. Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Ziółkowski’s participation in this event underscored the commitment of Poland to keep the memories of the heroes alive. H.E. Ryszard Schnepf, Ambassador of Poland provided an emotional connection through his brief remarks.
Participants could feel the diplomatic enthusiasm of the Polish Embassy staff who greeted everyone as they stepped foot in the Embassy compound. Beautiful “Daffodils of memory” created on paper lay on the table. Daffodils were slater seen on lapels and chest of the participants - mostly of Jewish ancestry and many adherents of Catholicism and other Christian denominations but also of Muslim and other faiths. Among the participants were the distinguished Humphrey Fellows from many countries, under a program sponsored by US Department of State.
Dr. Stephen Kent, Bolek and Zosia Brodecki – survivors of the Holocaust – lit the seven (7) branched menorah. And then memorable evening which did not want to end began with the memorial prayer (Kaddish) led by Jerome Barry.
Dariusz Skoraczewski and Michael Sheppard delivered an amazing performance on the musical compositions of Max Bruch and Fryderyk Chopin to honor the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising.
An artful presentation of the book on Mark Edelman by Witold Bereś and Krzysztof Burnetko educated the audience with “a rare insight into the mind of a complex man whose life was marked by both Nazism and Communism.” Edelman was a hero of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, a political activist, a cardiologist, and most of all a humanist whose work and personality came alive through the gestures and carefully crafted words of Bereś and Burnetko.
April ended with two amazing programs “In pursuit of Gods and Goddesses” - tales of Fieldwork Chasing Temples and Images - and “Colors of Breath” - a Meditative Thematic Music Recital – were presented at the Indian Embassy.
About the presentation on the pursuit of deities, Dr. Namajeet Ahluwalia, National Institutes of Health researcher, wrote “What a beautiful journey Dr. Dahejia took us upon this balmy night, and what a prophecy she left us all with: awe-inspired to follow one’s passion with no holds barred!”
So with sweet diplomatic April showers – like the Daffodils at the Polish Embassy and the superb sounds of the piano at the Russian Ambassador’s residence, will May spring flowers? Doesn’t hope spring eternal? What say you optimistic diplomats?
Photo credit: All photos courtesy of the author.
The artist’s renditions of famous compositions by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff brought the distinguished audience to its feet several times during the evening. The music lubricated the conversations which included an appreciation for the rich heritage of the Russian culture and the commonalities that exist between two nations that have been strategic partners and often on the same side of the struggles through history.
The dangers of diplomatic breakdowns and the horrible ensuing outcomes can be best narrated by those who have themselves have been on the receiving end of violent aggression. The tragic bombings in Brussels on February 22nd, 2016 remind us of what Belgium went through in the last century. A reminder of these struggles and sufferings when hostilities were unleashed on Belgium and its people was through two moving performances “People in the Great War” featuring Tine Ruysschaert, Bart Cafmeyer, Arnold Sercu on April 7, 2016 at the Ambassador Johan Verbeke’s residence.
From the Embassy’s Facebook page one learns that, “it’s not about winners and losers, it’s about simple people and about all the silent tears, and about everything you don’t understand when there is a war.”
Switzerland as a country epitomizes diplomacy and coincidentally on April 7, 2016, the Embassy hosted a musical event featuring famous pianist Olivier Cavé who treated the audience about music diplomacy through European history.
In April 2016, Ambassador Martin Dahinden accompanied a US Congressional Delegation to Switzerland and supported an “international dialogue to prevent violent extremism.” Following Ambassador Dahinden’s tweets in during the month was like seeing diplomatic showers illuminate the iPhone screen and the open minds.
Then came the remembrance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, marked by an elegant diplomatic event at the Polish Embassy on April 19, 2016. A diverse and large audience, representing many countries and faiths, overflowed into a number of rooms and in the hallways. Members of this eclectic audience from many walks of life came together to both remember and be a part of history.
The program was jointly sponsored by the Polish Embassy and the Embassy Series, and through the help of Philanthropic organizations - Harvey M. Meyerhoff and Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundations as well as generous donors like famous rocket scientist Dr. John Dassoulous, Ms. Judith Ramage and Dr. Leslie Fenton & Mrs. Barbara Fenton. Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Ziółkowski’s participation in this event underscored the commitment of Poland to keep the memories of the heroes alive. H.E. Ryszard Schnepf, Ambassador of Poland provided an emotional connection through his brief remarks.
Participants could feel the diplomatic enthusiasm of the Polish Embassy staff who greeted everyone as they stepped foot in the Embassy compound. Beautiful “Daffodils of memory” created on paper lay on the table. Daffodils were slater seen on lapels and chest of the participants - mostly of Jewish ancestry and many adherents of Catholicism and other Christian denominations but also of Muslim and other faiths. Among the participants were the distinguished Humphrey Fellows from many countries, under a program sponsored by US Department of State.
Dr. Stephen Kent, Bolek and Zosia Brodecki – survivors of the Holocaust – lit the seven (7) branched menorah. And then memorable evening which did not want to end began with the memorial prayer (Kaddish) led by Jerome Barry.
Dariusz Skoraczewski and Michael Sheppard delivered an amazing performance on the musical compositions of Max Bruch and Fryderyk Chopin to honor the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising.
An artful presentation of the book on Mark Edelman by Witold Bereś and Krzysztof Burnetko educated the audience with “a rare insight into the mind of a complex man whose life was marked by both Nazism and Communism.” Edelman was a hero of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, a political activist, a cardiologist, and most of all a humanist whose work and personality came alive through the gestures and carefully crafted words of Bereś and Burnetko.
April ended with two amazing programs “In pursuit of Gods and Goddesses” - tales of Fieldwork Chasing Temples and Images - and “Colors of Breath” - a Meditative Thematic Music Recital – were presented at the Indian Embassy.
About the presentation on the pursuit of deities, Dr. Namajeet Ahluwalia, National Institutes of Health researcher, wrote “What a beautiful journey Dr. Dahejia took us upon this balmy night, and what a prophecy she left us all with: awe-inspired to follow one’s passion with no holds barred!”
So with sweet diplomatic April showers – like the Daffodils at the Polish Embassy and the superb sounds of the piano at the Russian Ambassador’s residence, will May spring flowers? Doesn’t hope spring eternal? What say you optimistic diplomats?
Photo credit: All photos courtesy of the author.The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
