1. Good evening, dear friends!
Allow me to address you – my dear friends. It is for me a true honor that all of
you so swiftly and with great interest responded to this wonderful idea, which
was conceived only a few months ago.
You have to know that one of the most wonderful aspects of studying music is
learning all the world’s cultures through music and art. It is an unbelievable
journey through the creativeness power of Mankind and through the immense
cultural diversity of every Nation. But the truly amazing part of it, is realizing
how we all share the same values, dreams, aspirations; and how common the
feelings of sorrow, mercy or sadness are to all of us.
For myself personally, everyone should be born free, but it also carries
responsibilities, which are not that tough after all. Freedom, as love, needs
attention, care and nurture. Than, it grows strong and spreads widely. On the
other hand, if left without attention, it can become something that is taken for
granted and therefore with no value. Too many times in human history this
lesson was forgotten and led to terrible tragedies. Although we leave in a time
when there are few wars and conflicts in the world compared to the past, the
destructive power of the war machinery is far greater than ever before. It can
cause unthinkable damage!
Still, this destructive power of Man shares the same roots with its power of
creativity. People are emotional beings that think and not a rational beings
that feel. This is why it is so important to give people, all the time, messages
that show kindness, respect, tolerance and love. It will help focus their
emotional power to greatness and creativity.
You know, we shouldn’t forget that power and influence are measured, always
compared to someone else’s possibilities and it is therefore a very relative
thing! One way to stand against this is to give to those in need, especially to
those who will help create our future – our beautiful children!
Diplomats and artists should always work for goodness, understanding and
promoting cultures. This is why it is a great success we’ll be able to give this
message to people that we do work together for this cause and that every
culture, although small, is important for everyone!
So, let’s enjoy this evening and each other’s company. It is a true celebration
for everybody. We tried to encompass as much as songs from different
nations. Those who didn’t find its place in tonight’s concert, I truly hope they’ll
find it in the next year Diplomatic concert and that we will meet again.
To conclude, I’d really like to thank my whole team and everyone that
supported and will support this idea. You all are very good friends indeed. So,
thank you and may love and kindness be the main part of your lives.