UNESCO udpeger Danilo Perez især på baggrund af hans bestræbelser for at udbrede musik-programmer til børn, der lever i dyb armod i hjemlandet i Mellemamerika – kommer i selskab med bl.a. brasilianske Gilberto Gil.
PARIS, 19 November 2012 – The United Nations agency tasked with conserving and promoting humanity’s cultural heritage Monday announced its move to appoint renowned Panamanian pianist and jazz composer Danilo Pérez as an Artist for Peace for his efforts to promote music programmes for children living in extreme poverty in his Central american country.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said the designation of Mr. Pérez as an Artist for Peace is in appreciation of his work as President of the Danilo Pérez Foundation, as well as “his dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization.”
UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationally renowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to promote UNESCO’s message, according to the UN agency.
They include Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango, musician Gilberto Gil of Brazil, Portuguese actress and singer Maria de Medeiros, British singer Sarah Brightman and author Frankétienne of Haiti.
Mr. Pérez has influenced contemporary music through his distinctive Pan-American jazz, UNESCO noted.
In addition to his work providing outreach music programmes for children through his foundation, he directs the Berklee Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and is the Artistic Director for the Panama Jazz Festival.
Born in Panama, Danilo started his musical studies at just three years of age with his father, a bandleader and singer.
By age 10, he was studying the European classical piano repertoire at the National Conservatory in Panama. At age 12 he started working as a professional musician in salsa bands and composing and arranging for Latin American singers.
Danilo first attracted the spotlight as the youngest member of Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations Orchestra in 1989. Since the late ‘80s, he has toured and/or recorded with several jazz masters. Perez is also a prolific composer.
Perez’ philanthropic work started in the early 1980’s when he taught Latin American musicians, created festivals, outreach music programs, and helped open jazz departments in Latin American universities.
He later served as Cultural Ambassador for the Republic of Panama, Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF, where he started his work in the eradication of extreme poverty through outreach music programs in Panama City, Panama.
He has received numerous awards for his social work in Panama as well as internationally.
Kilde: FNs Nyhedstjeneste
