Designation ceremony of Herman Makarenko as a UNESCO Artist for Peace

The Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova will designate the distinguished Ukrainian conductor Herman Makarenko as a UNESCO Artist for Peace. This title will be bestowed in recognition of his commitment to promote music as a vehicle for dialogue and mutual understanding among people, his contribution to peace and tolerance, notably through the performances of the Kyiv-Classic Orchestra, and his profound commitment to the ideals and aims of the Organization.

After the ceremony, Mr Makarenko will conduct a live performance with the Kyiv Classic orchestra
Born in Ukraine, Herman Makarenko is a conductor of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine named after Taras Shevchenko, the chief conductor and artistic director of «Kyiv-Classic» Orchestra, People's Artist of Ukraine, PhD, Doctor of Arts, Professor, Ambassador of the Ukrainian culture.

He has toured with concerts around the world: Belgium, Vatican City, Iran, Italy, Canada, Cyprus, Macedonia, Russia, Slovakia, Serbia, Slovakia, United States, France, Croatia, Czech Republic and others.

Author of monographs – «Music and Philosophy: Schopenhauer, Wagner, Nietzsche», «The Conductor's Creative Work: the Dimensions of Aesthetics and Art History» and a manual for students in higher education.

Introducing to the cultures of different countries of the world, bridges of cooperation and understanding between different peoples in the works of Maestro Makarenko is implemented through a large repertoire, which includes both folk music and works of professional composers of Africa, North and South America, Asia, Australia and Eurasia.

One of the major achievements of conductor Herman Makarenko was the creation of concerts, dedicated to the 65th and 60th anniversaries of the United Nations - "Music of all continents", which through the universal language of music, understandable for everyone regardless of age, race, sex, language, religion, have clearly demonstrated and implemented the basic ideals of UNESCO - the promoting of mutual understanding between the peoples, aspiration for good and tolerance.

The next 70th UN anniversary was marked with "Music for Peace" concert, which through the creative work of children and young artists attracted attention and emphasized the basic principle of the UN and UNESCO - intention for peace in Ukraine and worldwide.

For significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian culture, promotion of musical-performing and domestic art in the world, Herman Makarenko received a high title - the "Ambassador of Ukrainian Culture".