On the picture from left to right: HRH Lalla Salma of Morocco (Morocco’s First Lady), HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, HRH Princess Ghida Al Talal of Jordan and HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.
Amongst the foreign royal guests attending the event were Her Royal Highness Lalla Salma of Morocco, the latter kingdom’s First Lady, who was in Qatar paying a private visit to Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. Lalla Salma participated in a plethora of other events, including a private tour of the Museum of Islamic Art led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Museums.
Lebanese-born, Jordanian princess, Ghida Al Talal, attended as well. She has served as Jordan King’s representative at the United Nations General Assembly’s High Level Meeting on non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands attended in her capacity as a member of the board of the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She is currently eighth and last in the line of succession to the Dutch throne, aunt to King Willem-Alexander, sister of former Queen Beatrix.
For more information:
http://www.mozabintnasser.qa/en/Pages/default.aspx
http://wish-qatar.org/about-wish/faqs
http://www.qf.org.qa/
WISH summit in Doha
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
Under the auspices of Qatar’s First Lady, Qatar Foundation’s Chair, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) took place in Doha 17-18 February 2015 at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The summit brought together more than 800 of the world’s leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and innovators in the global health industry to discuss the delivery affordable cancer care, dementia, diabetes, patient safety and well-being in children and young people, amongst other relevant issues.
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser is the mother of Qatar’s reigning Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, second wife of the Amir-Father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Chairperson for Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Her Highness is credited with overseeing the expansion of university education in Qatar, establishing the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and a state-of-the-art medical facility called Sidra.
Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser is Qatar’s face of a modern Arab woman. The lady is particularly committed to champion the cause of education globally. In fact, she started her own campaign, “Education For All”, with the aim of getting an extra 10 million children around the world into school. The cost of this campaign is estimated to be $1bn, a third of which Qatar shall meet. No less than half the country’s overseas aid budget is devoted to education, much of it in places that possess little strategic significance. In 2003, the sheikha was appointed UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education.
On the picture from left to right: HRH Lalla Salma of Morocco (Morocco’s First Lady), HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, HRH Princess Ghida Al Talal of Jordan and HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.
Amongst the foreign royal guests attending the event were Her Royal Highness Lalla Salma of Morocco, the latter kingdom’s First Lady, who was in Qatar paying a private visit to Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. Lalla Salma participated in a plethora of other events, including a private tour of the Museum of Islamic Art led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Museums.
Lebanese-born, Jordanian princess, Ghida Al Talal, attended as well. She has served as Jordan King’s representative at the United Nations General Assembly’s High Level Meeting on non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands attended in her capacity as a member of the board of the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She is currently eighth and last in the line of succession to the Dutch throne, aunt to King Willem-Alexander, sister of former Queen Beatrix.
For more information:
http://www.mozabintnasser.qa/en/Pages/default.aspx
http://wish-qatar.org/about-wish/faqs
http://www.qf.org.qa/
On the picture from left to right: HRH Lalla Salma of Morocco (Morocco’s First Lady), HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, HRH Princess Ghida Al Talal of Jordan and HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.
Amongst the foreign royal guests attending the event were Her Royal Highness Lalla Salma of Morocco, the latter kingdom’s First Lady, who was in Qatar paying a private visit to Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. Lalla Salma participated in a plethora of other events, including a private tour of the Museum of Islamic Art led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Museums.
Lebanese-born, Jordanian princess, Ghida Al Talal, attended as well. She has served as Jordan King’s representative at the United Nations General Assembly’s High Level Meeting on non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands attended in her capacity as a member of the board of the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She is currently eighth and last in the line of succession to the Dutch throne, aunt to King Willem-Alexander, sister of former Queen Beatrix.
For more information:
http://www.mozabintnasser.qa/en/Pages/default.aspx
http://wish-qatar.org/about-wish/faqs
http://www.qf.org.qa/
Celebration of the Day of Restoration of the Statehood of Lithuania
By Roy Lie.
On the occasion of the Day of Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence, H.E, Mr. Darius Jonas Semaska, Ambassador of Lithuania in The Hague celebrated this memorable day with a saxophone music concert and a painting exhibition.
Mr. Manvydas Pratkelis saxophone, Vitiates Straizys keyboard and Raimonda Griksaite painter.
The celebration took place at the Chancellery on Laan van Meerdrvoort The Hague.
In his welcome remarks Ambassador Semaska explained that actually Lithuania is in an extraordinary position, the country has 3 National Days:
16th February – Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania
11th March – Day of Re-establishment of the Independence of Lithuania.
6th July – Day of State (Coronation of King Mindaugas)
Ambassador Semaska quickly invited the musician to start the (Vilnius Jazz) concert.
The guests were entertained with popular pieces such as In a Sentimental mood by Duke Ellington, Au Privave by Charlie Parker and much more. Drinks and snacks were served after the performance. Guest had the opportunity to admire the paintings by Raimonda Griksaite.
The celebration took place at the Chancellery on Laan van Meerdrvoort The Hague.
In his welcome remarks Ambassador Semaska explained that actually Lithuania is in an extraordinary position, the country has 3 National Days:
16th February – Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania
11th March – Day of Re-establishment of the Independence of Lithuania.
6th July – Day of State (Coronation of King Mindaugas)
Ambassador Semaska quickly invited the musician to start the (Vilnius Jazz) concert.
The guests were entertained with popular pieces such as In a Sentimental mood by Duke Ellington, Au Privave by Charlie Parker and much more. Drinks and snacks were served after the performance. Guest had the opportunity to admire the paintings by Raimonda Griksaite.
“Small change, big difference”
From left to right. Linda Bakewel (Rooms Division Manager Hilton The Hague), Onno Maas (board member Ronald McDonald House Den Haag), Susanne Keulaerds (house manager Ronald McDonald House The Hague) and Jolijn Zeeuwen (Hotel Manager Hilton The Hague).
Guests Hilton The Hague donate € 1,250 to Ronald McDonald House Hague. The Hague, February 24, 2015 Hilton The Hague has handled over a cheque of 1,250€ to the Ronald McDonald House in The Hague. During the past three months, the hotel has collected donations from guests coming from all over the world, one euro donation per check-out. This is part of the Small Change, Big Difference ‘campaign from Hilton The Hague. The Ronald McDonald House in The Hague, supports parents with premature babies from the Juliana Children’s Hospital. “What a nice gesture! We are very pleased with the involvement of Hilton The Hague and her guests at our Ronald McDonald House”, said Susanne Keulaerds, house manager Ronald McDonald House The Hague. Ronald McDonald House Hague For more information: www.kinderfonds.nl/huis-den-haag/Lubanga case
Appeals Chamber to issue its judgment regarding the reparations for victims on 3 March 2015.
On 3 March 2015, at 11h30 (Hague local time), the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deliver, in open court, its judgment on the appeals against the Trial Chamber’s “decision establishing the principles and procedures to be applied to reparations” in the case against Thomas Lubanga Dyilo.
On 7 August 2012, Trial Chamber I decided, for the first time in proceedings at the ICC, on the principles that are to be applied to reparations for victims in the context of the case against Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, who was found guilty, on 14 March 2012, of the war crimes of enlisting and conscripting children under the age of 15 years and using them to participate actively in hostilities. He was sentenced on 10 July 2012 to a total of 14 years of imprisonment, and, on 1 December 2014, the Appeals Chamber confirmed, by majority, the verdict declaring Mr Lubanga guilty and the decision sentencing him to 14 years of imprisonment.
Trial Chamber I ordered that proposals for reparations, as advanced by the victims themselves, are to be collected by the Trust Fund for Victims and presented to a newly-constituted Trial Chamber I for approval, and reparations will then be implemented through the resources of the Trust Fund for Victims that are available for this purpose. The Legal Representatives of the victims, as well as Mr Lubanga, appealed the decision on reparations for victims.
Celebrating Sri Lanka’s 67th anniversary in The Hague.
On the occasion of the 67th National Day of Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Buddhi Keerthi Athauda, Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted a reception at his residence on February 19, 2015.
Head of diplomatic missions, representatives from international organizations and friends were the invitees of this well attended event.
For full photo-album please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/![16592017891_42b07b70c9_o[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/16592017891_42b07b70c9_o1.jpg?fit=335%2C400&ssl=1)
Sri Lanka has known a turbulent past; however, the country is enjoying a soaring economy. Sri Lanka’s relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands is reflected by cultural exchanges and an increasing bilateral trade.
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972; it was part of the Netherlands (1656-1797). Reminiscence of this epoch can still be found with Dutch names like; oliebol, burgers and a town called Leiden. Ambassador Keerthi Athauda was honored to showcase life music and Sri Lankan best cuisine.
Ambassador Athauda is leaving soon the Netherlands after brilliantly serving his country in the Netherlands since June 2011. The team of Diplomat Magazine wishes him all the best back home.
![16592017891_42b07b70c9_o[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/16592017891_42b07b70c9_o1.jpg?ssl=1)
Sri Lanka has known a turbulent past; however, the country is enjoying a soaring economy. Sri Lanka’s relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands is reflected by cultural exchanges and an increasing bilateral trade.
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972; it was part of the Netherlands (1656-1797). Reminiscence of this epoch can still be found with Dutch names like; oliebol, burgers and a town called Leiden. Ambassador Keerthi Athauda was honored to showcase life music and Sri Lankan best cuisine.
Ambassador Athauda is leaving soon the Netherlands after brilliantly serving his country in the Netherlands since June 2011. The team of Diplomat Magazine wishes him all the best back home.
Volvo Ocean Race Pit Stop in The Hague
By Catherine A. Dailey.
In just over four months, The Hague will host seven Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) teams during a three day “pit stop,” in the ninth and final leg of a grueling nine month and 38,739 nautical mile (Nm) ocean sailing event covering four oceans and 11 ports on five continents.
The twelfth edition of the Volvo Ocean Race opened in Alicante on October 11, 2014 and is now a little more than two weeks into Leg 4 of an approximate 10,000 Nm journey from Sanya (China) to Auckland, the “City of Sails.”
On June 19, the seven teams, including the Dutch “Team Brunel,” competing in the 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race, will sail into the harbor of Scheveningen during the colorful The Hague Volvo Ocean Race Festival (June 18, 19 and 20).
The announcement was made at the Worldhotel Bel Air earlier this month at a press conference held on Sunday, February 8. Special guest, Mr. Roy Heiner, an engineer, life long sailor and three times Volvo Ocean Race competitor briefly explained the race to invited guests and members of the press.
Heiner served as Technical Director aboard the winning “Team ABN AMRO” in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race and, since 1996, has directed “Team Heiner”, his sailing academy and “water sports” event organization based in Lelystad. Describing the race as the “Mt Everest” of sailing, Heiner further remarked that the Volvo Ocean Race is important as a source of inspiration for young people, whom, it is hoped, will develop an interest in sailing and the world of competitive water sports. Brunel, sponsor of the Dutch race team “Team Brunel,” is presenting the event.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is the official and preferred hotel partner during the event. Following the press conference, guests were treated to a Chinese inspired brunch in recognition of the February 8 start of Leg 4, Sanya to Auckland.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is providing accommodation to most of the members of the seven teams in the 2014-2015 VOR campaign before their final race to the finish in Gothenborg, Sweden.
“Sensational” is the only word to describe the announcement of the Volvo Ocean Race Festival The Hague. Karsten Klein, the city’s “Wethouder SEZH” (city economy, care and harbors) also spoke briefly at the press conference. His efforts, on behalf of the city, have been instrumental in welcoming the VOR teams to The Hague.
Klein, Frans Sluyters, the “founding father of the North Sea Regatta” and the team at Stichting North Sea Regatta, together with many other volunteers have been working closely with Brunel and the VOR management, to host the world’s most prestigious sailing event in our “international city on the sea” this June.
Diplomat Magazine readers are invited to follow the event by reviewing the three day program of events now posted at Brunel’s “Volvo Ocean Race Festival Den Haag” official website (www.oceanracefestivaldenhaag.com). The event is open to the public and most day activities are free of charge. Tickets for the evening concerts programs are on sale now and may be ordered in advanced via the event website.
It is a unique opportunity to experience a premier sail event and the festival will feature a sail simulator, dive tank, catamaran demos, kids academy, and much more. Some 100,000 visitors are expected to attend.
The Hr. Ms. Groningen, the Royal Dutch Navy’s SAR (search and rescue) and patrol ship will be in port and open to the public for visitation during the event.
16 nationalities are represented among the seven teams, including Dutch men and a woman on at least three boats. For the second time, an all women team will be among the teams competing.
A link to the official website for each of the seven teams can be found on the “Teams” page of the Volvo Ocean Race website (www.volvooceanrace.com).
A brilliant promotional film clip titled, “Ready to Race” produced for Team SCA, the all women team and posted on YouTube is especially inspiring. Readers may also enjoy watching the various virtual 360° tours of the new one design “Volvo Ocean 65” boat, by Farr Yacht Design, used for the first time in the 2014-2015 race, which can be viewed on Team SCA’s official and highly informative website.
Don’t miss the clever promotional film clip titled, “Just Another Day At The Office” (YouTube) to get in the ocean race spirit!
For a photo album, please click here:
The announcement was made at the Worldhotel Bel Air earlier this month at a press conference held on Sunday, February 8. Special guest, Mr. Roy Heiner, an engineer, life long sailor and three times Volvo Ocean Race competitor briefly explained the race to invited guests and members of the press.
Heiner served as Technical Director aboard the winning “Team ABN AMRO” in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race and, since 1996, has directed “Team Heiner”, his sailing academy and “water sports” event organization based in Lelystad. Describing the race as the “Mt Everest” of sailing, Heiner further remarked that the Volvo Ocean Race is important as a source of inspiration for young people, whom, it is hoped, will develop an interest in sailing and the world of competitive water sports. Brunel, sponsor of the Dutch race team “Team Brunel,” is presenting the event.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is the official and preferred hotel partner during the event. Following the press conference, guests were treated to a Chinese inspired brunch in recognition of the February 8 start of Leg 4, Sanya to Auckland.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is providing accommodation to most of the members of the seven teams in the 2014-2015 VOR campaign before their final race to the finish in Gothenborg, Sweden.
“Sensational” is the only word to describe the announcement of the Volvo Ocean Race Festival The Hague. Karsten Klein, the city’s “Wethouder SEZH” (city economy, care and harbors) also spoke briefly at the press conference. His efforts, on behalf of the city, have been instrumental in welcoming the VOR teams to The Hague.
Klein, Frans Sluyters, the “founding father of the North Sea Regatta” and the team at Stichting North Sea Regatta, together with many other volunteers have been working closely with Brunel and the VOR management, to host the world’s most prestigious sailing event in our “international city on the sea” this June.
Diplomat Magazine readers are invited to follow the event by reviewing the three day program of events now posted at Brunel’s “Volvo Ocean Race Festival Den Haag” official website (www.oceanracefestivaldenhaag.com). The event is open to the public and most day activities are free of charge. Tickets for the evening concerts programs are on sale now and may be ordered in advanced via the event website.
It is a unique opportunity to experience a premier sail event and the festival will feature a sail simulator, dive tank, catamaran demos, kids academy, and much more. Some 100,000 visitors are expected to attend.
The Hr. Ms. Groningen, the Royal Dutch Navy’s SAR (search and rescue) and patrol ship will be in port and open to the public for visitation during the event.
16 nationalities are represented among the seven teams, including Dutch men and a woman on at least three boats. For the second time, an all women team will be among the teams competing.
A link to the official website for each of the seven teams can be found on the “Teams” page of the Volvo Ocean Race website (www.volvooceanrace.com).
A brilliant promotional film clip titled, “Ready to Race” produced for Team SCA, the all women team and posted on YouTube is especially inspiring. Readers may also enjoy watching the various virtual 360° tours of the new one design “Volvo Ocean 65” boat, by Farr Yacht Design, used for the first time in the 2014-2015 race, which can be viewed on Team SCA’s official and highly informative website.
Don’t miss the clever promotional film clip titled, “Just Another Day At The Office” (YouTube) to get in the ocean race spirit!
For a photo album, please click here:
100 years of Bhutanese coverage in National Geographic
From the Office of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen of Bhutan.
On 17 February 2015, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen (Dragon Queen Consort of Bhutan) attended National Geographic Society’s celebration marking 100 years of coverage of Bhutan by its magazine.
Addressing the gathering, Her Majesty said that the essence of what was observed of Bhutan by the magazine a hundred years ago still remains. “In 1914, John Claude White’s fluent observations of our country, detailed in the April issue of the National Geographic Magazine,
unveiled the intricacies of our unfamiliar and mysterious land and people to the rest of the world,” Her Majesty said. “Bhutan has, across the century, made unique progress as a Nation. We have continually fortified the values of our traditions and cultural heritage.”
“Today, we move forward on the philosophy of “Gross National Happiness” and strive for sustainable development. We are bound by duty to ensure the resilience of our cultural values and our pristine natural environment, which remains indispensable in our pursuit of collective happiness. In Bhutan, we are always guided by our past; our rich traditions and culture, so fundamentally important for our future, binds us across time and generations.”
Her Majesty commended the National Geographic society for their noble efforts, since its inception in 1888, to explore and bring to light the human and physical geography of our world.
The National Geographic magazine in 1914 published an article in its April edition, written by John Claude White, a political officer of British-India stationed in Sikkim. Accompanied by fabulous images, the article, titled “Castles in the Air: Experiences and Journeys in Unknown Bhutan” documented White’s experiences in Bhutan, which he visited between 1905 to 1907. The coverage was historically significant, as it provided insights into Bhutan from a foreign perspective, and for the first time, presented images of a largely unknown Bhutan to the western world.
On 21 February 2015, The Gyaltsuen’s husband’s, His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, fêted his 35th birthday. India’s Prime Minister hail the monarch’s birthday through tweeter.
Later this year large celebrations are expected to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyapo, King-Father Jigme Singye Wangchuck who was born on 11 November 1955.
The National Geographic magazine in 1914 published an article in its April edition, written by John Claude White, a political officer of British-India stationed in Sikkim. Accompanied by fabulous images, the article, titled “Castles in the Air: Experiences and Journeys in Unknown Bhutan” documented White’s experiences in Bhutan, which he visited between 1905 to 1907. The coverage was historically significant, as it provided insights into Bhutan from a foreign perspective, and for the first time, presented images of a largely unknown Bhutan to the western world.
On 21 February 2015, The Gyaltsuen’s husband’s, His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, fêted his 35th birthday. India’s Prime Minister hail the monarch’s birthday through tweeter.
Later this year large celebrations are expected to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyapo, King-Father Jigme Singye Wangchuck who was born on 11 November 1955.
Chinese New Year celebration in Den Haag
By Buonamassa W.G.
With firework and parade in the centrum of The Hague, the Chinese Community in Den Haag celebrated the beginnig of the new year.
In the atrium of the Town Hall many artists and groups from China demonstrated on stage their high skill in dancing, singing and play traditional music.
Thousands followed the great parade and attended the show.
For more pictures, please open the link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157648643478414/
Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission in The Hague
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia inaugurated a Cultural Mission under the direction of Dr. Moneer M. AL-Otalbi, Cultural Attaché.
After a pioneering phase, the office was opened in October 2014. A sparkling cultural show at Louwman Museum marked the inauguration of the cultural mission. The mission is temporary located on Koninginnegracht The Hague. Later on it will relocate to a prestigious historical edifice on Alexanderstraat, in Den Haag.
The Saudi Arabian Cultural Missions are to administer programs and policies to meet the educational- and cultural needs of Saudis studying abroad. The missions also functions as the intermediary between the host countries educational institutions and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in issues pertaining to culture, education and science.
![images[5]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/images5.jpg?fit=259%2C194&ssl=1)
The mission in The Hague is part of the Saudi Embassy which is under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Abdulaziz A. Abohalmed. However in terms of administration, finance and student affairs, the mission is under the auspices of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education.
The vision and mission of the cultural bureau is none political. The focusing is on education, academics, cultural and education exchange schemes between the two Kingdoms. Also looking after the 500 plus Saudi students in the Netherlands. Many students have chosen medicine. The aim is to get a more diverse lot including technical and other majors.
Exchange programs for (research) professors, lecturers will be put in place to further the cooperation between universities.
Saudi students are to be found mainly in Maastricht and Groningen. The bureau is encouraging student to also opt for other universities such as Rotterdam, Leiden and Nyenrode. Saudi students should were possible benefit fully from the advance level of the Dutch in certain domains. Dr. Moneer M. Al-Otabi is grateful for the support he is receiving and hopes to receive from Dutch institutions. He stated ‘education is the cement in a good relationship between nations’
The Dutch Ambassador in Ryadd, H.E. Mr. Laurens Westhoff, paid a courtesy visit to the Cultural Mission a few weeks ago, Ambassador Westhoff was in The Hague for the biannual meeting of heads of missions.
![images[5]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/images5.jpg?ssl=1)
The mission in The Hague is part of the Saudi Embassy which is under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Abdulaziz A. Abohalmed. However in terms of administration, finance and student affairs, the mission is under the auspices of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education.
The vision and mission of the cultural bureau is none political. The focusing is on education, academics, cultural and education exchange schemes between the two Kingdoms. Also looking after the 500 plus Saudi students in the Netherlands. Many students have chosen medicine. The aim is to get a more diverse lot including technical and other majors.
Exchange programs for (research) professors, lecturers will be put in place to further the cooperation between universities.
Saudi students are to be found mainly in Maastricht and Groningen. The bureau is encouraging student to also opt for other universities such as Rotterdam, Leiden and Nyenrode. Saudi students should were possible benefit fully from the advance level of the Dutch in certain domains. Dr. Moneer M. Al-Otabi is grateful for the support he is receiving and hopes to receive from Dutch institutions. He stated ‘education is the cement in a good relationship between nations’
The Dutch Ambassador in Ryadd, H.E. Mr. Laurens Westhoff, paid a courtesy visit to the Cultural Mission a few weeks ago, Ambassador Westhoff was in The Hague for the biannual meeting of heads of missions.
Japanese songs for soprano and piano
Special concert of traditional and new melodies.
After Japan had opened its door to Western influences in the second half of the 19th century, a new repertoire of arrangements of traditional songs came about.
In the same way Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály was inspired by folk music and arranged it beautifully for modern concert practice, Japanese composers such as Kosaku / Kósçak Yamada (1886-1965), Yoshinao Nakada (1923-2000) and Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996) have done the same with their heritage.
Quite a few of these beautiful songs are favorites of the Japanese people to this day. The tradition is blooming with young musicians like Masakazu Yamamoto (1975-) continuously adding to the repertoire. He is the pianist during this concert in which he accompanies soprano Seika Kawaguchi in a programme that includes among many other wonderful pieces a setting of the world famous song Sakura ‘cherry blossom’.
This repertoire is not performed often in the West and the excellent musicians are a guarantee for a very special musical experience.
Seika Kawaguchi – soprano
Masakazu Yamamoto – piano
Programme:
Works by Kósçak Yamada, Yoshinao Nakada, Toru Takemitsu and Masakazu Yamamoto
————————————————————–
Data & time
Friday, 6 maart 2015
20:15
Location
Haagse Kunstkring
Denneweg 64, Den Haag
Entree
10 euro / 5 euro for student
Info & reservation
06-12534707 or japansliedconcert@gmail.com