Sarah Brightman named UNESCO Artist for Peace
British performer Sarah Brightman, one of the world’s few artists to top both pop and classical music charts, has been named UNESCO Artist for Peace.
The British dancer, singer and actress has receive this distinction “in recognition of her commitment to humanitarian and charitable causes, her contribution, throughout her artistic career, to the promotion of cultural dialogue and the exchanges among cultures, and her dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization.”
UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationally-renowned personalities who use their influence and prestige to promote UNESCO’s message and programmes. UNESCO works with these distinguished personalities in order to heighten public awareness about development issues and the Organisation's programmes in these fields.
Ms Brightman was officially designated Artist for Peace by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova at a ceremony at the organisation’s Headquarters on 8 February.
A star of the musicals Cats and Phantom of the Opera, Sarah Brightman started her career as a dancer, going on to become a successful pop singer as well as an acclaimed classical performer. Ms Brightman has developed her own crossover style, combining different musical genres and traditions in albums such as Timeless, Eden, La Luna, and Harem. Her musical talent has won her more than 180 gold and platinum awards in more than 40 countries. She has achieved combined sales of more than 30 million CDs and DVDs.
UNESCO Artists for Peace are part of a network of ambassadors which helps to amplify UNESCO’s values and mission worldwide. Other categories include Goodwill Ambassadors, Special Envoys and Champions for Sport.
Other prominent UK Artists for Peace include Lauren Child, the children's book author and illustrator.
Written: 15/02/2012 , last modified: 15/02/2012
Sarah Brightman with UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova © UNESCO/Landry Rukingamubiri