A Legacy of Music
The latest from Hollywood on the Potomac.
“I promised myself I’m not going to get emotional and here I am with this introduction and I’m very emotional,” said Aniko Gaal Schott after being praised by the hosts of the Young Concert Artists Gala at The Embassy of Turkey. “Mr. Ambassador, once again, thank you so much for your passion for being a valued member of our culture bridging into our Washington community. It’s always very meaningful when Ambassadors open their hearts and their Presidents to this wonderful organization and to every single person here, thank you for your presence.”
“I cannot tell you how truly meaningful it is to have all of you here today,” she added. “And it is truly humbling to be honored by this wonderful organization. For many years like you, I have worked to contribute as much as I could for this wonderful organization whose purpose is very noble. As you have heard, it seeks to find talented artists, musicians brought over from wherever they may be. They find them, nurture them and let them shine on the world stage to launch their career. I have always believed that to be part of this organization make all of us richer and better for having done so over 25 years, I have formed wonderful friendships with you. I will always carry this inspirational moment in my heart. Thank you so much for your recognition and for this wonderful evening that I feel I will always carry in my heart. And last but not least, that I extend a thank you to my husband.”
Under the Gracious Patronage of The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye His Excellency Sedat Önal and Mrs.Figen Önal, Shahin Mafi, Gala Chair and the Washington Board of Young Concert Artists the evening honored Aniko or her dedication to the YCA.
“This is a wonderful crowd. We are so delighted that you are here with us this evening. I’m Daniel Kellogg, president of Young Concert Artists and it is a joy to welcome you to the 46th Annual Washington Gala. It’s a true pleasure to gather with all of you this evening at the magnificent residence of The Ambassador of Turkey and we extend our deepest gratitude to his Excellency, Sedat Önaland Mrs Figan Önal and their dedicated staff for their generous hospitality and for hosting this event.”
“It’s real pleasure to be able to collaborate with Young Concert Artists platform,” said Ambassador Önal. “We really believe in the mission of this institution and we are ready to do whatever we can to support it.. I already talked to some of our guests that this house, this residence, also has a legacy about music. It is not classical music, but it is jazz music because the son of the second Ambassador here turned out to be Ahmet Ertegun who founded Atlantic Records and was instrumental in the discovery of many famous jazz musicians here in America – Ray Charles, Duke Ellington and others. And you may noticed there is actually a movie about Ray Charles in which there is also a part for Ahmet. So we are proud of this legacy because not only for how it contributed to music, but this was a time when there was also some tendencies for segregation. And this was a house for inclusively welcoming everybody from each and every cultural background. And it remains as such. Music is a language, is a universal language that I think transcends not only borders, but also space and time. They play maybe more significant and important and lasting mission that we may have as diplomats when it comes to connecting cultures, nations and creating empathy between different cultures and nations. So with these things in mind, I would like to again welcome you all and wish you to have an enjoyable evening.
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