Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Perez has been named a UNESCO Artist for Peace. According to a press release from the organization, Irina Bokova, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), cited Perez “as one of the most preeminent musicians of his generation” and said, “His distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences all over the world.”
UNESCO Artists for Peace, the release continued, “use their influence, charisma and prestige to help promote UNESCO’s message and programs. UNESCO works with these distinguished personalities in order to heighten public awareness regarding key development issues and to inform the public what our Organization’s action is in these fields.”
Perez received a Grammy nomination in 2011 for Best Instrumental Jazz Album.
The Danilo Perez Trio will be performing on November 30 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
He will also join pianists Chucho Valdez, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Egberto Gismonti in a program entitled “Voices from Latin America” on Dec. 4 at Carnegie Hall. Also, members of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela will introduce a new chamber work, composed by Perez and commissioned by Carnegie Hall. This concert is part of “My Time, My Music,” and will be performed at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 8.
