Geneva, Switzerland – To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela, UPF-Switzerland organized a concert at the University of Geneva on December 8, 2023. A Foundation active in interfaith work in Geneva and the university co-sponsored the event.
Distinguished guests from South Africa included Rev. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, and Amb. Mxolisi Nkosi, South African Ambassador to the UN in Geneva. After thanking UPF Vice President Michel Reymond for initiating the event, they each gave a profound testimony about "Madiba," the hero of their country who, after serving 27 years in prison, was elected president and led South Africa beyond apartheid.
Nearly 200 people enjoyed the virtuosity of Nikolay Khozyainov, a renowned Russian pianist, who gave a spirited performance of works by Rachmaninov, Chopin and Sibelius, as well as his own compositions. Following standing ovations, the "titan" returned to the stage three times to improvise tunes with breathtaking ardor and ease. The concert was followed by a buffet offered by a generous Ambassador of Peace.
For more information on the pianist, see his website at: www.nikolaykhozyainov.com, where you can subscribe to his mailing list, and his YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/@NikolayKhozyainov.
Photos: Kenneth Lam and Michel Reymond.