American Chamber Music Group, “Trio Chicago and Friends,” Begins Concert Tour in Ethiopia

November 15, 2007
No. 52/07

[U.S. Embassy, Addis Ababa] – Returning to Ethiopia for a fourth concert tour, “Trio Chicago and Friends” arrived in Addis Ababa on November 14 to launch their latest concert tour of Addis Ababa and Gondar.  As United States “Cultural Ambassadors,” the five American musicians will perform concerts at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence, the Addis Ababa Municipal Theatre, Gondar University, the Fasilidas Palace in Gondar, and conduct a master class for student musicians at the Yared Music School.

The group performed in Ethiopia in 2003, 2004, and 2005 performing the first-ever live concert by any Western musical group in Jimma.  On previous visits, they also performed in Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Adama, and Awassa.  Their concerts of American and Western classical music have also been enjoyed by audiences in Mali, Uganda, and Zambia, as well as Turkey, Vietnam, Laos, China, Venezuela, Cuba, and Belize, as well as many concerts throughout the United States.  Whether playing in concert halls, soccer stadiums, sports fields, or school auditoriums, Trio Chicago and Friends represent the best of American culture through a universal language understood by all – the language of music.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer recently recognized Trio Chicago and Friends for their “exceptional contributions and services to Cultural Diplomacy in Africa.”  Senator Barak Obama also hailed their contributions to international understanding when he wrote, “As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial that America show its best face to the world and Trio Chicago and Friends has exemplified what it means to be an ambassador.”

The five American “Cultural Ambassadors” arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan, where they just completed a successful concert tour, and will return to the United States at the conclusion of their program.

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