The 147th IPU Assembly opened on 23 October 2023 in Luanda, Angola, with the inaugural performance of the new IPU anthem.
The anthem was performed by the Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra, an Angolan orchestra made up of teenagers from vulnerable families, in the presence of the Angolan President João Lourenço, dozens of Speakers of Parliament and hundreds of lawmakers from some 120 countries.
Outgoing IPU President, Duarte Pacheco, said: “When I was elected President of the IPU, nearly three years ago, I had many ambitions: to see the end of the COVID-19 pandemic; to live in a safer, greener, more peaceful and equal world; and perhaps most importantly to find moments that bring us together as a global community. Through the universal language of music, in this moment of tension around the world, let us pause and reflect on what binds us together rather than on what divides us. Through the new IPU anthem, let us come together in harmony, rather than fight over our differences.”
The anthem was written by Pedro Halffter, a composer from Spain who comes from a long line of musicians. His instrumental composition was selected by the IPU’s governing bodies from among dozens of other submissions on account of its solemnity and universal appeal: ideal for a global organization such as the IPU.
Mr. Halffter has written several works which have been played by orchestras around the world including the Madrid Symphony Orchestra, the Lille National Orchestra and the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Mr. Halffter has also taken to the podium to conduct orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also recorded with Deutsche Grammophon, Sony and Warner Classics.
Mr. Halffter said, “In these difficult days, with so much conflict and human suffering in the world, I think it is especially important that art transmits a message of peace and freedom for all. It is in this spirit that I wrote the anthem, with its opening five ascending notes which represent the five continents of the world. I hope the anthem will serve as a symbol of universality and unity for the global IPU parliamentary family.”
In addition, an official recording of the IPU anthem has been made by the UN Chamber Music Ensemble, led by Ms. Brenda Vongova.
Watch the IPU Anthem performed at the Inaugural ceremony of 147th IPU Assembly in Luanda, Angola
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded more than 130 years ago as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 179 national Member Parliaments and 14 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments become stronger, younger, gender-balanced and more innovative. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.
For more information about the IPU, contact Thomas Fitzsimons at e-mail: [email protected]
