Some of the world's most talented musicians have played concerts at Lincoln Center. On September 10, the center hosted a unique class of star musicians: kids and teens. The young players are part of the World Peace Orchestra, or WPO. The group held its first Music for Peace concert in New York City, with 134 students from more than 60 countries taking part. Musicians were chosen from all over the world.
The World Peace Orchestra began in 2013. The nonprofit group brings kids together using the common language of music. To be considered for the orchestra, students first had to be recommended by their teachers and then audition online for a group of judges. Once chosen, professional musicians and teachers then worked with the players to improve their skills.
Some of the young musicians played classical instruments, such as violins and flutes. Others played instruments unique to their home country. For example, Amold Mugo, 16, from Kenya, played an instrument called the djembe. The drum is originally from West Africa. Mugo said he was shocked when he learned he was chosen for the orchestra. "I can't express how I felt. I was rolling on the floor. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," he said.
Adomas Hendrixson, 13, from Lithuania, played piano for the WPO. Before the New York City performance, Hendrixson talked about what he hoped to take away from the event. "Fun and joy-- people smiling and clapping," he said." This is one of the only times in your life this could happen and I'm very excited."
Mugo says his favorite part of the WPO is making new friends from around the world. "I hope when I go home, I just take a little bit of every friend that I made here-- Brazil, Portugal, Queens," Mugo said, "I hope that I take part of their culture home with me so I understand them more."
