The sound of music
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (VPO) has been appointed as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest orchestras in the world, with a history dating back more than 150 years, one of its most famous concerts is the annual New Year's Concert, dedicated to the music of the Strauss family and broadcast live to millions worldwide.
As a WHO Goodwill Ambassador, the Orchestra will use 'the universal appeal of music' alongside concert brochures and programmes to tell the story of WHO's work in improving people's health; raise awareness of other health issues; and promote key WHO programmes, including work on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and polio.
The VPO has already demonstrated its dedication to health: during the 2005 New Year's Concert, the Orchestra presented WHO with a donation of e100,000 to provide drinking water to victims of the Asian tsunami.