On 25 May 2007, the U.N. Asian Group hosted an event to welcome Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in the General Assembly Hall. The Permanent Mission of Japan, together with the Permanent Mission of China and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea organized a classical music concert featuring artists from Asia.

Highlights of the concert included solo performances by Yeol-Eum Son, a pianist from Korea, Chen Xi, a violinist from China, accompanied by the pianist Zhang Haochen, also from China. A magnificent performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” played by the Asian Artists & Concerts, Inc. Orchestra and collaborated with the Chinese Musical Arts, Inc., the Nippon Club Women’s Chorus, the New York City Opera Singers, and the UN Singers also featured soloists Shu-Ying Li and Misson Ghim, under the lead of Maestro Atsushi Yamada.

The concert served to show the UN Asian Group’s dedication and commitment to the new Asian Secretary-General. Opening remarks made by Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam, Chairman of the UN Asian Group, Haya Rashed Al Khalifa , President of the General Assembly, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon himself were well received by over 1,300 attending guests.