The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced internationally acclaimed opera sopranos Renée Fleming and South Africa’s Pretty Yende as Goodwill Ambassadors for Arts and Health.
The announcement came as part of WHO’s 75th anniversary commemoration during the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly last month.
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Renée Fleming, one of the most celebrated singers of our time, and Pretty Yende, an extraordinary soprano known for her dazzling performances, have been selected for their artistic achievement and advocacy for improved health outcomes through creative means.
The organisation said Fleming and Yende were selected for ‘their artistic achievement and advocacy for improved health outcomes through creative means’.
At the start of April, the two vocalists kicked off their duties by performing a special concert entitled Healing Arts, dedicated to WHO’s 75th anniversary in Geneva, Switzerland.
Through their roles as Goodwill Ambassadors, Fleming and Yende will champion the importance of artistic expression in improving the mental, physical and social welfare of society globally, promote the integration of the arts into healthcare systems and advocate for access to creative arts therapies.
Yende, who has mesmerised global audiences and shown her commitment to using her talent to improve society through her deep understanding of the power of music, graduated from the UCT Opera School.
‘Yende’s passion for sharing the healing aspects of music and her dedication to social causes align perfectly with WHO’s Arts and Health agenda,’ said WHO in their announcement.
In response to her appointment, Yende expressed her delight and hopes to establish a foundation for continued investigation into the arts as a fundamental ingredient in improving all spheres of well-being.
‘I am grateful to WHO for paving the way for new research and providing their global platform to spread the word and generate research on the connection of arts and health,’ said the UCT-trained soprano.
‘I look forward to all the possibilities to do essential work in my native South Africa and globally for a better and healthier tomorrow,’ added Yende.
Yende’s appointment followed shortly after her prestigious solo performance at King Charles III’s coronation.
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Picture: @PrettyYende / Twitter
