Dear Friends of Utah Global Diplomacy,
This weekend, Utah Global Diplomacy had the privilege of hosting our annual Vivaldi by Candlelight Concert—a cherished holiday tradition that combines the transformative power of music with the vital work of diplomacy. I am thrilled to share a few highlights from the evening and extend our deepest gratitude for your ongoing support.
Honoring Maestro Gerald Elias: 20 Years of Musical Brilliance
This year, we celebrated a momentous milestone: Maestro Gerald Elias’ 20th anniversary as the music director of the Vivaldi by Candlelight Concert. Over the past two decades, Maestro Elias has transformed this beloved tradition into an unparalleled cultural experience, masterfully blending the beauty of Baroque music with meaningful connections to modern-day world affairs and social issues.
Each concert Maestro Elias curates is a labor of love and discovery. From unearthing rare Baroque compositions to weaving together themes of history, culture, and diplomacy, his vision has elevated the concert into something truly one-of-a-kind. As audience members, we are transported on a musical journey that both delights and inspires.
Please join us in celebrating Maestro Elias’ exceptional contributions to the Vivaldi by Candlelight Concert as we invite you to listen to our previous concerts on YouTube. His passion, talent, and vision have made this annual event a highlight of Utah’s cultural calendar, and we are endlessly grateful for his leadership.
A Year of Building Peace, One Handshake at a Time
At the concert, we also shared a glimpse of what we’ve achieved in 2024. This last year, we hosted 27 delegations comprised of 395 international leaders from 123 countries who spent a combined 1,800 days in Utah. We graduated 40 young professionals from our Citizen Diplomacy Certification course as part of our International Leadership Academy, which equipped them with skills to pursue global careers. We organized nine thought-provoking events, including symposia and community conversations on pressing topics like U.S.-China relations and cultural diplomacy. And most excitingly, we facilitated more than 20,000 person-to-person connections through cultural exchanges, home hospitality programs, and networking events.
Each of these accomplishments was made possible by supporters like you, and together, we have planted seeds for a more peaceful future.
Looking Ahead
Finally, at the concert, we also announced the launch of the Music Diplomacy Endowment, a campaign to raise $100,000 over the next three years. This endowment will ensure we can continue to support the incredible musicians who bring the Vivaldi by Candlelight concert each year. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to discuss this opportunity further.
As we reflect on this incredible year, we remain committed to fostering peace together with you, one handshake at a time. Together, we can continue to make Utah a beacon of diplomacy and understanding.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Warm regards,
Felecia Maxfield-Barrett
President & CEO