Chinese composer Tan Dun is to be named an UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador today ‘in recognition of his efforts to promote intercultural dialogue through music, consciousness of the scarcity of natural resources such as water, and the diversity of languages, as well as for his dedication to the ideals and aims of the organisation.’ The ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris will begin with a live performance by the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra of Tan Dun’s Music for Water conducted by the composer.

Winner of the Grawemeyer Award in 1998 and an Academy Award for his score for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2000, Tan Dun is known for his cross-cultural, multi-genre compositions, which have been performed throughout the world. He has conducted orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Berliner Philharmoniker, BBC Symphony and Filarmonica della Scala.

As a Goodwill Ambassador Tan Dun will work to promote the ideals of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), which aims ‘to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.’