Hungarian folk vocalist Márta Sebestyén named UNESCO Artist for Peace

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today announced that it has named Márta Sebestyén, one of the leading voices of Hungarian folk music, as one of the agency’s Artists for Peace.

Her designation, the agency said in a press release, is in recognition of “her efforts to strengthen, through music the dialogue among cultures, as well as mutual knowledge and understanding between peoples, the core ideals and aims of the Organization.”

Ms. Sebestyén, who represents a range of musical traditions of South and Central Europe, has worked for more than 25 years with the ensemble Muzsikás and was the featured vocalist on the score of the Academy Award-winning film, The English Patient.

In her new role, she will spread awareness of the 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures by highlighting cultural ties between countries, especially in South and Central Europe. She will take part in UNESCO celebrations and serve in juries to spotlight the role of artistic expression in fostering dialogue and building social cohesion.

Ms. Sebestyén joins musician Manu Dibango of Cameroon, fashion designer Bibi Russell of Bangladesh and Haitian writer Frankentienne as a UNESCO Artist for Peace.