Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02AMMAN5597
2002-09-30 06:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Amman
Cable title:  

Mr. Edward Eikner - Target of Opportunity Pianist:

Tags:  OIIP OEXC SCUL JO 
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UNCLAS AMMAN 005597 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR ECA/PE/C/CU; NEA/PPD (CBOURGEOIS, DMACINNES,
JGAFFNEY); NEA/ARN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP OEXC SCUL JO
SUBJECT: Mr. Edward Eikner - Target of Opportunity Pianist:
Evaluation


UNCLAS AMMAN 005597

SIPDIS

STATE FOR ECA/PE/C/CU; NEA/PPD (CBOURGEOIS, DMACINNES,
JGAFFNEY); NEA/ARN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP OEXC SCUL JO
SUBJECT: Mr. Edward Eikner - Target of Opportunity Pianist:
Evaluation



1. Summary: This program was initiated by post. In
coordination with The National Music Conservatory (NMC) and
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, PAS Amman organized
two public concerts and two workshops for target of
opportunity pianist Mr. Edward Eikner during his program in
Jordan on August 18 through August 24. The concerts took
place following a hiatus in cultural programs and targeted a
new audience of more than three hundred students, faculty
members and music lovers. End summary.


2. The first concert was held at the Citadel and the second
concert was held in the city of Fuheis. As for Mr. Eikner's
workshops, the first was held at the NMC for a number of
students and instructors. The second workshop was held at
the Yarmouk University's faculty of Fine Arts for almost one
hundred and twenty students of music and faculty members.


3. On Wednesday 21, "Al-Ra'i" leading Arabic daily ran an
article reviewing the concert at the Citadel referring to
cosponsors and commented that their involvement highlighted
the relationship between the touristic and historic and the
cultural. It also mentioned mentioned the patronage of H.E.
Dr. Taleb Al Rifai, Minster of Tourism and Antiquities.
Also on Wednesday, August 21, Ad-Dustour Arabic daily ran an
article on the same concert. The article declared "Mr.
Eikner invested an incredible amount of effort in
transporting his audience to the highest level of music
appreciation." On Friday, August 23, the Jordan Times
announced Mr. Eikner's second concert in Fuheis as part of
Amman's activities as the Arab Cultural Capital for 2002.
It quoted the Director of the NMC in saying the NMC
"Encourages the development of accomplished musicians and to
promote music appreciation in the country." Mr. Eikner was
featured on a live radio show on Jordan's FM English
Language Radio Station on Thursday, August 22.


4. PAS requested Mr. Eikner's program to expose a new,
younger audience including musicians and talented young
Jordanians performers to an assortment of classical piano
pieces conveyed by American talent. Mr. Eikner's program
conveyed the message that music is a universal language and
is the grounds for common understanding between cultures and
peoples. Mr. Eikner exchanged a great deal of information
with faculty members and students alike. He encouraged
students to pursue a career in music and interested them in
music degrees offered throughout the U.S. He also provided
them with contact information and the promise of following
up on his program in Jordan by responding to any queries
they have and by giving them further insight into his
musical background and techniques. Mr. Eikner also
expressed an interest in visiting Jordan and the region once
again for similar programs in the near future.


5. Cost-sharing: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
covered Mr. Eikner's accommodation and the Hakoura
Restaurant in Fuheis provided its venue and staff free of
charge. GNEHM