POST EVALUATION ON CLASSICAL PIANISTS PROGRAM

UNCLAS COLOMBO 002041 SIPDIS STATE FOR SA/PD-LSCHWARTZ/LFSCENSNY; ECA/PE/C/CU-JMERANTE; SA/PPD-SHUDSON- DEAN/KWAINSCOTT/JDAVIES; SA/INS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KPAO OIIP SCUL CE OEXC SUBJECT: POST EVALUATION ON CLASSICAL PIANISTS PROGRAM REF: (A) Wainscott-Lohof email, 11/25/03; (B) State 33066 ¶1. Headline: COLOMBO BRINGS AMERICAN CLASSICAL PIANIST TO SRI LANKA ¶2. The enduring value of performing arts programs was illustrated once again when the American Pianists Association, Embassy Colombo, and ECA brought Michael Sheppard, a gifted, young American classical pianist to Sri Lanka. While in the country Sheppard appeared on MTV (independent telecaster, islandwide penetration) and performed in concert with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka. He also gave two by-invitation-only concerts: in Kandy his performance was co-hosted with the Mayor and the Municipal Council; in Colombo his concert at the Residence was the focus of Ambassador Lunstead's social debut. Additionally, Sheppard and the APA's artistic director, Joel Harrison, conducted master classes in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy. ¶3. September 22-October 1, 2003, Fourth Quarter ¶4. Justification and Objective: Here, as in many other places around the world, classical music enjoys the patronage of Sri Lanka's most influential citizens. In a bilateral conversation that is inevitably driven by the nuts and bolts of policy, Sheppard's appearances brought boost and dimension to our message. The U.S. is not just a world power, Sheppard's music illustrated. It's also a civilization. Clearly, the Department should be sponsoring more -- not fewer -- programs like this. LUNSTEAD