The Embassy Series concerts, food, and visits to embassies and residences

The Embassy Series in Washington, D.C. has been offering a series of concerts presented in the embassies and the residences of ambassadors since 1994.  The concerts are followed by a buffet or reception offering delicious food and drink of the country, and often the chance to meet the performers and members of the diplomatic community.  Each event is an opportunity for local residents to participate in a cultural exchange with the various countries.

According to the organization, “The Embassy Series promotes international understanding and global cultural diplomacy through music and the Arts, by extending public access to Washington DC’s embassies and ambassadors’ residences, highlighting their music and culture and showcasing American and international artists.”

The first program of this 2010-2011 season will be on October 1 at the Iraqi Cultural Center. The Safaafir Iraqi Maqam ensemble will present a concert in the various musical styles of the various populations with contact with the Iraqi culture in Iraq. This is one of the few ensembles performing this Maqam music.

On Sunday, October 17, the Embassy of Austria will present pianist Till Fellner playing Beethoven Sonatas. Fellner was born in Vienna, and is currently working on a project to record all the Beethoven piano sonatas over seven concerts.

On Friday, October 29, the Australian Embassy will host a concert followed by great Australian hospitality. The concert will be performed by a trio consisting of a trumpet player, a soprano, and a pianist playing “Music from the Age of Enlightenment.”

Other embassies hosting programs this season include Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Armenia, Italy, and Poland. Residences of Ambassadors include Egypt, Germany, Belgium, and Iceland.

Check the full schedule on the Embassy Series website. To enjoy one of these entertaining evenings, order tickets early, as some programs sell out.  Prices are usually $50 - $75, but some of the more elaborate menus and popular programs cost more.

This is a delightful way to take advantage of the cultural diversity possible when living in the nation’s capital.

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