South Asian Symphony Orchestra to take part in Biden's virtual
inauguration |

Because of the threat of violence looming over Biden's
inauguration as the US President, the event on January 20 will
be largely virtual.
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WASHINGTON, Jan 17: In view of the surging coronavirus pandemic and the concerns
over violent protests by incumbent President Donald Trump's supporters, Joe
Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as President and Vice-President of
the United States in a largely virtual swearing-in ceremony on January 20.
In the background of the unprecedented rampage of the Capitol by the protesters
on January 6, about 10,000 National Guards have been deployed in the city to
ensure peaceful transition of power at the ceremony. The inauguration will be
attended by a limited number of people. The Inaugural Committee has announced
that the parade that follows the swearing-in will also be a virtual event.
India-based South Asian Symphony Orchestra has been invited to represent in
a virtual performance at the virtual inauguration. It will be streamed on social
media on January 19 at 12 pm local time. Nivanthi Karunaratne, who is of Sri
Lankan descent, will represent the South Asian Symphony Orchestra, News18 reported.
World-renowned conductor Marin Alsop will lead 14 musicians who will represent
the Atlanta Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony,
Dallas Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony,
New York Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Peabody Institute, South Asian Symphony,
St Louis Symphony and the Utah Symphony.
"The South Asian Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to be a part of this truly
inspirational musical offering on the occasion of the presidential inauguration.
We are happy that Nivanthi Karunaratne, who is a wonderful exemplar of our mission
to promote peace and the understanding that bridges divisions, is a participant,"
Nirupama Rao, co-founder and trustee of the South Asian Symphony Orchestra and
also a former Indian Ambassador to the US told reporters.
The South Asian Symphony Foundation (SASF) promotes greater cultural integration
for the cause of peace in the region of South Asia consisting of Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The
SASF is registered as a Trust in Bengaluru, India.
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