British singer, actress becomes UNESCO artist for peace

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Monday that the renowned British singer and actress Sarah Brightman will join its roster of Artists for Peace who use their prestige and charisma to promote the agency's programmes and messages.

Brightman will be formally designated as a UNESCO Artist for Peace at a ceremony at the agency's headquarters in Paris on Wednesday.

UNESCO cited Brightman's "commitment to humanitarian and charitable causes, her contribution, throughout her artistic career, to the promotion of cultural dialogue and the exchanges among cultures, and her dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization" as the reason for the appointment.

Brightman has been well known for the breadth of her vocal range since she began her career at the start of the 1980s. A best-selling pop and classical singer in numerous countries, she has sold more than 30 million CDs and DVDs. She has also performed in musical theatre, starring in shows such as Cats and Phantom of the Opera, and as a dancer.

UNESCO's list of Artists for Peace includes the Canadian singer Celine Dion, the Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid, the Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil and the Spanish dancer Joaqui'n Corte's.