A Day of Peace, Music, and Moving Stories: Little Angels in the Spotlight

Little Angels performing at the Event

On Sunday, 6 July 2025, the Universal Peace Federation UK hosted ‘Voices and Music for Peace: Stories of Strength’, a truly inspiring event that brought together artists, peace advocates, and friends to celebrate resilience, creativity, and the power of music and storytelling in building peace.

The day began with a warm welcome from me, Robin Marsh, Secretary General of UPF UK, followed by Margaret Ali, Director of UPF UK, who shared an insightful overview of UPF’s mission and vision. Dr Sangita Swechcha, Chair of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP), then offered introductory remarks about IAACP’s expanding role in arts-based peacebuilding.

The Transformative Power of Art: David Eaton’s Message

David Eaton, Music Composer & Conductor from USA speaking online about music & peace

Joining online from New York, David Eaton—renowned American composer, conductor, and Music Director of the New York City Symphony since 1985—delivered the keynote address titled “Harmony Beyond Borders: The Role of Music in Peace building.”

As a leading figure in the IAACP, Mr Eaton spoke eloquently on the role of art and beauty in shaping society. Quoting philosophers and historical figures, he emphasised how music transcends divisions, influencing the hearts of leaders and citizens alike. He highlighted the responsibility artists have to be ambassadors of peace and unity, drawing on his decades of global experience.

Eaton referenced his book, What Music Tells Me: Beauty, Truth and Goodness and Our Cultural Inheritance, and quoted Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of UPF and IAACP, who launched the latter in 2022, stating that the arts must lead the way in transforming the world.

Media for Peace: Reflections by Ian Pelham Turner

Veteran journalist of 59 years and Patron of UPF UK, Ian Pelham Turner reflected on the role of media in shaping peaceful narratives. With his international experience in media and diplomacy, he stressed the power of responsible journalism in bridging cultural divides and promoting understanding.

He also supported the event by conducting interviews with several speakers and performers, further amplifying their messages of peace and compassion. His insights served as a reminder that alongside music and storytelling, media too is a powerful instrument for healing and connection.

International TV broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner

Musical Performances that Moved the Soul

Musical highlights included a playback of “It’s Time” by Eduard Glumov featuring Minah Bolimakoa, introduced by co-lyricist Dawattie Basdeo, and a presentation of “One” by Romeu, with its message of unity also shared by Dawattie.

Marvelous performance by Little Angels

As Secretary General of UPF UK, I had the privilege of introducing the Little Angels and sharing their remarkable story with the audience. It was a genuine pleasure to see the twelve young girls perform here in London, dressed in vibrant traditional hanbok, captivating everyone with their blend of classical song and modern Korean dance.

Their repertoire included moving renditions of Bridge Over Troubled Water, You Raise Me Up, the cherished Korean folk song Arirang, and You Are My Sunshine. The performance ended on a high note with an energetic encore of APT, a popular song by Rose of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars — which was just as enjoyable to watch as it was to perform.

Before their live performance, a short documentary was screened, recalling the Little Angels’ historic 1998 visit to Pyongyang and the reciprocal visit of the Pyongyang Schoolchildren’s Art Troupe to South Korea—an act of courage and diplomacy described as “opening a narrow path through a dark forest.”

The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet was founded in 1962 by Father Sun Myung Moon and Mother Hak Ja Han during a difficult economic period in Korea. Their vision was to establish a performing arts school that would share Korea’s peaceful, 5,000-year-old cultural heritage with the world. Sharing the same founders as the Universal Peace Federation, the Little Angels have become cultural ambassadors of peace, performing internationally for veterans, world leaders, and diverse audiences. This event marked the 60th anniversary of their first world tour in 1965.

Dr Sangita Swechcha, Chair at IAACP

Art and Music: Instruments of Hope

As Dr Sangita Swechcha, Chair at IAACP, said at the event, “Art and music have always been humanity’s most sincere expressions of hope. In a fractured world, they remain our most powerful instruments for healing, dialogue, and transformation. This event is a celebration of voices that refuse to be silenced and stories that continue to inspire.”

The Voices and Music for Peace event was a moving reminder of how art and music can inspire resilience, unity, and hope. It was a privilege to share this day with so many passionate people committed to building a more peaceful world through culture and compassion. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

By Robin Marsh, Secretary General, Universal Peace Federation UK

Dawattie Basdeo