press releases 2008

U.S. Embassy Panama sponsors concert at Panama's National Theatre

August 13, 2008

Ambassador Stephenson poses with members of the Janaki String Trio

On August 13, U.S. Embassy Panama proudly co-sponsored a performance of the Janaki String Trio at Panama’s Teatro Nacional. The Janaki String Trio is the winner of the 2006 International Concert Artists Guild Competition.

Founded at the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles in early 2005, the ensemble takes its name from the Sanskrit word Janaki (YAHN-uh-kye), which symbolizes self-realization — the underpinning artistic and spiritual ideal entwining composer, musician and listener. Made up of Serena McKinney, who performs on a Nicolaus Gagliano violin (circa 1760) on loan to her from the Mandell Collection of Southern California, Katie Kadarauch, who performs on a Giovanni Grancino viola (circa 1695) on loan to her from the Mandell Collection of Southern California, and Arnold Choi, who performs on a Carlo Tononi cello (circa 1725) on loan to him from an anonymous donor, the trio is traveling to Panama as part of the National Concert Association’s series.

U.S. Embassy Panama has sponsored the National Concert Association for over fifteen years. Created in 1962 as a means of growing music appreciation in Panama, the National Concert Association promotes the formation of young musicians through its instrument bank, scholarships to local music schools, and master classes and an annual summer camp.