July 29, 2024
University of Texas at Austin student Sarah Catherine Bird performed on oboe at a special concert celebrating NATO's 75th anniversary on July 11, 2024, at the Library of Congress. This once-in-a-lifetime event featured student musicians and guest soloists representing all 32 NATO countries, with Bird representing the United Kingdom.
Interview with Sarah Catherine Bird
The program included musical selections from NATO countries and highlighted students who are studying in the U.S. or are first-generation Americans from NATO nations. In addition to their performance, the participating students toured the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, and the Smithsonian Instrument Collection, and met with the Secretary of Arts and Culture. They also received an honorarium, with travel and housing accommodations provided by APO.
News story about how the event was created
The event also presented two inaugural Cultural Ambassador’s Awards, recognizing artists for their significant international contributions to the arts: one from a NATO country and one from the U.S.
Organized in partnership with APO, the Atlantic Council, and the Library of Congress, the concert was attended by NATO world leaders, State Department representatives, and White House officials.