The concert will feature the Virginia Opera Company, founded and directed by Peter Mark. Arias and duets will be performed by soprano Veronica Mitina, tenor Daniel Snyder, and baritone Lawrence Craig, accompanied on piano by Joseph Walsh. United States government officials, the Norwegian Ambassador, vocal ensemble Songs of Solomon, and the Mozart Academy Ensemble will also participate in this program of music and readings. The evening will culminate in a performance of Beethoven's Ode to Joy by all soloists and choruses accompanied by the Mozart Academy Ensemble.

The President will receive the Nobel Peace Price in Oslo on December 10, 2009 "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," according to The Norwegian Nobel Committee.

For more information, visit www.jjay.cuny.edu.