Muhammad Yunus News

American Opera Projects and Sing for Hope team up next week to present a scene from the new opera Paul's Case in three locations around the city to the surprise of bystanders and passersby. Utilizing the pianos placed around the city for the 'Play Me, I'm Yours' program, the scene from Paul's Case, by composer Gregory Spears and librettist Kathryn Walat, will feature tenors Thomas Wazelle and Dorian Balis as two turn-of-the-twentieth dandies on the loose in New York City for the first time in their lives.

Sing for Hope (www.singforhope.org), a public service organization for artists, announces that it is installing 60 pianos in the parks and public spaces of the city's five boroughs to be available to all who pass by from June 21 to July 5. These 'street pianos' are part of Play Me, I'm Yours, a worldwide public art project.

Sing for Hope (www.singforhope.org), a public service organization for artists, has joined forces with Yale University to present an evening of song performed by distinguished Yale alumni. The second annual Songs for Our Future concert will take place in honor of Yale's 'Day of Service' as a benefit for Sing for Hope's Art U! program, which brings dynamic arts and leadership education to underserved New York City youth.

Sing for Hope, a non-profit organization that mobilizes professional artists in volunteer service to benefit communities in need, announces The 2009 Songs for Our Future Honorees: 2009 Presidential Medal of Honor Recipient and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus, celebrated soprano and Metropolitan Opera star Renée Fleming, Academy Award winning actress and humanitarian activist Jane Fonda, and philanthropic leader and President of Lincoln Center Reynold Levy.

Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama during a special ceremony held today, August 12 at 3pm EST.

Web Alert: Watch Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera receive the Medal Of Freedom on Wednesday, August 12 at 3pm EST via streaming video at www.whitehouse.gov/live

Web Alert: Watch Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera receive the Medal Of Freedom on Wednesday, August 12 at 3pm EST via streaming video at www.whitehouse.gov/live

Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera has released a statement in response to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama.

President Obama today named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. America's highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Variety reports that 'Mamma Mia!' and 'Mary Stuart' director Phylidda Lloyd is developing a feature project inspired by economist Muhammad Yunus' revolutionary concept of micro-financing.