Former U.S. ambassador to Russia, maestro to speak at SDSU

The South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts and the School of American and Global Studies are partnering with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra of Sioux Falls to present a forum titled “Music as an Instrument of Diplomacy” on Monday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. 

A New York-based cultural historian and author of “The Propaganda of Freedom,” Joseph Horowitz will serve as moderator and will be joined by John Beyrle and Delta David Gier for an intimate discussion about the role the arts can play in diplomacy. 

Beyrle served as U.S. ambassador to Russia from 2008-2012. An American diplomat for more than three decades, Beyrle focus on U.S. relations with Central and Eastern Europe. He is the recipient of the Presidential Meritorious Service Award during the administration of George W. Bush, and the Presidential Distinguished Service Award from President Barack Obama. He speaks Bulgarian, Czech, French, German and Russian. 

Maestro Gier serves as the conductor of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. He was appointed to the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra in 2004, after serving 15 seasons as an assistant conductor with the New York Philharmonic. He is the recipient of the John S. Edwards Award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music and of Columbian University’s Ditson Conductor’s Award and is a member of the South Dakota Hall of Fame. 

The forum is free and open to the public.