Paris, France - Global recording artist, Sarah Brightman, designated UNESCO Artist for Peace - British performer Sarah Brightman, one of the world’s few artists to top both pop and classical music charts, will be named UNESCO Artist for Peace at a ceremony in Paris, France, on 8 February.

The British dancer, singer and actress is to receive the distinction “in recognition of her commitment to humanitarian and charitable causes, her contribution, throughout her artistic career, to the promotion of cultural dialogue and the exchanges among cultures, and her dedication to the ideals and aims of UNESCO,' according to the words of the Diploma she will be awarded on Wednesday.

A star of the musicals Cats and Phantom of the Opera, Sarah Brightman started her career as a dancer, going on to become a successful pop singer as well as an acclaimed classical performer. 

She developed her own crossover style, combining different musical genres and traditions in albums such as Timeless, Eden, La Luna, and Harem.

Her musical talent has won her more than 180 gold and platinum awards in more than 40 countries. 

She has achieved combined sales of more than 30 million CDs and DVDs.

Currently, she is working on her next solo album, which will be released in early 2013.

UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationally-renowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to promote UNESCO’s message and programmes.

UNESCO works with these distinguished personalities in order to heighten public awareness about development issues and the Organization's programmes in these fields.

Pana 06/02/2012