The American Scandinavian Society of New York Christmas Ball 2012, Honoring, H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: The American Scandinavian Society of New York Christmas Ball 2012, Honoring, H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations on Friday, November 30, 2012 at The Metropolitan Club, One East 60th Street, New York, NY 10021 About: The American Scandinavian Society of New York, Inc. is a Pan-Scandinavian membership organization devoted to bringing educational, artistic and musical events with a Nordic flair to the Metropolitan Area. It is a non profit organization. Programs range from the cozy to the glamorous: Art Studio Tours - experiencing the work of Nordic artists working in New York; lectures at Scandinavia House, speeches at the UN or IPI (the International Peace Institute); fine jazz concerts at downtown clubs and concerts at Carnegie Hall featuring Scandinavian soloists. We start the year with the Winter Concert at the Norwegian Church and Cultural Center and in May we sail on the World Yacht for a luncheon cruise. The highlights of the season are the spectacular Christmas Ball taking place at the Metropolitan Club the first Friday in December, and the Spring Party when we present the Cultural Grant Awards. It is indeed a privilege to bestow financial awards and recognition to emerging, gifted artists with connections to the Nordic countries and New York. For the past 100 years, The American Scandinavian Society has been a home away from home for people from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, where we celebrate our cultural heritage and distinguished aspects of our history and current trends. The Christmas Ball, a black tie dinner gala with a beautiful Lucia Procession led by Swedish singer Helena Liljeblad, celebrates the season the Scandinavian way. The actual Saint Lucia's Day is observed on December 13th. Visit: Facebook: The American Scandinavian Society 2012 Guest of Honor: H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Special Guests: • H.E. Jarl Frijs-Madsen, Ambassador, Consul General of Denmark in New York • H.E. Jukka Pietikäinen, Ambassador, Consul General of Finland in New York • Hon. Hlynur Gudjonsson is the Icelandic Consul for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island as well as the Trade Commissioner for North America based at the Consulate General of Iceland in New York. • Hon. David E. R. Dangoor, Honorary Consul General of Sweden in New York Following Dinner: • LUCIA and Her Procession of Children led by Swedish singer Helena Liljeblad: Helena Liljeblad was born in Sandviken, Sweden and moved to the US with her family in 1993. After receiving a BA in music from the University of North Texas, she moved to New York in 1999. In July of 2011 Helena married Erik Bohman in her hometown in Sweden. She has performed extensively all over the city in various musical and theatrical venues. Her credits include regional musical theater, off-off Broadway plays, staged readings, solo concerts, self-produced cabarets, choral concerts, and musical collaborations with several local, as well as Swedish artists such as Eva Engman, including at the Swedish Church. She is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. She sings with the Swedish Church Choir and frequently performs at different Swedish cultural events around the city. • Walter Eriksson Jr.'s Orchestra PHOTO CREDIT: Copyright © 2012 Manhattan Society.com by Gregory Partanio | tel: 718.614.7740 | e-mail: Private | Bookings: bookings@manhattansociety.com*********More Photos Coming Shortly*********