Public Affairs Section

Click on player to hear the world's most famous tango "La Cumparsita" Composed by Uruguayan musician Gerardo Matos Rodriguez Performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Montevideo conducted by Federico Garcia Vigil

Robert Zimmerman  Public Affairs Officer Robert's Bio

The Public Affairs Section manages the media, education, and cultural affairs for the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo.

It comprises two distinct sections and a Resource Center for those looking for information about the United States, key policy issues and U.S. programs in Uruguay.

The Press Section works closely with Uruguayan written and electronic media to provide a variety of information, including policy statements.

Uruguay enjoys a rich and diverse cultural tradition with a very talented and abundant artistic expression. The Cultural Affairs Office is responsible for promoting cultural and educational ties between the United States of America and Uruguay through a number of bilateral programs such as exchanges, sponsorships and other activities.

Every month, under the Art in the Embassy Program, different Uruguayan artists exhibit their work in the embassy lobby for staff and visitors to enjoy.

The embassy has worked closely with the Banco de la Republica to develop a unique coin exhibit that focuses on the parallel history of U.S. and Uruguayan independence.

Each year, in conjunction with the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Teatro Solis, the U.S. Embassy has sponsored a U.S.-Uruguayan Friendship Day that introduces thousands of Uruguayan school children to orchestral music, and the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo continues to sponsor the direct transmission from the Metropolitan Opera in New York via Radio SODRE.

There are two symphonic cycles during the season offered by the SODRE Orchestra and the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra as well as many other cultural institutions that offer a wide range of programs.

Popular music performances are scheduled throughout the year both in Montevideo and interior cities and activities are varied and continuous. These range from the annual Llamadas parade, an Afro-Uruguayan tradition with colorful Condombe drums that have become a symbol of Uruguay, the International Jazz Festival at Lapataia in Punta del Este; the celebration of Carlos Gardel Day in honor Uruguay’s internationally acclaimed Tango singer; and homage to La Cumparsita -- undoubtedly the world’s best-known tango -- composed by Uruguayan composer Gerardo Matos Rodriguez and first performed on April 19, 1917 at Cafe La Giralda, located where now the historic Palacio Salvo stands.

The U.S. Embassy Montevideo is also proud to sponsor a wide range of talent from the U.S. to share and celebrate a rich cultural exchange with Uruguay that has included Grammy award-winning drummer Will Calhoun; Wynton Marsalis and the N.Y. Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; Nancy DePlachett plastic arts instructor from the Kennedy Center for the Performning Arts; the University of Pennsylvania Chorus; U.S. bestselling author Matthew Pearl; pianist Enrique Graf and Maestro Stanley DeRusha for masters classes and July 4th concerts at the Teatro Solis, as well as young jazz musicians Phoebe Stubbe, Corey Fonville, Mark Steinert, Alex Han, Charlie Foldesh, Earl Travis Jr, and Nick Stubblefield to participate in the La Pataia International Jazz Festival, among many other cultural and educational exchange events.

The Information Resource Center (IRC) is the reference and documentation center of the United States Embassy in Uruguay. IRC staff can assist the public in answering detailed questions or identifying appropriate information sources to contact in the U.S. In addition, a quick reference service provides addresses, telephone and fax numbers of government and private organizations, statistics and biographical data, and other data of general interest.

The Public Affairs Section also manages the Embassy's Website, reaching over 1000 visitors per day with a vast store of information about the United States and Uruguay.

PRESS SECTION	CULTURAL AFFAIRS OFFICE	INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER