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PLáCIDO DOMINGO CONDUCTS THE ORQUESTRA GERAçãO AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY IN LISBON
jun 08
The Orquestra Geração (Generation Orchestra) performed the Portuguese and European anthems – in the presence of H.E. Aníbal Cavaco Silva, President of the Portuguese Republic T.R.H. the Prince and Princess of Asturias and the EU Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou – at the beginning of the European Heritage Awards Ceremony, held on 1 June 2012 in Lisbon. Maestro Plácido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra, conducted the Orchestra Geração in the majestic setting of the cloisters of the Jerónimos Monastery. This symbolic musical performance by an orchestra composed of children marked the grand opening of the European Heritage Awards Ceremony which was held on 1 June – the International Children Day. The Lisbon ceremony also celebrated 10 years of partnership between the European Union and Europa Nostra in running this prestigious European Awards Scheme.
About Orquestra Geração
The Orquestra Geração (Generation Orchestra) is the result of a project focused on the social integration of children with unfavourable conditions, working towards broadening their hopes for the future and promoting social mobility. This ambitious goal is achieved through an extensive and comprehensive educational programme, focusing on musical and orchestral education.
The orquestra was founded in 2007 by the National Conservatorium of Lisbon, the Gulbenkian Foundation and Amadora’s City Council. Today it involves a total of 1000 children and young adolescents from 16 schools (around Lisbon, Trás-os-Montes and Coimbra) with the support of several institutions, public and private (Ministry of Education, City Councils, European Social Fund, foundations).
Maestro Plácido Domingo conducting the Orquestra Geração
Copyright: Europa Nostra / Pedro Melim