EUYO, EU Delegation to Serbia and Europa Nostra send a symphonic message of togetherness in Belgrade
There is nothing quite like the power of music to bring people together and spark change. On 18 May, some 500 attendees gathered in the emblematic Kolarac Concert Hall in Belgrade for a moving concert by the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO), entitled ‘Better together – the youth of the EU with the youth of Serbia’, in homage to the victims of the recent shootings. EUYO organised the concert in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and Europa Nostra in the frame of the Europa Nostra events held in Belgrade from 17 to 20 May.
What an evening! Amazing concert by our beloved partner – EU Youth Orchestra), playing with fantastic violinist #DanielRowland & young Serbian musicians at one of my favourite concert halls, #Kolarac in #Belgrade.
Together we are, indeed, much, much better! 🇪🇺🤝🇷🇸#EuropaNostra pic.twitter.com/0g3uEerRrw— Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović (@SneskaEN) May 18, 2023
For this important occasion, 29 young Serbian musicians joined the EUYO members for the performance of ‘Dark Velvet’, by the Serbian composer Isidora Žebeljan, and ‘In C’ by the American composer Terry Riley. In view of the recent tragic events, the EU Delegation offered tickets to the concert free-of-charge, primarily to young Serbian audiences.
Among the audience we were honoured to welcome the EU Ambassador to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, who gave some inspiring opening remarks. Paul-Henri Presset, Head of Information, Communication and Press of the EU Delegation to Serbia, also addressed the audience with a warm welcome speech.
After yesterday outstanding performance of the EU Youth Orchestra, honoured to speak today at the first #BelgradeHeritageForum by @europanostra, our dedicated partner in preserving common European cultural heritage. #BoljiSmoZajedno pic.twitter.com/DkZ9Fm2oWj
— Emanuele Giaufret (@EGiaufretEU) May 19, 2023
Marshall Marcus, Secretary General of EUYO, introduced the Spring Tour and launched a message of solidarity: “At such a dark moment, a concert of music – played with solidarity and friendship by young musicians from many countries including Serbia – is perhaps the most powerful solace that we can offer. Our hope is that it also symbolises and strengthens friendship between nations, bringing us all a little closer together”.
The performance of the acclaimed Serbian composer Isidora Žebeljan’s ‘Dark Velvet’ was proposed personally by the Soloist and Conductor of the EUYO Spring Tour 2023, Daniel Rowland, in homage to the victims of the recent shootings in Belgrade: “Tonight it is our honour to play our hearts out, tenderly, passionately and lovingly as a tribute to the children we lost last week, and as a deep bow for this beloved city”.
Incredibly moving concert at @IlijaMKolarac by @EUYOtweets in solidarity with the Youth of 🇷🇸, supported by Europa Nostra & @eusrbija. Through the symphony of #Europe’s finest young musicians, we sent a strong message of togetherness in the face of our collective challenges🤝👥🌎 pic.twitter.com/G4U8qP8ZhH
— Europa Nostra (@europanostra) May 19, 2023
The EUYO Spring Tour 2023, music for a better future
The performance was part of the European Union Youth Orchestra’s Earth4All Spring Tour, held in partnership with the two global platforms Earth4All and The [Uncertain] Four Seasons project. The 2023 Spring Tour is inspired by two themes of utmost importance to society: democracy and climate change.
Our concert in Belgrade included a special programme change, on the initiative of #EUYOspringtour2023 soloist and director @Danielrowland10. This was done in homage to the victims of the recent shootings. pic.twitter.com/jUaCTnkLUO
— EUYO – European Union Youth Orchestra (@EUYOtweets) May 19, 2023
The Orchestra and the internationally acclaimed violinist Daniel Rowland performed a ground-breaking musical project, Carmen Fizzarotti’s [uncertain] Four Seasons. Fizzarotti’s rewriting of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons shows audiences what Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter might sound like in 2050, if biodiversity loss is not reversed. Works by J S Bach, Birtwistle and Terry Riley further explored concepts of shared leadership and participation, both democratic foundation stones. In the hands of Europe’s finest young musicians, the programme is a powerful reminder that this future should belong to them.
Europa Nostra marks its 60th Anniversary
Europa Nostra was in Belgrade on 17-20 May to mark its 60th Anniversary this year and celebrate the launch of the European Heritage Hub. Over the course of four days, around 60 members of the Europa Nostra delegation held inspiring discussions, visited treasured heritage sites, enjoyed powerful concerts, and attended engaging debates across the city.
This programme in Belgrade was organised by Europa Nostra in close collaboration with Europa Nostra Serbia with the support of the European Commission, the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and the Delphi Economic Forum.
