The Artissimo Association (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and ThinkYoung (Belgium) are excited to announce the Winter Tour of the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra (WBYO): Western Balkans Meet Beethoven from January 2 to 9, 2025.
The new year kicks off with an exciting concert as part of the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra's new tour. Fifty-four young artists from 11 countries will perform six concerts across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The program will feature works by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Aaron Copland, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
All concerts are free of charge, but online reservations are recommended.
From January 2 to 9, WBYO will perform in Belgrade (Serbia), Novi Sad (Serbia), Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Pristina (Kosovo), and Skopje (North Macedonia).
Founded in 2019, WBYO aims to create a platform for young artists to meet, create, and perform together while celebrating and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Western Balkans and building a vibrant musical scene.
Desar Sulejmani, the artistic director of WBYO, stated: "After our successful summer concert series across the Western Balkans and Germany, I’m thrilled to celebrate Beethoven's 255th birthday by performing his 5th Symphony with a new group of talented young musicians and start 2025 with a bang! It will be a special honor to perform for the first time at the prestigious Kolarac Concert Hall in Belgrade, as well as at other iconic venues like the National Theatre in Sarajevo and the main hall of the Macedonian Philharmonic."
Andrea Gerosa, founder of ThinkYoung, added: "We are excited about this winter tour and look forward to hearing the music performed by these talented young musicians. Over the past two years, we've gathered 150 musicians from the region and beyond, fostering collaboration and performing live music for audiences."
"We remain committed to supporting WBYO because we believe in building bridges through the power of music, creativity, and culture. This winter tour will also be promoted online, enabling the Orchestra to reach new audiences across the Western Balkans and beyond."
"Anyone who has already heard the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra knows that it is a high-quality youth orchestra that finds the perfect balance in its interpretations between the achievements of Western European art music, Balkan sound and spirit, and the new youthful energy that wins over audiences throughout the region at first listen!" said Fuad Šetić, co-founder and president of the Artissimo Association.
Concert Schedule:
- January 2, 2025 - Belgrade, Kolarac Concert Hall
- January 3, 2025 - Novi Sad, Synagogue
- January 5, 2025 - National Theatre Sarajevo
- January 6, 2025 - National Theatre Mostar
- January 8, 2025 - Palace of Youth and Sports, Pristina
- January 9, 2025 - Macedonian Philharmonic - Main Hall, Skopje
All concerts are FREE and open to the public, with donations welcome.
The public is encouraged to register their attendance in advance here:
- Sarajevo Concert Registration
- Mostar Concert Registration
⚡️ About the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra (WBYO)
WBYO is a groundbreaking initiative that has brought together young professionals from across the Western Balkans. The orchestra seeks to unite young people in the region, breaking down barriers and promoting lasting peace, with repertoires ranging from classical to pop and rock music.
For more information, visit:
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