by InTrieste
In a year marked by growing tensions across Europe, the European Spirit of Youth Orchestra (ESYO) is setting out on a unique journey—both musical and symbolic— to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
The orchestra, founded three decades ago with a vision of fostering unity among young musicians from across the continent, is launching a six-concert tour entitled “United Together, from the Balkans to Brussels.” The tour was presented on Thursday at the Oriental Art Museum in Trieste, with municipal cultural and tourism councillor Giorgio Rossi in attendance.
The tour, which spans several European cities, is much more than a musical performance. It is a cultural statement, promoting dialogue, respect, and cooperation at a time when Europe is increasingly divided over issues of migration, national identity, and geopolitical interests. Maestro Igor Coretti Kuret, the orchestra’s founder, will lead an ensemble of 13 young musicians, hailing from Albania, Austria, Italy, North Macedonia, and Serbia, as they perform their way across the continent.
“This orchestra and its musicians are ambassadors of a united Europe,” Councillor Rossi said during the press conference. “At a time when we desperately need symbols of cooperation, these young musicians represent hope. They show us what can be achieved when we come together, across borders and differences, through the universal language of music.”
The tour, which begins in Belgrade and culminates in Brussels, retraces the so-called “Balkan route”—a symbolic choice in a region still grappling with the scars of the 1990s Yugoslav Wars and, more recently, the influx of migrants from the Middle East and Africa. Traveling by bus, the young musicians will stop at cultural landmarks along the way, performing in cities such as Belgrade and Brussels, and notably at the European Parliament.
One of the tour’s highlights will be the performance of the “Orchestra of the Sea,” instruments made in Italian prisons from the wood of migrant boats. The “Metamorphosis” project, initiated by the Casa dello Spirito e delle Arti Foundation, seeks to transform symbols of tragedy into tools of artistic expression. Accompanying the musicians will be acclaimed Italian writer Paolo Rumiz, who will serve as the narrator. Rumiz, recently awarded the prestigious Campiello Career Prize, previously collaborated with ESYO from 2015 to 2019 on the “Drums of Peace” project.
“For me, this is more than music. It’s about telling the stories of those who travel in search of a better life and the universality of that dream,” said Rumiz. “These instruments, made from the wood of ships that once carried migrants, bear witness to their journeys.”
The European Spirit of Youth Orchestra was founded in 1994 with the moral support of legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Over the years, it has become a training ground for future orchestra leaders, while also promoting values of peace and cooperation. The project has grown into an international cultural institution, renowned for bridging divides between nations through music.
A United Europe, One Note at a Time
As ESYO’s “United Together” tour unfolds, the musicians will perform a program that ranges from Beethoven’s “European Anthem” to Puccini’s “Crisantemi” and Britten’s “Simple Symphony.” This carefully curated selection aims to showcase the diversity of Europe’s classical music tradition while resonating with the themes of unity and shared human experience.
The tour kicks off in Belgrade on October 31 at the Italian Embassy’s Residence, followed by concerts at the Student Cultural Center of Belgrade and various venues in Brussels, including the European Parliament headquarters and the Marcel Hastir Cultural Center. The final performance will take place on November 8 at the FVG Regional Liaison Offices in Brussels.
Maestro Coretti, who has been at the helm of the orchestra since its inception, expressed gratitude for the continued support of cultural institutions and local governments, but also acknowledged the challenges of sustaining such projects. “Managing these endeavors with limited funding and logistical difficulties is no easy task,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural initiatives that transcend national borders.
Beyond Music: A Vision for Europe’s Youth
For the young musicians, the tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience firsthand the ideals of a united Europe. “United Together” is more than a concert series—it is a cultural exchange that offers these young performers a chance to connect with one another, bridging gaps through their shared passion for music.
“The European Spirit of Youth Orchestra is a living testament to what Europe can achieve when we set aside our differences and focus on what unites us,” said Franco Sideri, president of the School for Young European Musicians, one of the organizations behind the tour.
As Europe continues to grapple with internal divisions and external pressures, the message of this orchestra—embodied in every note played by these young musicians—serves as a powerful reminder that, even in times of uncertainty, unity can still find a voice.
Concert Schedule:
- October 31: Italian Embassy Residence, Belgrade (special event)
- November 1: Student Cultural Center, Belgrade
- November 5: Italian Cultural Institute, Brussels
- November 6: European Parliament, Brussels
- November 7: Marcel Hastir Cultural Center, Brussels
- November 8: FVG Regional Liaison Offices, Brussels
The musical program will include works by Beethoven, Vivaldi, Tartini, Puccini, Bizet, and Britten, performed by “The ESYO Soloists,” an ensemble of string players led by Maestro Coretti.
With the “United Together” tour, the European Spirit of Youth Orchestra once again demonstrates that music—perhaps more than any other art form—has the power to transcend borders, unite cultures, and remind us of the common humanity we share.
