SPIRIT OF EUROPE

The foundation of the orchestra „Spirit of Europe“, with headquarters in Melk a.d. Donau, goes back to an initiative by the Provincial Governor of Lower Austria, Erwin Pröll. On the occasion of the, so far, largest expansion in the history of the European Union in the year 2004, he made the first step to allow young musicians from different places of origin to set an example and, from the very heart of Europe, go out into the world in order to fill the continent with music and make Europe tangible as a sound space.

Apart from being a symbol of the European unification process, the young orchestra is determined to spread European music as part of our common cultural heritage. The orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the Baroque to works of the 21st century, and composition commissions are regularly given to young European composers.

The young orchestra “Spirit of Europe” places a special emphasis on the co-operation with European institutions and educational establishments, with schools and universities. Young musicians are supported in workshops and at rehearsals, which leads to a lasting strengthening of European music making. By collaborating with the orchestra, young musicians get a first-hand experience of what it means when, out of a multitude of excellent musicians, a unique ensemble is created, which, as a symbol of European unity, could not have been chosen better.

The outstanding chamber orchestra consists of 35 musicians from various European nations; especially the countries Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria are strongly represented. The concerts of the orchestra “Spirit of Europe” take place in numerous countries of the European Union. Performances in those countries which hold the EU presidency as well as concerts in the European Capitals of Culture have featured regularly ever since the orchestra’s establishment. At least once a year the orchestra takes part in the “Dialogue of Cultures”, a cultural event organised by the Federal Capital of Lover Austria in the countries and regions of the Middle East.

The musicians of the orchestra “Spirit of Europe” see themselves as ambassadors of tolerance, open-mindedness, as well as of cultural exchange in the European context. The ensemble represents values like integration and unity, solidarity and social responsibility. Thus, this unique international orchestra is a symbol of the diversity of our continent and represents the European idea at the highest possible artistic level. In 2010, “Spirit of Europe” will, once more, take up its role as musical ambassador and ensure that Europe will be flooded with music.

Under the motto „Music for a Fairer Europe“ the young orchestra pursues a special aim in 2010: Music is meant to become a connecting link between people from various social backgrounds, and in times of changes and social hardship it will ensure that personal responsibility and social commitment do not remain empty catchwords.