The international conference “Young music for a young Europe” was organised in the framework of the Palmanova International Music Competition on 4 May 2025. Moderated by the artistic director Franco Calabretto, the meeting was attended by educators, cultural operators and institutional representatives including representatives of European music academies from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia as well as delegates of the partner cities of the UNESCO Network of “Venetian Works of Defence”.
The debate focused on the exchange of experiences and best practices as regards the training opportunities and career development for young musicians from the CEI region. Reference was made to the various opportunities of training abroad, in particular through the ERASMUS Programme. The importance of a holistic approach to music education connecting music with other subject areas was particularly emphasised.
The speakers shared the view that music as a powerful and unifying language can play a crucial role in educating young citizens in the values of respect, listening and peace.
In her welcome address Barbara Fabro, CEI Senior Executive Officer, highlighted that
“Cultural cooperation has always been a priority area since the origins of the CEI with the aim of promoting intercultural dialogue and respect for cultural diversity, fostering good neighborly relations, promoting inclusion and accessibility, with a special attention to young people”.
The participants agreed that the cooperation among the cities of the UNESCO Network of “Venetian Works of Defence” could provide the young musicians with valuable opportunities of exchanges and performances as already happened with the close cooperation between the cities of Palmanova and Zadar.
For more info: fabro@cei.int
