No Borders Orchestra, champion of regional cooperation for 2022

2023-06-06 19:45:00, Aktualitet CNA

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria (BMEIA) are pleased to announce that the winner of the Dr Erhard Busek Award "Champion of Regional Cooperation" for 2022 is the "No Borders Orchestra" (NBO ).

" We had many nominations this year, so the jury had a hard time choosing the winner. But among all the initiatives that were worth choosing, the "No Borders Orchestra" stood out anyway, which for years has been portraying the Western Balkans and Southeastern Europe in a positive and melodic way; is bringing together artists and music enthusiasts from across our region, using the arts as a vehicle to positively impact the community; is promoting art, togetherness and wisdom through the most beautiful notes, lectures and concerts in the cities that represent our region, removing the borders between us. Congratulations! I am sure that "No Borders Orchestra" will hold this champion title with pride and will continue with its noble mission.", said the General Secretary of the RCC, Majlinda Bregu, at the award ceremony, held during the days of the organization of the Annual Meeting of the RCC in Budva, on Sunday, June 4.

Among the many nominations received this year, the jury, consisting of Goran Svilanovic, former general secretary of the RCC; Asja Krsmanovic, Competition Program Manager at the Sarajevo Film Festival; and Umut Ergezer, RCC SEE 2030 Strategy Coordinator/Senior Economic Policy Analyst, unanimously chose NBO as the winner for 2022. The winner of this prestigious title will receive a financial reward in the amount of 5000 euros. We thank all the many nominees and wish them the best of luck next year.

"No Borders Orchestra's victory as the next RCC Champion is exciting news given the great role music played in the life of Dr. Erhard Busek, to whose memory we dedicate the award. My thanks also go to the members of the independent jury and the RCC for the excellent cooperation ," said Thomas Stoelezl, Deputy Director for General European Affairs at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

No Borders Orchestra transcends conventional musical ensembles, serving as a transformative regional force in the Balkans. Using music as a universal language, NBO promotes reconciliation in this culturally diverse region. Since its founding in 2012, NBO has left its musical footprint throughout the Western Balkans, conducting concerts and performances throughout this diverse region. The orchestra consists of musicians from every ethnic and religious group in the region, who perform not only in classical concert halls, but also in unconventional venues, making their music accessible to all. Their performances at popular festivals across Europe demonstrate the power of reconciliation across regional borders. Looking ahead,

"We are here today, humbled and honored, to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the No Borders Orchestra. We chose music as a response to the world's problems and challenges we are facing in recent years. We are continuing our mission believing that by encouraging freedom of expression, creativity and diversity, we can create spaces for dialogue, critical thinking and exchange of ideas", said Premil Petrovic, Artistic Director, conductor and initiator of the No Borders Orchestra.

The Champion of Regional Cooperation is an annual award inaugurated by the RCC in February 2013 on the occasion of the organization's 5th anniversary. In 2022, in collaboration with BMEIA, the award changed its title to Dr. Erhard Busek "Champion of Regional Cooperation", posthumously honoring Mr. Busek, who was the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe - the predecessor of the RCC, but also a staunch supporter of the Western Balkans and an ardent advocate of the region's integration into the European Union./ CNA.al