It is wonderful to work together - this is the message of the young participants of the Music Camp 2024, organized with the support of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Primary and secondary school and university students and teaching staff from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the Camp. Towards the end of April, two big concerts were held in Sarajevo – one at the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the other one at the National Museum of BiH. These events connected more than twenty students of primary and secondary music schools from Banja Luka, Mostar, Tuzla, Zenica, Novi Travnik and Sarajevo. Through the performances of young virtuosos, bridges of trust were built and strong bonds among people were created, while the audiences greeted each performance with ovations, recognizing the importance of art in promoting togetherness.
Participants Kristina from Banja Luka and Anja from Zenica have said that the Camp was an opportunity for them to gain knowledge and achieve artistic growth with eminent professors. “It is a great joy to meet and connect with colleagues from all over the country. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to present ourselves at concerts through our joint performance”, Kristina and Anja said. These talented students participated in both concerts held in Sarajevo by the end of April. The Music Camp for Young Virtuosos, launched in 2019, is designed as a platform for finding and promoting exceptionally talented young people.
As Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates the 30th anniversary of peace in 2025, UNFPA, with the support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Italian Embassy to BiH, recognizes the key role of artists and cultural workers in shaping public narratives. Cooperation with the Music Camp for Virtuosos is a natural continuation of these efforts. By combining peace-building activities with exceptional musical and cultural experiences, barriers are getting removed and togetherness fostered.
John Kennedy Mosoti, the UNFPA Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, says that this project is a natural extension of our efforts to promote peace and cohesion: “This cooperation partnership is a natural extension of our continuous efforts to promote peace, understanding and inclusivity. By combining peace-building activities with extraordinary musical and cultural experiences, we want to break down barriers and foster cohesion, equality and trust among communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
The audiences greeted each performance with ovations, and visitors like Edina (34) and Adna (28) shared their impressions of the emotional and inspirational impact of music. “Knowing that the young people came from all parts of BiH, I was impressed by their performing abilities. Although they came from different communities, they played as one, as if music connected them on a deeper level”, Adna said.
The Music Camp for Young Virtuosos is more than an annual event; it is a testament to the power of art to bridge differences and connect people on the deepest human levels. The ovations from the audiences were more than applause - they were a confirmation that music is a universal language that connects us all.
