The European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) has announced today that it has accepted an offer from Dario Franceschini, Italian Minister of Culture, and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, to establish a legal and operational seat in Ferrara and Rome, and a new broadcast partnership with RAI broadcasting, alongside its current Italian work in Bolzano. The changes are expected to take place as of next year.
The Italian initiatives follow the 2016 decision by the European Commission to continue to support the Orchestra as a cultural ambassador with funding from the Creative Europe programme.
The Ambassador of Italy to the UK, Pasquale Terracciano, has expressed great appreciation for the EUYO’s decision to establish a legal and operational seat in Italy, declaring, “I welcome The European Union Youth Orchestra’s decision to accept the offer of the Italian Government to be hosted in our country. This prestigious cultural institution, founded in 1976 with a resolution of the European Parliament and based in London, will find a home in the Teatro Abbado in Ferrara. In challenging times the EUYO is an important example of bridge building between countries and serves a reminder of our shared values and history.”