This page lists a series of quotes about the EUYO collected throughout the years.
“I am proud to see that the European Union Youth Orchestra has shown its resilience and become an outstanding example of how the cultural sector, and in particular those organisations working with young people, are leading by example in reacting to the dramatic consequences of the crisis”.
Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Honorary Patron of the EUYO
“For forty years the European Union Youth Orchestra has united the young generations of our continent through music. This is Europe at its best. In hard times like the ones we are living, the EUYO sends a powerful message to all the young people of our continent: your time is now”.
Federica Mogherini, Former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Honorary Patron of the EUYO
“The EUYO perfectly exemplifies the power of being united in diversity - the EU motto.”
Themis Christophidou, Director-General, the European Commission for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture
“The [EU] youth orchestra has been a symbol of cultural diversity in Europe for 40 years. If this European Union Youth Orchestra did not already exist, you’d have to start one now”.
Monika Grütters, German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media
“The European Union Youth Orchestra is Europe at its best. The young musicians of the EUYO symbolize the values and ideals that lie at the heart of Europe – solidarity, culture diversity, cross-border mobility, intercultural dialogue and collaboration”.
Androulla Vassiliou, Former EU Commissioner for Education,Culture, Multilingualism and Youth
“Building bridges not just between musicians, but also between cultures and peoples”
Martin Schulz, Former President of the European Parliament
“Pre-eminent cultural ambassadors for the EU”
Herman van Rompuy, Former President of the European Council
“This is Europe at its best: openness and readiness to listen and embrace others’ ideas to better chart the future.” “…undoubtedly one of the most successful and loved European co-operation projects”.
José Manuel Durão Barroso, Former President of the European Commission
“As the EU prepares for its historic enlargement eastwards, the Youth Orchestra can proudly say it has blazed the way”.
Hans-Gert Pöttering, Former President of the European Parliament
“…the remarkable European Union Youth Orchestra enlisting musicians from 15 European nations.By their art these orchestras greatly contribute to strengthening mutual understanding among peoples and to the construction of the common European home”.
Boris Yeltsin, Former first President of the Russian Federation
“I am delighted to learn that the ECYO is touring Europe and India as part of the birth centenary celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru. This is a befitting tribute to one who had tremendous faith in the capabilities of youth. I extend a warm welcome to the ECYO on its tour of India”.
Rajiv Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India
“For over a decade, you have remained committed to enhancing the considerable talents of young musicians, while serving as an important symbol of European unity and cooperation. I commend you as ambassadors of goodwill who bring delight to audiences the world over. Through your inspiring performances, you enhance our love and appreciation of music”.
Ronald Reagan, Former President of the United States of America
“[The ECYO] proves that our cultural differences – far from presenting an obstacle –brings common riches, creativity and success”.
Jacques Delors, Former President of the European Commission
“The Youth Orchestra perfectly fulfills its task. It carries with it, from one frontier to another, the hope of unity and a promise of friendship”.
Jacques Chirac, Former President of France, former Prime Minister of France
“The ECYO sets an example to us all by demonstrating what harmony amongst nations can achieve”.
Margaret Thatcher, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom