Youth Musicians Empowerment Programme (YMEP) by Orquestra Filarmónica Portuguesa (OFP) aims to unlock the potential of Europe’s musical future. Over four transformative years (2025-2028), OFP’s visionary initiative celebrates the core values of Europe – dignity, freedom, equality, and democracy – through a groundbreaking musical journey.
Young musicians from at least 20 Creative Europe countries come together, breaking down barriers and creating a platform for cross-sectoral artistic creation, connected with workshops and mentorship programmes, honing their craft while exploring the profound impact of music on personal and collective dignity. The capacity-building initiatives ensure the journey toward equality is empowering and enriching.
OFP pushes the boundaries fostering an environment where artistic expression becomes a force for positive change. Original compositions and European repertoire productions become a medium for civic engagement, elevating the voices of tomorrow as youth musicians delve into European themes, crafting powerful narratives that resonate with the essence of human worth.
YMEP ignites a symphony of freedom, where young artists explore the boundaries of creativity, breaking free from conventions, empowering musicians to unleash their potential, and fostering an atmosphere of innovation and daring artistic exploration. With international collaborations, a focus on digital arts, and a commitment to European values, the programme sets the stage for a harmonious future where the passion of youth converges with the timeless values that define Europe.
More than just a musical empowerment programme, YMEP is a catalyst for change. OFP champions inclusivity, providing a stage for musicians to bridge cultural gaps, and fostering unity through the universal language of music. Embracing the spirit of democracy, as the orchestra becomes a platform for dialogue and shared expression, OFP empowers youth musicians to shape the narrative.
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1️⃣ Year 1: Dignity resonance
In its inaugural year, YMEP explores the theme of dignity through music, aiming to resonate with the intrinsic worth of every individual. Through artistic expression, the project seeks to honour and elevate the value of each participant, creating a harmonious resonance of dignity within the cultural and creative landscape.
2️⃣ Year 2: Freedom crescendo
Building on the foundational theme of dignity, the second year of YMEP explores the concept of freedom through music. The project aims to create a crescendo of artistic expression, using music as a powerful tool to celebrate freedom in all its dimensions.
3️⃣ Year 3: Equality harmony
Continuing its musical journey, YMEP enters the third year with a focus on equality. The project seeks to harmonise diverse voices and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and equality within the cultural and creative sectors. Through the lens of music, YMEP strives to create a symphony of equality that resonates with audiences across borders.
4️⃣ Year 4: Democracy symphony
As YMEP reaches its culmination, the fourth year is dedicated to the theme of democracy. The project aims to orchestrate a symphony of global unity, bringing together artists, cultures, and communities. Through the universal language of music, YMEP endeavours to reflect the principles of democracy, fostering collaboration and understanding on an international scale.
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Co-funded by the European Union, through Creative Europe – Pan-European Cultural Entities (CREA-CULT-2024-PECE).
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.