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THE EUROPE OF CULTURES by the Government of the Flemish Community in Belgium

THE EUROPE OF CULTURES

THE FESTIVAL OF EUROPEAN CULTURES

a great challenge for all of us!

by

the Government of the Flemish Community in Belgium

_________________________________________________

1. The Europe of Cultures

The unification of Europe is progressing bit by bit and is irreversible. Mainly the smaller countries want to protect their cultural (and political and economic) identity and - consequently - have a stronger image. That's why the highest persons in charge from 20 smaller countries and strong regions decided to seek rapprochement and try to cooperate: the Europe of Cultures was born. "Seid umschlungen Millionen diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt..."

 

2. The Festival of European Cultures

 

In these above mentioned 20 countries and regions, the international festivals offer the best reflection of art life on the European level; they do so not only by presenting the latest productions of their own reputed ensembles, but also by welcoming the most famous foreign artists, in an international confrontation. The same prestigious and prominent festivals work together with national and multinational companies in each country in the most systematic way. These festivals work together regularly and most often with the authorities, among other things for "ministerial" concerts, like in Flanders.

As a matter of fact, important festivals are artistic-economic-political networks in their own country, but together they emerge as the most powerful music network in the world. They established the "European Association of Festivals" with 60 members and its seat in Geneva. We must keep in mind that this "European Association" was created by the very same visionary personalities who also masterminded the European Community. This association is a musical public relations medium that spans all of Europe like a harp with 60 strings.

For the sake of clarity, we listed the 20 countries and regions with their representative festivals below. The underlined festivals are members of our association.

 

Hungary: Budapest : with its spring, summer and autumn festivals. With themes such as "Welcome to Canada", musica sacra, laureates of international competitions, "Fortissimo: percussion festival", organ competition, "Forum of contemporary arts".

 

Lombardy: Brescia-Bergamo: double festival in two cities, each with a huge theatre. Attractive themes such as "Brahms: his concertos and sonatas"; "Schubert: works for keyboard".

 

The Netherlands: the Holland Festival: leading fest with progressive programme, e.g. in 1993, 15 performances by "Rosas", our dance ensemble of A.T. De Keersmaeker, New American music, numerous living Dutch composers.

 

The Utrecht Festival of Ancient Music: the most important festival in this genre, together with FVV. 10 days featuring 10 concerts each. At old historical locations in the city. "Festival market".

 

Portugal : Estoril: festival held near the capital. In 1993, attention is paid to the birthday of Tsjaichovski and Rachmaninov, celebrated everywhere. Laureates of international competitions. Jazz. International master classes.

 

Scotland : several festivals are applying

Slovakia : Bratislava : wonderful festival in an ancient city. Opera, dancing and large (mainly their own) symphony orchestras. "Tribuene junger Interpreten" (i.e. forum for young performers). Music theatre. The director also works for UNESCO.

 

Czechia : Prager Fruehling : high-level European festival, strongly backed by generous patrons. Equilibrium between famous national and international orchestras. Wonderful halls and churches. European Community Orchestra. World-famous Czech Philharmonic.

 

Flanders : the Flanders Festival : largest festival of ancient and baroque music (Ghent, Bruges, Alden Biesen, Antwerp); trailblazer of contemporary dance; "Brussels: the meeting place of world orchestras"; seven sections and 50 towns; Flanders and its polyphony and their influence all over Europe; in 100 historical halls.

 

Wales : several festivals qualify

 

Sweden : Drottningholm : wonderful little baroque theatre. Original opera productions.

 

- "the crown of creation" could be an agreement between several festivals and their broadcasting

authorities aiming at systematically exchanging creations. Neo-classicism could be a starting point.

 

 

5.   Cultural ambassadors : a Government of Flanders initiative which is a very attractive example to be followed.

 

34 of the most famous Flemish musicians, dance troupes and artistic organisations best known in Europe were appointed to be cultural ambassadors by the Flemish authorities. They will be sent abroad in order to enhance the aura of Flanders. And the "Festival of European Cultures" is their "cultural ambassador" that co-ordinates matters. The government gave us the means to cope with this challenge - which is new and unique in Europe, in our view - and to propagate it. However, the "ambassadors" received money as well. They can even use it for making themselves available to friendly regions and countries "at give-away prices"; in that manner, the ensembles will be given the opportunity to play many concerts. Mind you: when other governments in turn support their best ensembles, the latter will be able to perform more in our country and in the other countries as well. By the way, the Flanders Festival can already prepare for this reception function that will be created as a result. This is another new European network: a network of European exchanges in the field of concerts, performances, dance and theatre. TOGETHER WITH YOUR ENSEMBLES, YOU SEND ECONOMISTS AND BUSINESS MANAGERS TO THE PARTNER COUNTRIES AND - THAT WAY - A NEW KIND OF DIPLOMACY EMERGES, a diplomacy based on the most beautiful and strongest European musical tradition.

 

 

6. BRIEF CONCLUSION

 

Everyone who heard about this project reacted at once saying "this sounds promising".

 

That's why we are waiting for your positive and enthusiastic reply. It cannot take long.

 

As a matter of fact, we will start printing and illustrating the multilingual leaflets by the hundred thousands very soon and - no doubt - you will want to be mentioned in them.

 

 

 

 

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