Creative Europe
Desk UK
for Culture

The Romantic era (artistic, musical, literary..) of the 19th century unleashed cultural energies in the political field as well: think about early
patriotic-nationalist turmoil and struggles for emancipation. New concepts such as patriotism, independence, fraternity, human progress, were
absorbed and elaborated by prominent personalities. In many cases, it was the passion for music that gelled relationships where music was
often composed and performed by they themselves. In short, the music of that period contributed much to the birth of the European cultural
identity for its strength of ‘global vehicle’ that could go beyond boundaries of linguistic identities – thanks to the charisma and mobility of its
performers. In their travels, musicians and composers were exposed to and tapped into the vast repertoire of famous operatic arias, folk
songs, songs with patriotic themes that were popular for the times.
Risorgimento, romanticism, chamber music are intertwined in the project ‘EU-Play’. Taking a cue from important intellectual and political
profiles like G.Mazzini (IT), C.Grey (UK) Adam J.Czartoryski (PL), F.Chopin (PL), the project aims to promote the cultural function of the
popular music in developing the awareness of Europe at large. Moreover, the project stimulates exchange opportunities for young musicians
and composers. An original format of musical/theatre event (‘The Unity of Europe through music’) will be shared and implemented in the
partner countries: IT, PL, UK, with professional musicians playing together. In each country two competitions for young musicians (flute,
guitar and piano) and composers will be promoted and widely publicized. Photo-audio-video original material from the events will be
collected/recorded on the project web portal. A DVD will be produced and distributed at various levels. A final performance will be held in
Brussels to award and perform original tracks from composers regarding the unity of Europe together with young musicians.