Ensemble performances at “Festival d’Europa” of Florence (IT)
Florence got ready to host a new edition of the Festival d’Europa!
This year, the Erasmus+ National Agency INDIRE took center stage from May 8 to 10 in the iconic Piazza della Repubblica with the event “The Future is Erasmus!”, which featured a rich program of activities, meetings, and celebrations.
At the heart of the initiative was the Erasmus+ INDIRE Space, set up in Piazza della Repubblica and inaugurated on Thursday, May 8, together with institutional representatives. This open public space was designed to showcase the impact of the Erasmus+ Programme on building European citizenship, promoting EU values, and celebrating key milestones: 20 years of eTwinning, 10 years of EPALE, and 100 years of INDIRE.
Throughout the Festival, the stand hosted workshops, talks, storytelling sessions, hands-on labs, and artistic performances, in collaboration with the University of Florence and the Regional School Office for Tuscany. There were also informal moments with music, games, and activities for all ages, offering an engaging and accessible Erasmus+ experience.
The Erasmus+ Space also served as a permanent info point, where the Erasmus+ INDIRE Agency team was available every day of the Festival to share all the opportunities the Programme had to offer.
There was great anticipation for the performances of the Erasmus Orchestra, which brought the emotion of live music to the square on multiple occasions. Ensembles from conservatories and music institutes across Italy came together in a celebration of sound and talent.
For those wishing to leave their mark, the Erasmus+ photo booth returned by popular demand, joined this year by a new initiative: “Erasmus Thoughts: The Europe I Imagine” – a space where visitors wrote messages for the Europe of the future. All messages formed a mosaic of hopes and wishes, which were read aloud on the final day of the Festival, May 10.
Florence welcomed everyone from May 8 to 10 – all events were free and open to the public!
What is the Erasmus Orchestra?
Founded in 2017 by the Erasmus+ National Agency INDIRE, the Erasmus Orchestra (EO) is the first orchestra composed of Erasmus students from European Conservatories and Music Institutes. Bringing together talented musicians who have participated in Erasmus+ mobility programs, the Orchestra serves as a symbol of unity, collaboration, and European values.
Since 2023, the Orchestra has been supported by the Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC), further strengthening its role as a flagship cultural initiative of Erasmus+.
The initiative holds symbolic significance and aims to spread the values of the “Erasmus Generation” – open, dynamic, and supportive – and of Europe, using music as a metaphor for integration, meeting, and the development of skills beyond linguistic, geographic, and cultural barriers.
The Orchestra also aims to promote the many Erasmus+ training and mobility opportunities for students in the Higher Education Artistic and Musical sector, contributing to enhancing the talents and excellence of European Conservatories and Musical Institutes. This involves promoting collaborations and partnerships that offer opportunities for internationalization and professional experiences for young musicians.
