No Borders Orchestra is the Champion of Regional Cooperation for 2022
06 June 2023
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu and Deputy Director for General European Matters at Federal Ministry for European and International affairs Thomas Stoelezl with the Members of No Border Ocherstra at the Champion of Regional Cooperation dr. Erhard Busek ceremony in Budva on 05 June 2023 (Photo: Armand Habazaj)
Regional Cooperation Council and Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria presented the winner of the Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award for 2022
Sarajevo/Vienna – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria (BMEIA) have the pleasure to announce that the winner of the Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award for 2022 is No Borders Orchestra (NBO).
“Out of many great nominations we received this year the jury had a tough job of selecting the winner. But among all of these wonderful and deserving initiatives, No Borders Orchestra stood out. Because it has been portraying the Western Balkans and South East Europe in the most positive and melodic way for many years. Because it is bringing together artists and music enthusiasts from all around our region using arts as a tool to make a positive impact in the communities. Because it is promoting arts, togetherness and wisdom through the most beautiful notes, lectures and concerts in cities representing our region, removing the borders between us. Congratulations! I am sure No Borders Orchestra will bear this Champion title proudly and continue with its noble mission,” said RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu, at the award ceremony held back-to-back with the RCC Annual Meeting in Budva on Sunday 4 of June.
Among many nominees received this year, the jury, comprising of Goran Svilanovic, former RCC Secretary General; Asja Krsmanovic, Competition Programme Manager at Sarajevo Film Festival; and Umut Ergezer, RCC SEE 2030 Strategy Coordinator/Senior Economic Policy Analyst, unanimously selected NBO as the winner for 2022. The winner of this prestigious title will get financial reward in the amount 5,000 euro. We thank all the great many nominees, and wish them luck next year.
"No Borders Orchestra becoming the next Champion of Regional Cooperation is especially touching given the great role music played in the life of Dr. Erhard Busek, in whose memory we dedicate the prize, and who was also personally involved with the orchestra. My thanks also go to the members of the independent jury and the RCC for the excellent collaboration." said Thomas Stoelzl, Head of Unit South East Europe at Federal Ministry for European and International affairs.
The No Borders Orchestra transcends conventional musical ensembles, serving as a transformative regional force in the Balkans. Using music as a universal language, NBO fosters reconciliation in this culturally diverse region. Since its foundation in 2012, NBO has left its musical footprints across the Western Balkans, conducting concerts and performances throughout this diverse region. The orchestra comprises musicians from every ethnic and religious group in the region performing not only in classical concert halls but also in unconventional venues, making their music accessible to all. Their performances at renowned festivals across Europe demonstrate the power of reconciliation beyond regional borders. Looking ahead, NBO plans to extend the mission to broader society and arts, aiming to bridge cultural divides through shared creation by organising a multidisciplinary festival.
“We are here today, humbled and honored, to accept this prestigious prize in the name of No Borders Orchestra. We chose music as a response to the problems of the world and the challenges that the last few years have brought. We continue with our mission believing that by encouraging freedom of expression, creativity, and diversity, we can create spaces for dialogue, critical thinking, and exchange of ideas,” said Premil Petrovic, Artistic Director, conductor and initiator of No Borders Orchestra.
The Champion of Regional Cooperation is an annual award inaugurated by RCC in February 2013 marking the organisation’s 5th anniversary. In 2022, in cooperation with BMEIA, the award has changed its title to Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek, honouring posthumously Mr Busek who was the Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, the RCC’s predecessor, but also a staunch supporter of the Western Balkans and avid advocate of the region’s integration into the European Union.