Music knows no borders, and when it meets children’s curiosity, the loveliest stories are born. This is confirmed by the hugely popular series of interactive workshops “A Journey Around Europe Through Music”, organised in Novi Sad by Europe House Novi Sad for children aged 5 to 10. Through play, song, rhythm and stories, the programme brings the rich cultural diversity of the European Union’s member states closer to the youngest and their families.
The concept has won over both children and parents: places at every workshop fill up in record time. Each session at the Mlin Cultural Station is full of smiles, sincere delight and creative energy. Children take an active part, absorbing new knowledge, melodies and movements, while parents make no secret of their satisfaction that their little ones are growing up with high-quality, educational and inspiring content.
From Paris to Vienna
Europe House’s musical caravan set off in September, in cooperation with the French Institute. Together with conductor and music educator Dunja Huzjan and musician Goran Erić, the children explored the cultural symbols of France through rhythm exercises and song.
In October, as part of Children’s Week, the journey led to Italy, where participants discovered Italian musical tradition and the soundscapes of Mediterranean culture.
The November stop was dedicated to Austria, where the children, with the support of the Austrian Cultural Forum, had the chance to step into the world of classical music, waltzes and the rich heritage of Central Europe.
A special prop: the “European Music Passport”
One of the most beloved details of the whole series is the “European Music Passport”. At the start of the journey, every participant receives a personal “passport” and proudly stamps it with the seal of each country they have “visited” and come to know through music. The passport is more than a fun keepsake: it was designed and printed in cooperation with the association Svetionik u plavom (Lighthouse in Blue), which works with young people with autism and creates opportunities for their active inclusion in the community. It is also a symbolic link between workshops, building in children a sense of belonging to the wider European family and reminding them of all the rhythms, words and friendships they have learned.
Celebrating togetherness and the European Union
A special festive workshop follows in December. It will not be dedicated to a single country, but to the entire European Union. It will be a chance, in the spirit of the holidays, to round off the journeys so far, celebrate togetherness and recall fundamental European values: respect for diversity, solidarity, friendship and mutual understanding.
Participation in the workshops is completely free, but because of the great interest and limited number of places, advance registration is required. So follow Europe House Novi Sad’s announcements, prepare your music passports and book your place in time. See you on the December journey around Europe!