The seven winners of the Ode to Joy Challenge have just been announced by the consortium of the initiative, namely Centre Européen de Musique (CEM), Europa Nostra, the European Heritage Hub, ESACH, the European Movement International, EUYO and Foundation Hippocrène. Launched on the occasion of the bicentenary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, this challenge aimed to celebrate Europe’s unique legacy, which transcends music symbolising unity and diversity.
The seven winners of the Ode to Joy Challenge, entitled to receive musical prizes, are:
– L’Ecole internationale from Cameroon;
– Européens Sans Frontières, for their remix with 8 artists from France, UK, Poland, Germany, Spain, Georgia, Slovenia, Portugal;
– P. Cube from Myanmar;
– Superarcadenza from Bosnia-Herzegovina;
– The Development Association from Poland;
– The Harmonie Foundation from Czech Republic; and
– The Western Balkans Youth Orchestra from Kosovo*.
The winners were selected from among 50 contributions submitted by participants from 15 countries. The selection was made by a jury composed of members of the consortium.
The jury also commended nine participants:
– Eric Booth from the USA;
– Européens Sans Frontières (cartoon) from France;
– FCE Continuo from Luxembourg;
– Hänsel and Liebling from Germany;
– Lyze through Tutti Passeurs d’Art, from France;
– Pina Žilić from Croatia;
– Sistema Lombardia from Italy;
– Sophie Vallauri, and their partners, from France; and
– Vera Kaunisto from France.
A special mention was also given to the renowned cartoonist Plantu, for his contribution and ongoing support and dedication to raising awareness of the importance of our European anthem on 9 May – Europe Day.
Running from 15 March to 21 June (World’s Music Day), the Ode to Joy Challenge was open to citizens across the whole of Europe, including non-EU member states. All artistic interpretations were welcome, from symphonic orchestras to other musical genres such as rap or electro music; performances such as dance, theatre or flash mob; audiovisual content such as creative videos or graphic art; and written expression through means such as storytelling.
Ode to Joy Challenge at a glance
Seven founding partners decided to take the occasion of celebrating the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony to launch a special challenge. The European elections in June 2024 offered an important opportunity to shed light on the meaning and significance of the European anthem – Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, which has thus become our Ode to Europe, carrying the fundamental values of freedom, brotherhood, peace, and solidarity. Taking advantage of this unique year, the consortium decided to bring the Ode to Joy, the European Union’s anthem, up to date.
Music is part of everyone’s life, across all borders. It is a means to increase cohesion and create shared emotions while creating new bonds and enabling us to communicate without language barriers. Our Ode to Joy Challenge aimed at bringing the European anthem closer to people, firstly by launching a challenge calling for new interpretations of Beethoven’s iconic 9th Symphony inspired by the iconic poem by Friedrich Schiller. The objective was for all citizens, with a special focus on young people, to (re)discover and celebrate the European anthem in their own way.
The Ode to Joy Challenge received support from six supporting partners, whom we thank for sharing the challenge and boosting its visibility: the Ecosystem Inspiring Young Europeans, the Western Balkans Orchestra, Les Concerts de Poche, Beethoven Haus Bonn, Les Glorieuses and the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
