We believe that music is a universal language, understood by all peoples, able to speak to everyone's heart, expressing and giving voice to everyone's emotions.
On the occasion of World Opera Day on 25 October, Opera Europa and ECHO invite all performing venues to make a commitment: to bring Afghan music and musicians to their stages if and where possible; and to offer support and visibility to projects that stimulate the diffusion, composition, performance, and training of Afghan musicians.
FREEDOM AND SUPPORT FOR AFGHAN MUSIC
Opera Europa, the professional association of opera houses and festivals in Europe; ECHO, the European Concert Hall Organisation; and their undersigned members advocate that all people should be free to learn and perform music.
We believe Afghan music is part of our rich and diverse world’s musical heritage and deserves a stage.
We commit to fostering our relationships with Afghan musicians in our networks.
We are aware of the direct and indirect consequences of recent events in Afghanistan for our own communities and wish to provide support wherever possible.
By highlighting Afghan musicians on our stages, we may change the perception of Afghan culture and show its grace, sensuality, and hope to the world.
Communicating our civic engagement, we encourage other partners and stakeholders to join the cause.
