Following a widespready community campaign, funding for the EUYO has been secured. More information here. 

The European Union Youth Orchestra, a world renowned institution celebrating its fortieth year as a cultural ambassador for the EU, is to cease operations from September 2016 unless the EU agrees to support it with core funding. 

Full information is here.

According to Classical-music.com "The orchestra, which was founded in 1976 by Italian maestro Claudio Abbado, has suffered from a lack of funding since the EU withdrew support in 2014. The organisation has since been funded by the EU's cultural programme Creative Europe, but that support has now also been withdrawn."

A campaign has been established to persuade the EU to save the EUYO.  Classicfm.com reports that Neville Marriner, the Berlin Philharmonic, Sir Simon Rattle, and the directors of music at London's Barbican and Southbank Centre have added their support for the EUYO, but more is needed. Can you help? There are three activities requested by the EUYO:

• Write a letter to the EO
• Donate to the EURO appeal fund
• Post messages to your social media sites

The three presidents of ISME - President, Immediate Past President and President Elect - have written a letter to show ISME's support.  Addressed to Mr Tibor Navcracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport it calls on him to reconsider. The letter can downloaded at right.

Full details about the campaign are here including email addresses, hashtags, suggested copy for the messages and letter. Your assistance is urgently required.