A crucial step on the way to a more cohesive and inclusive European society, are first hand meetings with marginalised groups, who lack a broad integration into our societies. Often the youth hear about marginalised groups as migrants, refugees and disabled people in the news, but don´t get the chance to meet and exchange with them in depth. Our project “Musical Storytelling” will respond to this voiced need. The project will offer a protected and comfortable setting for discussing and learning about diversity and inclusion through the universal language, music.
The first activity of the project took place in Munich (Germany). EMCY cooperated with the largely renowned organisations “Bellevue di Monaco”, a culture and living center for refugees and “Refugio Munich”, an advisory and treatment center specialized on young refugees.
Waseem Radwan together with Michie Hahn, singer of the well-known band Einsoch6 and Marcel Zoetl, young saxophonist and producer based in Munich lead the musical workshops.
The project combined art and music with social learning objectives, illustrating the real value and benefits of a multicultural Europe. Non-formal learning methods were included: personal intercultural exchange and peer learning, local visits, country presentations, interactive learning activities, self-exploration, group works, role plays, games and many more.
Twenty young musicians from eight different countries worked together for more than one week to create an incredible final show to perform in two beautiful venues in Munich. Jazz musicians together with classical, hip hop mixed with pop, all camee together around the topics of love and solidarity.
After more than one week of inspiring workshops and exciting cooperation, the musicians and performers hit some among the most beautiful stages in Munich. On Wednesday they warm up with an incredible Jam session at Kulturstrand München, the cozy beach in the heart of Music. On Saturday the weather was not the right one for the charming courtyard of Bellevue di Monaco, but everything was just fixed to turn the performance into a livestream. So in case you miss the show, you can easily watch it from your sofa here. The last concert took place under the colorful tent of eclectic Minna Thiel, in the big green space between the most beautiful museums of the city. Among the audience we happily host the Second Mayor of Munich Katrin Habenschaden and Anton Biebl, the cultural advisor of Munich, who danced with us on our message of love and solidarity.
The project has been possible thanks to the: BK Kids Foundation, Bezirksausschuss Westpark-Sendling, Bezirksausschuss Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt.
“Thank you guys! I learned so much and this week really filled my heart with joy. One love.” Marcel, workshop leader, 24 years old
“When we started, there were 20 strangers with different styles of music and culture. After one week of working together it turned into a group of friends making music together. It’s amazing what you can arhive through music. With this project we truly build some bridges!” Waseem, workshop leader, 34 years old
“When I am thinking about the project, I want to see everyone again. In this short time we came so close together and to let everyone go, is hard. But I made friends for my life and future. I am happy to meet everyone and that I had the chance to make these experiences.” Ella, singer, 15 years old
