Supporting orchestras that shape Europe’s cultural future
The Pan-European Cultural Entities (PECE) action under Creative Europe supports orchestras that cultivate emerging musical talent, expand access to culture and engage diverse audiences. These ensembles serve not only as cultural ambassadors but also as promoters of the European Union’s core values:
- artistic freedom
- diversity
- solidarity
- sustainability
What is the purpose of the Pan-European Cultural Entities action?
This action helps young orchestral musicians grow artistically and professionally. It contributes to EU cultural policy by:
- widening access to music and culture across borders
- promoting artistic excellence and diversity
- encouraging innovation and sustainable practices in music creation, production, and audience engagement
Themes and priorities
European orchestras that get support under this action focus on:
- learning and skills development
- youth engagement and sectorial resilience
- freedom of artistic expression, mobility and cross-border collaboration
- diversity, equality, inclusion
- democracy, cultural solidarity, including support for Ukraine
- sustainability and climate action
- innovation in artistic practice and audience engagement
2024 Selection highlights
In 2024, the action allocated around €11 million to 5 new projects, hosted in
- Austria
- Germany
- North Macedonia
- Portugal
- Spain
These projects support emerging musicians from at least 20 countries participating in the Creative Europe programme. They represent a vibrant snapshot of Europe’s rich and evolving musical landscape spanning genres as varied as baroque, classical, contemporary, choral, symphonic, folk, jazz, film and digital media music.
Their activities include operas, symbolic choral works, new compositions, and professional recordings.
Projects funded in 2024
EUCOPSY
The FAME Institute leads the European Creative Orchestral Programme for Skilled Youth that equips young European musicians with innovative training, mentoring and diverse performance opportunities. It also integrates diverse orchestral styles and digital tools in music production and education to strengthen the capacities and leadership of the next generation.
Towards 2030 – 2
The European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) leads the second edition of the project called “the European Union Youth Orchestra skilling Europe's talented musicians for sustainable innovative careers as tomorrow’s musical leaders”. This bridges generations through mentorship, artistic exchange, high-quality training, performance opportunities and outreach. The project promotes EU values, fosters excellence and nurtures future leaders in orchestral music to transform Europe’s diversity into a collective purpose, democratic imagination and social cohesion.
NOVA
The Balthasar Neumann Orchestra empowers young musicians by creating new orchestra visions and artistic competence to shine on the cultural firmament which bridges training and professional independence. Through mentoring, diverse ensemble formats and symphony orchestra experiences, the academy programme fosters music leadership rooted in artistic excellence, innovation and the democratic values of a shared European future.
OFP-YMEP
The Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra leads “the Youth Musicians Empowerment Programme (YMEP)” that equips young musicians to turn artistic collaboration and cross-sectoral creation into a platform for democratic values, social expression and creative leadership. Through workshops, mentorships and innovation, the project fosters unity, inclusion and the spirit of the European Union.
YOCPA 2.0
The International Music Centre Foundation (CIMA) leads “YOCPA 2.0: Orchestrating Dreams, Inspiring Musical Journeys", guiding young musicians and singers in early European music through mentorship, collaborative concert experience and artistic excellence. Blending musical heritage with innovation, the project strengthens audience engagement while contributing to cultural inclusion, international solidarity and the living expression of European values.