This project was born thanks to the Youth Association of Greater Europe. Association was created by students of Paris and Moscow (MGIMO) 4 years ago. Since 2013 on its base forums from all over European continent are held. Together, we are working on the creation of cross-cultural projects. In 2014, during the summer meetings in Paris the idea of the Greater Europe Peace Orchestra (GEPO) was born, which is now one of the main projects of the Association and is held under the patronage of UNESCO and the Russian Embassy.

GEPO – is a proof that the cooperation is possible on the European continent. Association decided to form an orchestra of young musicians from Russia, Ukraine, France, Germany and other European countries in order to promote peace through music and cultural cooperation. 17 musicians answered our call. French conductor of the Armenian-Georgian origin Rita Kazarian was the first one who really believed in our project and supported it. Since then, she directs the orchestra. In July 2015, we organized the first concert in Paris on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Who plays in the orchestra?

Most musicians are students of music conservatories of Paris and Moscow, with whom I met during the visits to Russia. Other participants are friends of these musicians. We managed to unite young people from four countries, which play important role in today’s peace process: Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.

We arrange a tour across the continent of Greater Europe, to spread the idea of peace as much as possible, to make young people understand that they can influence peace process. We want to inspire people with the noble works of art. This is the best thing in the world culture. These works reflect universal values and, moreover, this music is able to influence the hearts and souls of men, like no other.

I visited Dubna in October 2015 during the visit of foreign journalists under the “Rossotrudnichestvo” program. I was particularly impressed with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research: principles, working conditions of scientists and cultural environment, in which they are immersed. Dubna – is an example of city of the future. There I met people who are open to new ideas. Then it occurred to me that we could unite the peaceful nuclear technology research and music, because both of these phenomena represent the way of the human mind in search of truth. Science and music for me are inseparable things. The idea of the concert “Music and Atoms for Peace” were born, on the basis of this concept. On May 7, we will have a joint event outdoors with research staff of JINR: while we will play on stage, researchers will demonstrate experiments and conduct research with young Dubna citizens.

All members of the the orchestra believe that the borders, languages, traditions do not determine the full spectrum of relations between nations. We believe that it is possible to create a common culture that will unite, not divide. All members of the orchestra believe that the borders, languages and traditions do not determine the full spectrum of relations between nations. We believe that it is possible to create a common culture that will unite, not divide.

All our concerts are free. We are waiting for pupils, students, entrepreneurs, teachers and doctors. Of course, the most honored guests at the concert will be veterans of the Great Patriotic War. At our concerts, we want our viewers to feel involved in what is happening in the world. We’re playing for all the people who want to change themselves and the society: Bienvenue (fr. welcome)!

We expect that the pessimism will disappear. We believe that as many people as possible will set a goal to change themselves and, ultimately, the world. If our official sponsors support the idea of concerts, we believe that one day, the political decisions will be made on the basis of the concept of “we are for peace”. We are at beginning of our project.

The next concert venue will be Berlin, then we will visit Kiev. Support us, if you think our musicians can change the world!