Winds of Change: a breath of fresh air for Bosnian music culture

Fifteen courageous Bosnian musicians – from all ethnic backgrounds, aged 15 to 22 years – have united in an innovative, challenging ensemble. The Winds of Change surprises and charms its listeners with Bach and Mozart, Piazzolla and Weill, funk and jazz.

A poor musical landscape
Most of the best musicians in Bosnia fled their country during the war; what remained was an impoverished musical landscape. Many courses can still not be taught at the music academies because teachers, instruments and music are not available. The Music Academy of Sarajevo asked Musicians without Borders for help. MwB approached the world famous wind ensemble NBE (Netherlands Blazers Ensemble), well known for its top quality musicians and adventurous approach to ‘classical’ music.

Masterclasses
Starting in October 2005 NBE soloists Willem van Merwijk (saxophone) and Irma Kort (oboe) travelled to Sarajevo, Mostar, Zenica and Banja Luka to give master classes, inspiring young musicians to follow their passion. In July 2006 twelve students played together with the NBE in a large concert given in the Old Library of Sarajevo during the international summer festival.

Here is an excerpt from the concert (YouTube):

Bosnian Blazers Ensemble
Inspired by these events, Willem van Merwijk together with the Bosnian clarinet teacher Adnan Cico and the Catalan trombonist Jaume Gavilan Agullo, launched a Bosnian wind ensemble modeled on the NBE. Professor Cico selected the musicians and led the initial rehearsals; Professor van Merwijk arranged and composed for the ensemble; and he and Mr. Agullo applied the finishing touches during final rehearsals. The debut appearance of Winds of Change in April 2007 in Sarajevo prompted an overwhelming response from a surprised and delighted audience.

The Winds of Change
The Winds of Change toured Bosnia in December 2007 playing in Tuzla, Banja Luka, Mostar and Sarajevo. If sufficient funds can be raised, the ensemble will play at our Third International Conference in Amman, Jordan and then in the NBE program “Balkan Wedding” in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw in May 2008. Musicians without Borders provides major support and guidance for the Winds of Change while MwB BiH provides all logistics, organizational and administrative services.

This project is made possible by the generous support of the Stichting Continuendo MusartE Foundation (NL).