Orpheus XXI, led by UNESCO Artist for Peace Jordi Savall, unites young refugee and migrant musicians with renowned artists. Through residencies, concerts, and recordings, it promotes artistic excellence and intercultural dialogue, while giving displaced musicians a platform for dignity, professional growth, and civic participation.
Between 2017-2019, Orpheus XXI trained approximately 20 professional refugee musicians from Kurdish, Syrian, Bengali, Sudanese, Turkish, Moroccan, Afghan, and Armenian backgrounds, who then transmitted their musical heritage to refugee and immigrant children across conservatories and community centers in Spain, France, Norway, and Germany. Through intercultural workshops, Orpheus XXI enabled the oral transmission of intangible cultural heritage threatened by war and intolerance. The ensemble performed at prestigious European venues including the Philharmonie de Paris, Festival des Musiques Sacrées de Fès, and Festival Connexions Barcelona, creating bridges between different musical traditions. Several musicians transitioned to professional careers and workshops continue in Spain and Germany.
Although the Creative Europe-funded project officially concluded in 2019, Orpheus XXI has evolved into an ongoing musical ensemble and initiative that continues to perform, record, and carry out its mission of integrating refugee musicians into European cultural life.
Programme: Creative Europe (Culture)