ART BSA, the Slovenian Youth Orchestra and partners unite culture, diplomacy and economy
On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, 185 young musicians from 13 countries took the stage of the renowned Wiener Konzerthaus, delivering a powerful message of peace, solidarity, and cooperation among nations through the musical Peace Child.
The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and honorary patron of the project, and Ms. Candice Welsch, Director for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna.
Their speeches and presence symbolized international recognition of the SIT DOWN – Peace Child initiative and its achievements over the past months.
From an idea to a movement
The Slovenian Youth Orchestra has been the driving force and conceptual lader behind the SIT DOWN initiative, developed in partnership with the British organization Peace Child International, the original creators of the legendary Peace Child musical.
Under the SIT DOWN framework, the musical was reborn in a new form — co-created by young artists from around the world who, through their own words, emotions, and reflections, reshaped the script and determined the musical’s structure.
The initiative was first presented to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, within the Directorate for Economic, Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy, which immediately recognized its significance in times of global conflict — especially as the world marks 80 years of the United Nations and the enduring power of music as a language of connection.
From the very beginning and throughout more than a year of preparations, the Ministry offered strong support with great commitment.
An important partner was SPIRIT Slovenia, whose vision and understanding of how culture, diplomacy and economy intertwine played a key role in the project’s success.
Together, these two institutions became essential allies in realizing our shared vision — building the future through art, collaboration and responsibility.
The Summer Orchestra Camp and the Ljubljana premiere
The SIT DOWN project began in August 2025 with the Summer Orchestra Camp of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra at Brdo pri Kranju, where for the first time an international ensemble of 170 young musicians from 22 countries came together.
In addition to orchestral rehearsals, participants took part in meaningful and highly important advocacy workshops, where they learned about the work of the United Nations, discussed global challenges, and strengthened their voices as active citizens in international dialogue.
Key partners joined during this phase, including the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Culture, AID & Partnerships Slovenia, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO), and Festival Ljubljana.
The highlight of this first phase was the sold-out concert at Križanke, held as part of the Ljubljana Festival, where the Peace Child musical premiered in a new and contemporary interpretation.
The Slovenian Day in Vienna
The second phase of the project marked the culmination of months of creation and collaboration: the Slovenian Youth Orchestra, together with Amwaj Choir (Palestine), Superar Girls’ Choir BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Superar Choir (Austria) and young musicians from the Music for the Future project (Ukraine), took the legendary stage of the Wiener Konzerthaus.
The event was supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Vienna and the Slovenian Cultural and Information Centre SKICA, whose recognition of the project helped position it firmly within the framework of cultural diplomacy.
As part of the “Slovenian Day” in Vienna, a business forum titled Austria – Slovenia: Connected for the Future was organized jointly by SPIRIT Slovenia and Advantage Austria / Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKÖ).
The event brought together nearly 300 representatives of companies and institutions from both countries, highlighting how culture, diplomacy and economy can work hand in hand to foster sustainable development, innovation, and peace.
A powerful moment on the stage of the Wiener Konzerthaus
During the piece I Want to Live, conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh passed the baton to Lina Maher from the Palestinian Amwaj Choir, a young musician who led the orchestra with grace, strength, and hope. A symbolic act that carried the message of peace even further.
Dominic Mafham – from “Peace Child” boy to acclaimed film star on our stage
Dominic Mafham is an internationally acclaimed British actor known for his roles in BBC and Netflix productions and on the West End stage. His journey with Peace Child began over four decades ago when, as a child, he played the title role in the original Peace Child musical at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1981. In 2025, Mafham returned to the story that shaped his early career, joining the SIT DOWN – Peace Child production in Vienna as narrator.
The values that guide us
For ART BSA, the international initiative SIT DOWN – Peace Child represents both a milestone and a natural evolution of our mission.
The project embodies our DNA — connecting art, education, and social responsibility.
Thanks to its complexity, international dimension, and the exceptional response from audiences and institutions, it proves that cultural initiatives can become a powerful bridge between nations and generations, and a foundation for strong, long-lasting collaborations.
Through the music of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra and its guest members, through the voices of young singers, narrators, and artistic collaborators, and through the alliance of partners and a shared vision of peace, we have shown that the future can be indeed built in harmony.
Foto: Andrej Grilc