After a huge programme during the Summer 2025 months, the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra faced the next interesting and strong project in connecting the youth of the WB6 regions the Europe.

From September 8 to 15, 2025, six young musicians from across the WB6 joined the project “OJO goes Latin” of the East Bavaria Youth Symphonic Orchestra. The project between both orchestras (OJO & WBYO) is a collaborative initiative, the next milestone in the history of them designed to promote cultural exchange and youth cooperation through symphonic music, masterclasses, and joint concerts across both Western Europe and the Balkan region.

A vibrant musical journey that brings the rhythms and colors of Latin America to life alongside Western European and Balkan folk traditions, "OJO goes Latin" features additional members from the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra (WBYO) as part of the ensemble. Young musicians from Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, the European Union, and the Western Balkans unite to merge rich European symphonic heritage with the vibrant pulse of Latin American rhythms. Their dynamic performances showcase masterpieces by composers such as Bizet, Rodrigo, Márquez, and de Falla, creating a unique cross-cultural celebration of youth, diversity, and artistic collaboration. This project not only highlights musical excellence but also fosters intercultural dialogue and lasting bonds among young artists from diverse backgrounds.

This fusion employs syncopation, polyrhythms and clave patterns foundational to Latin music, combined with extended jazz chords and improvisational flair, crafting a dynamic and colorful orchestral soundscape. Through this creative blend, young musicians experience an energetic conversation across cultures, enriching their artistry while celebrating diversity and unity in a compelling, expressive musical journey.

In this creative dialogue, passionate tango, fiery samba, and sultry bossa nova melodies intertwine with local folk and classical motifs, giving rise to dazzling new orchestral soundscapes that celebrate diversity and unity within the youth.

The long collaboration of both ensembles sets the stage for pure orchestral passion, where young musicians inspire each other and their communities in joyful celebration of artistic expression and cross-cultural friendship.

Daily orchestra rehearsals unite youth from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, professional musical training, and reconciliation through shared artistic experiences. 

The orchestras collaborate closely, performing concerts in various cities while engaging in intensive training sessions led by outstanding professional orchestra musicians. 

This immersive environment not only sharpens musical skills but also builds respect, acceptance, and lasting connections among young artists from different cultures and countries.