UNESCO Cities of Music

Caracas

The Libertador Municipality of Caracas, capital of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, has stood out since 1769 for its contributions to the world of music; Between the 19th and 20th centuries, classical composers stand out such as the renowned pianist and composer Teresa Carreño or Vicente Emilio Sojo, founder of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Venezuela, the oldest of its kind in Latin America and the Caribbean, also in 1975. El Sistema Nacional de Orquestas y Coros de Venezuela, is created, also currently having around 61 cultural infrastructures used for musical presentations, such as concerts, festivals, meetings, etc.

As part of its cultural ecosystem, you can see multiple options for musical practice, training and expression, among the different communities and the various population groups of the city, achieving the coexistence of various musical genres that highlight the cultural richness of the capital of Caracas.

For Caracas, the use of music, as a cultural resource, has a significant impact on the sustainable urban development of the creative and inclusive city, forming a conglomerate of cultural-artistic, aesthetic, symbolic and spiritual goods and services, from certain organizations.

Objectives of Caracas Musical City within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network:

1. Promote the planning of local economic, cultural and social development strategies based on the cultural and creative economy of music;

2. Promote the creation and development of productive ventures in the cultural and creative industries associated with the city’s musical ecosystem;

3. Contribute to the professionalization of creators, artists and institutions that participate in different sub-sectors within the Creative Music Industry.

Da Lat

Da Lat city, Lam Dong province is a famous “Safe – Civilized – Friendly” tourist destination that attracts domestic and foreign tourists. The Da Lat tourism brand is gradually being affirmed on the tourism map of Vietnam and the region with outstanding values of natural landscapes, diverse and attractive natural tourism resources system; architectural works with high cultural – artistic value, distinctive cultural features have contributed to the formation of rich and diverse tourism products, especially the lifestyle “Gentle – Elegant – Hospitable”. The city has long been favored by tourists for beautiful titles such as: the city of love, the city of fog, the land of flowers or more specifically the origin of famous love songs… Over the past time, Da Lat city has been recognized by international organizations with titles such as: “Vietnam Smart City” Award in 2021; Da Lat 02 times was recognized as “ASEAN Clean Tourism City” and is one of the romantic destinations of Asia; “Asian Flower Festival and ecotourism 2024” award.

On October 31, 2023, Da Lat city officially became the next member of Vietnam to join UNESCO’s Global Network of Creative Cities in the field of music. Joining the creative city network has created a premise, effectively supporting the city in promoting cultural foreign relations, developing the cultural industry with advantages associated with local tourism development, especially the advantage of developing music tourism products.

Becoming a UNESCO city of music will create a premise in the near future to make Da Lat a key connection between Vietnamese music and international, among cities in the network of music creation cities, especially in the Asia-Pacific region; Attracting music projects and events, international training and accommodation programs will be implemented in Da Lat, thereby contributing to improving high-quality music human resources, Develop a music community with diverse tastes, create a favorable environment for investment and business activities of creative enterprises; Mobilize initial local, national and Asian resources to continue to spread Da Lat’s music heritage including folk songs, folk dances, especially the Central Highlands gongs; at the same time develop contemporary types of music and discover new interactions of music types; Network connection, development Partnership – cooperation, thereby diversifying music practices, nurturing highly skilled and specialized music human resources and a music community with high-quality music taste. Thereby, contributing to the development of Da Lat’s music industry.

Therefore, in the coming time, Da Lat city will actively implement commitments to join UNESCO’s network of creative cities in the field of music in order to achieve the goals of the local (city-level) network by promoting the role of culture and creativity in the sustainable development of the city and at the same time implementing major initiatives/programs to achieve the goals of the Network at the international level, especially projects with Related to other member cities in the Network, contributing to making Da Lat a Vietnamese and international music destination.

Montreux

Montreux: where music and the beauty of the landscape meet

Nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alps, Montreux enjoys spectacular landscapes and a gentle way of life which, already in the 18th century, attracted the great names of literature and music. Montreux is divided between remarkable Belle Époque style buildings, flowery quays and steep streets of its old town.

This magnificent setting has hosted the Montreux Jazz Festival for 58 years, voted best European festival in 2023, the Septembre Musical, an essential classical music festival since 1946, and the Montreux Choral Festival and the Cultural Season, which anchor popular music throughout the year. year round in the heart of the city.

Historically, the 1961 Rose d’Or Festival was the first festival organized in Montreux. This international variety show competition subsequently revealed many talents, such as Monty Python, the musical Hair, Benny Hill, Mister Bean, the Russian clown Popov or the Muppet Show.

In parallel with the Rose d’Or, the “Montreux Pop Festival” and the “Montreux Rock Festival” were created. Such famous names as Sting, Freddie Mercury, Elton John and many other renowned singers and musicians have given concerts there.

Over the years, these international events have become essential meetings for fans of music, shows and the performing arts.

For Montreux, festivals represent an extraordinary musical and cultural heritage. Like Claude Nobs, founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, its directors and partners have demonstrated great modernity and openness to new technologies and trends, always reinventing themselves and developing new concepts and unique events.

Today, the musical offering is complemented by excellent music venues such as the Montreux Vevey Riviera Conservatory, the NED Music Club, the Casino, the Funky Claude’s Bar, the Claude Nobs Foundation and its Chalets or the Queen Studio Experience that brings the city to life to the rhythm of music. The Montreux Exhibition and Congress Center (2m2c), and its famous Stravinsky Auditorium, is at the heart of this musical excitement. This hall with its extraordinary acoustics hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, becoming a symbol of the city’s vibrant music scene. From intimate bars to larger concert halls, the diversity of venues allows a multitude of musical genres to flourish, providing a varied and captivating musical experience.

This blend of musical heritage and scenic beauty makes it a captivating destination for music lovers and travelers alike. It is therefore natural that Montreux cultivates the tradition of hospitality, being, among other things, equipped with a quality hotel portfolio and an internationally renowned congress and music center. Its international schools linked to hospitality also ensure that values of excellence are transmitted to students around the world.

Whether exploring the historical origins of jazz or witnessing innovative performances, music lovers are sure to be immersed in a world where music resonates against a backdrop of alpine majesty.

Current musical projects:

Infrastructure development: Montreux is investing in new cultural and artistic spaces to support the local and international music scene. Recording studios, rehearsal spaces and multifunctional cultural centers are being built to stimulate the creativity of artists.

Musical education: Montreux promotes musical training by collaborating with local and international institutions. Educational programs, workshops and artist residencies provide young talents with the opportunity to develop their skills and connect with industry professionals.

Promotion of diversity: Montreux celebrates musical diversity by highlighting artists from different cultural and musical backgrounds. Thematic festivals and cross-border collaborations are encouraged to celebrate the richness of world music and foster cultural exchange.

An ambitious action plan

deploy music in urban development
encourage the emergence of young talents
bring to life, at local and international levels, the musical creativity which is already part of the city’s DNA
revalue and put into perspective the history of Montreux music

Şanlıurfa

Şanlıurfa: The Legendary City of Music and Culture

Modern meets classic, old meets new, industry meets agriculture, history meets culture, art meets tourism in the 12,000 years old legendary city of Şanlıurfa. This ancient city is rich not only in history and culture but also in music.

Şanlıurfa is a city where faith and cultures are born, where civilizations converge. It is the starting point of history, where the first wheat was sown, where architecture and divine religions were first shaped in temples. Archaeological excavations have rewritten history, and this city, with its historical and cultural riches, is aptly called an “Open-Air Museum.”

Historical and Touristic Riches

Şanlıurfa has hosted many civilizations throughout history and has gained its richness by blending different cultures. With its physical, historical, and cultural assets, the city has a high potential for various tourism activities. Şanlıurfa is such a city that wherever you touch, history springs forth. As a sacred city, Şanlıurfa, with its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, is also an “Open-Air Museum.”

The City of Music: Şanlıurfa

Şanlıurfa Folk Music, with its rich melodies, abundant lyrics, numerous works, and high-quality systematic performance, holds a distinguished position in Turkish Folk Music. This music, integrated with the unique vocal tones and regional dialects of the local artists, opens the door to a world of beauty in our country. In Şanlıurfa’s music culture, Urfa Sıra Gecesi (Urfa Sıra Gecesi is a traditional cultural event in Şanlıurfa featuring music, dance, and local cuisine, celebrated with communal participation and performances by local musicians) and “sıra geceleri” (Traditional Sohbet meetings play a special role. Groups that meet once a week in homes and those that go to the countryside for several days include musicians and singers). These nights feature conversations and systematic music performances in the master-apprentice tradition, where young people receive their first music education and discipline.

Şanlıurfa Folk Music products are of high artistic value, deeply affecting the listener with their emotional and heartfelt compositions. The Urfa Melodies, where feelings, thoughts, love, suffering, happiness, and other aspects of life are finely woven into songs, hoyrats, and gazelles, are loved and enjoyed by the music community and the masses.

Traditional Sohbet Meetings

Traditional sohbet meetings are another cultural richness of Şanlıurfa. These meetings play a crucial role in transmitting Turkish folk literature, folk dances and music, village plays, and societal values. Turkish men meet regularly indoors, especially in winter, to discuss local social and cultural issues, safeguard traditions, and encourage solidarity, mutual respect, and a sense of community. Meetings may include music, dances, and plays, all enjoyed while consuming local dishes. A traditional sohbet meeting may last until the early morning.

Meetings are open to men above the age of 15 or 16, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or status, with the basic requirement that members be of honest families, trustworthy, respectful of their elders, and not engage in gambling or public drunkenness. Members may be penalized with a fine for missing a meeting, except under extenuating circumstances. Mothers and wives encourage male members to attend because of the associated social and cultural benefits. Communities usually comprise five to thirty persons and are guided by leaders, appointed by election or proposed by elders. All members of the community have equal rights and commitments. The sohbet meetings fulfill an important educational function by transferring ethical values such as social justice, tolerance, benevolence, and respect.

Cultural and Economic Heritage

As the Metropolitan Municipality, we are committed to passing our ancient history and culture to future generations. We see it as our greatest duty to protect the tangible and intangible heritage of Urfa, which possesses a unique cultural and socio-economic legacy. To best plan, evaluate, and design Şanlıurfa’s rich heritage, we collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Governorship, creating new visions according to UNESCO’s criteria.

Conclusion

Şanlıurfa, with its historical and cultural accumulation, is a city that has entered the world cultural heritage. We support all efforts to protect our cultural heritage, develop tourism awareness in society, stimulate domestic tourism, and ensure the participation of people in tourism activities. Şanlıurfa’s rich cultural heritage, music, and historical values will continue to enchant its visitors.

Bolzano

Music has since the late 19th century been the language of encounters between the different cultures inhabiting this borderland. The Monteverdi Conservatory has contributed to the city’s reputation for musical excellence: Bolzano is home to the Busoni Piano Competition, since 1949 recognised as one of the most prestigious international competitions. The residencies of the European Union Youth Orchestra, the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester and the Gustav Mahler Academy for advanced students – all projects initiated by Maestro Claudio Abbado – enliven summer in Bolzano. Bolzano is also home to the Haydn Orchestra, established in 1960 as a regional reference point for musical listening and education. The Konzertverein, founded in 1855, is still offering an excellent chamber music program. The city hosts international festivals in various creative fields each year: the Bolzano Film Festival, featuring the works of young European directors; the Südtirol Jazzfestival; Bolzano Danza, a reference point for contemporary dance; Transart, a festival of music, contemporary art and experimentation; and the food festivals that celebrate the meeting of two cuisines, namely genuine mountain cookery and the more refined Mediterranean approach.

Cultural associations, choirs and folk music bands enliven the city’s cultural everyday life.

The designation reaffirms the work that Bolzano has been doing for many years in the fields of music and culture, offering the opportunity to create new local/international collaborations and to share knowledge, experiences within the network in all sectors.

Bolzano’s proposed projects intend to focus on culture as a strategic factor for sustainable development:

to make the city more inclusive via the power of music as a tool for dialogue between generations and for involving the new citizens in our border region;
to increase the involvement of younger audiences, offering creativity in general as an opportunity for personal and professional growth;
to use digital technology to keep abreast of the times and, with other international entities, to share the vast potential offered by new technologies for the access to and use of music;
to foster and contribute to the growth of a world where inequalities can be further reduced.

We’re convinced that music is able to break down the boundaries of individuals, tuning emotions on a common channel and teaching us every day to listen to each other. Music is the language that can lead to a mature, just and sustainable social dimension. Music can unite peoples in common feelings under the sign of peace.

Photo credits:
Main image: Become Ocean – Orchestra Haydn Orchester – Transart16 © Transart – Photo: Gregor Khuen Belasi
Slider images: EUYO, 2014 Vasily Petrenko© BolzanoFestivalBozen Photo: Gregor Khuen Belasi | Carmens Souza, Ella, 2023 Auditorium Bolzano Bozen

Varazdin

Legend has it that the composer Emmerich Kálmán met a certain countess named Marica in Varaždin, after whom he not only named his famous operetta but also dedicated its most renowned song, “Komm mit nach Varaždin,” to the city. For decades, his iconic operetta has delighted audiences worldwide and brought fame to Varaždin, a city that has always been an inspiration to artists. Many musicians have found inspiration in Varaždin, shaping the city’s culture and contributing to its rich musical heritage, which Varaždin proudly boasts. Among them is the hometown of the virtuoso guitarist and composer Ivan Padovec, known worldwide for his invention – the ten-string guitar.

Today, Varaždin’s musical treasure chest preserves invaluable musical riches, from the Music School, one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Croatia, nurturing world-class musicians, to renowned musicians, successful vocal ensembles, cultural associations, instrument makers, international music competitions, and a plethora of cultural music events, concerts of all genres, and renowned festivals with a long tradition. In addition to its architecture, Varaždin’s baroque legacy is deeply rooted in its music, which has been promoted for over half a century by the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, one of the world’s most eminent festivals of its kind. Today, Varaždin’s most recognizable brand is Špancirfest, Croatia’s most famous street festival, which transforms the streets and squares into centers of music, art, and entertainment at the end of summer.

Varaždin pulsates with music throughout the year, offering a variety of genres and musical content, innovative projects, and opportunities to enjoy music, such as music on balconies, musical-instrumental programs on the organs in Varaždin Cathedral, or innovative musical box on wheels that provide a unique experience in the main city square. An indispensable attraction is the Verglec, a mechanical musical device that is hand-operated and reproduces specific melodies, attracting both locals and visitors with its unique appearance and attractiveness. Saturday mornings in Varaždin, from May to September, are particularly lively, when most of these events take place, allowing musical Varaždin to breathe fully.

Varaždin is the first city in Croatia to proudly hold the title of a UNESCO City of Music. This remarkable achievement symbolizes the culmination of years of efforts and dedication by the City of Varaždin in promoting musical culture and heritage, while also serving as an inspiration for further development of Varaždin as a center of musical excellence.

Varaždin holds a special place among the historic cities of Central Europe. Although not the oldest or largest, Varaždin is characterized by the unique romantic charm of its well-preserved historical core, filled with magnificent witnesses of its rich nine-century history and its former status as the Croatian capital: playful facades of baroque palaces, tall towers of numerous churches, urban medieval layout, and the stunning fairytale castle in the heart of the city. The Old Castle, a Gothic-Renaissance fortress located in the historical core, is Varaždin’s most famous landmark.

Mission of the City of Varaždin as a UNESCO City of Music

Preservation and promotion of rich musical heritage: The City of Varaždin is committed to preserving and promoting its rich musical heritage, including traditional musical forms such as folklore, as well as other cultural events associated with the city’s musical history. Through activities and programs, the city will nurture the legacy of its musical tradition and encourage its transmission to future generations.
Encouragement of music sector development: Active support will be provided for the development of the music sector through investments in education, entrepreneurship, and culture. This includes supporting music education programs, encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives in the music sector, and improving infrastructure that supports music activities and events.
Creation of an inclusive musical environment: The city will use music as a means of inclusion and integration of different social groups. Through the organization of educational programs, workshops, and cultural events, Varaždin will encourage the participation of all citizens in musical activities and create an inclusive environment.
Diversification and innovation in the music scene: The city will promote diversification and innovation in the music scene by supporting new genres, experimental projects, and technological innovations, as well as improving the infrastructure needed for their implementation. This will contribute to the development of a rich and dynamic music ecosystem and encourage creativity among music artists and professionals.
Development of sustainable tourism and culture: The City of Varaždin will strive to develop sustainable tourism and culture through the organization of cultural events, festivals, and the promotion of the city’s rich cultural heritage, with a special emphasis on music.
International cooperation and recognition: The city will actively participate in international cooperation in the field of music with the aim of recognizing and promoting the status of UNESCO City of Music. Through participation in projects, exchange of experiences, and collaboration with other cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Varaždin will strengthen its reputation as an important center of musical creativity and innovation.

Concepción

Since its foundation in 1550, Concepción has played a pivotal role in the economic, social, and cultural development of Chile.

The city boasts a longstanding musical heritage and a sustained commitment to creativity, blending tradition and innovation while fostering musical innovation throughout the community. Throughout its history, Concepción has gained renown as a musical city, rooted in a narrative composed of exceptional talents, music schools, distinguished ensembles, a growing industry, and passionate artists who breathe life into the musical scene.

Known for its universities and colleges hosting over 130,000 students, Concepción combines academic vitality with a popular culture rooted in rural and working-class traditions. As the cultural capital of the southern region, it embraces creativity through cultural facilities and public spaces. Concepción not only attracts established musicians but also nurtures and supports local talent, serving as the birthplace of renown artists throughout its history as Alejandra Urrutia, Claudia Acuña, Los Bunkers, Los Tres, Pablo Ardouin, Enrique Soro, Pablo Vergara, Cristian Senn, Arturo Medina, among others.

Music is at the heart of the city, enhancing the developmental possibilities that the musical sector offers through the strengthening of five key areas:
• City of Festivals • Internationalization of the local music industry • Strengthening of musical formation spaces • Music in the city • Contemporary Song Center of Concepción

Banja Luka

Banja Luka, the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, unveils a cultural journey through its past, present, and future, with a focal point on its dynamic music scene. Shaped by the 19th-20th century cultural renaissance, the city boasts a legacy of classical music excellence, nurturing renowned composers, who have contributed significantly to the regional classical landscape. Over the last 60 years, Banja Luka has transformed into a modern European city, strategically embracing culture and creative industries as drivers for sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on music.

The city’s 2018–2028 development strategy positions Banja Luka as a flourishing “City of Music,” balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with a commitment to innovation. Its diverse musical landscape, spanning rock, pop, jazz, and electronic genres, will be actively supported by a dedicated music hub featuring rehearsal spaces and recording studios. The strategic goals encompass preserving and promoting musical heritage, fostering innovation, leveraging cultural and creative industries for economic growth, ensuring inclusive access to music education, cultivating international collaborations, integrating music into urban development, and promoting community engagement. Banja Luka emerges as a dynamic and inclusive cultural epicenter, harmonizing past traditions with a forward-thinking vision, positioning the city as a vibrant hub for music and creativity in the future.

Mission of the Banja Luka UNESCO City of Music is:

Preservation and Promotion of Musical Heritage: Banja Luka aims to safeguard and promote its rich musical heritage, spanning classical, folk, and contemporary genres.
Diversification and Innovation in Music: The city will seek to foster a diverse and innovative music scene by supporting local artists and musicians in exploring and contributing to diverse music genres, ensuring a dynamic and evolving musical landscape.
International Collaboration and Recognition: Banja Luka actively engages in international collaboration through UNESCO Creative Cities Network and beyond fostering cultural exchange.
Integration of Music into Urban Development: Integrating music into urban development plans by creating new spaces for public performances, promoting street music festivals, and incorporating musical elements into public events, enhancing the overall cultural experience of the city.
Cultural and Creative Industries as Economic Drivers: Integration of culture and creative industries, particularly music, is positioned as a key driver for sustainable development. By creating a music hub with rehearsal, singing and song writing spaces and recording studios, Banja Luka aims to stimulate economic growth within the sector, providing support for local and international musicians, fostering creativity, and potentially attracting cultural tourism.

Community Engagement and Participation:
The city administration, mayor, and Assembly closely collaborate with citizens, indicating a commitment to community engagement. Strategic goals may involve initiatives that encourage community participation in cultural events, ensuring that benefits of the City of Music are widely accessible and appreciated by the residents

Bydgoszcz

It is music and the institutions promoting it that have turned Bydgoszcz into a city with exceptionally vibrant cultural life. Therefore, large-scale investments have been undertaken to promote culture. Three multimillion projects are currently underway – notably all of them related to music.

The Opera Nova is going to be extended with the fourth circle holding a new chamber music hall with nearly 500 seats as well as a screening room. Moreover, the Philharmonic Hall is just about to extend its premises. The existing hall will be connected with a new one, housing a small concert hall with 350 seats, a stage for a 30-member orchestra and a 30-singer choir.

Additionally, the F. Nowowiejski Music Academy in Bydgoszcz is to have a new campus constructed on a 3 ha plot featuring 4 concert halls, recital rooms, orchestra pits, a stage for opera and organ rooms as well as classrooms and student dormitories.

The cultural potential of Bydgoszcz remains as yet untapped and constantly evolves. The Philharmonic Hall in Bydgoszcz has risen to fame thanks to its acoustics and is considered to be one of the best in Europe. It is in this hall where one of the most prestigious piano contest in Poland takes place, namely the International I.J. Paderewski Piano Competition. Also, the Opera Nova, located at the bank of the Brda river, has been attracting the best soloist and musicians while the Bydgoszcz Opera Festival has become not only a brand recognized worldwide but also the largest review of diverse music genres ranging from opera, operetta to musical and ballet. Every year the Opera invites the most interesting theatre groups from all over the world.

Annually, Bydgoszcz offers nearly 100 festivals, reviews and cyclical events, many of which revolve around culture.

The most important festivals include:

The Bydgoszcz Opera Festival – an international and also the largest in Poland review of various musical genres ranging from opera, operetta to musical and ballet.

The Bydgoszcz Music Festival – an international festival organized by the I.J. Paderewski Philharmonic Hall. It has been staging classical music, both early and contemporary since 1963.

The International DRUMS FUSION Festival – the largest and the only festival in Poland dedicated entirely to percussion instruments and percussion virtuosos. Thanks to this festival Bydgoszcz has its entry in the Guinness World Record Book – in 2016 during the 10th edition a record was set in playing the world largest drum. There are also two Polish records broken (2022 and 2023) in the category of “the most people playing recycled instruments”. DRUMS FUSION was the first festival in Bydgoszcz to introduce an ecological, reusable festival mug.

The International Contemporary Music and Visual Arts Festival Mózg – a multicultural event for artists interested in all contemporary music genres, performance, audio and video installations, in which music plays an underlying role.

The I.J. Paderewski International Piano Competition and A. Rubinstein International Piano Competition.

There is no shortage of jazz music festivals in Bydgoszcz: the most important are Bydgoszcz Jazz Festival andBydgoszcz Jazz Academy (project by The Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music and Municipal Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz). Since 2013, within the frames of BJA, the academic teachers – well-known and respected masters of instruments – are presented, as well as the effects of their work with talented students, achieving remarkable results under their supervision.

The Chamber Music Festival “Muzyka u Źródeł” as well as the Bydgoszcz Baroque Scene, featuring both more traditional and up-to-date arrangements of baroque music rank among some of the most interesting initiatives. Also, the Fonomo Music & Film Festival devised an original formula combining film, music, image and sound. The Municipal Centre of Culture in Bydgoszcz features every year a several dozen of various music events, among many other, the Folk and Traditional Music Festival Ethniesy.