On 12 October, in the crowded hall of the Sarajevo National Theater, the central ceremony marking the 100^th  anniversary of the Sarajevo Philharmonic was held, a gala concert conducted by the Maestro Riccardo Muti, one of the greatest conductors of today. The audience enjoyed performances of two famous symphonies, no. 7 by L. van Beethoven and no. 9 by F. Schubert, while the square in front of the National Theater was also crowded, with many citizens watching this musical spectacle on two large LED screens.

The gala concert of the Sarajevo Philharmonic was supported also by the Office of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The orchestra received instruments worthy of an institution of this importance. These are two top quality double basses, models Milano and Corleone, which were made using traditional methods in the renowned workshop of Björn Stoll in Germany. In honour of the Sarajevo Philharmonic’s 100^th anniversary, the EU Office has also donated a foldable stage, which will provide the Philharmonic with more flexibility for settings both in Sarajevo and while on tour.

Support to the Sarajevo Philharmonic was provided through the “EU for Local Communities” project funded by the European Union with the aim of improving living standards and strengthening the capacities of small communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is implemented by the Center for the Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD) with the partner organization Help.