Douzelage News

Music unites Douzelage partners in Susice!

The hills of the Czech Republic were alive with the sound of music this past weekend as young musicians from six of our partner towns came together for the 4th iteration of the Douzelage Young Musicians Festival in Sušice.

Sušice, Czech Republic

Fifteen talented young musicians from cellists to piano players, violinists to accordion players descended on the town to give an impressive display of their skills performing in various venues showcasing the enormous talent that exists amongst our network of towns.

Participants came from Holstebro (DK), Köszeg (HU), Rokiškis (LT), Zvolen (SV), Sesimbra (PT) and Sherborne (UK) as well as being joined by local musicians and vocalists Paddy’s Bangers and members of the Sušice Children’s Choir.

Paddy’s Bangers from Sušice performed an open air gig on Friday night.

Performances took place across the few days in cafes and courtyards with the event culminating in a concert at the Sušice Gymnasium with individual performances as well as an orchestra formed by all participants (who had just met two days prior) playing beautiful versions of “What A Wonderful World”, “The Girl from Ipanema” and “My Funny Valentine”.

The orchestra in full flight on Saturday evening!

An impressive programme of music, sightseeing and together time was created by the hosts in Sušice with special thanks going to Eva, Jonas and Kristina for all of their hard work which also celebrated the town’s 20th anniversary as part of Douzelage European Town Twinning!

Organisers, attendees and Douzelage friends

The event was also attended by President of Douzelage Shane Smyth (IE), former president of Douzelage Annigje Kruytbosch (NL) as well as representatives from our German partner town of Bad Kötzting (DE).

Check out some of the images from Saturday evening’s concert below!

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