The wars of the 1990s in the Balkans shattered communities. Yet in the aftermath, music became one of the most powerful tools for reconciliation.
Mixed-Ethnicity Choirs and Youth Ensembles
In Bosnia, the Pontanima Choir brought together Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs to perform sacred music from all three traditions. Their concerts became moving demonstrations of unity.
Similarly, in Mostar, youth orchestras recruited members from formerly segregated communities, building trust through shared performance.
Festivals as Peace Spaces
Post-war festivals helped restore civic life:
Music Therapy for Trauma Recovery
NGOs such as War Child introduced music therapy in Bosnia and Croatia to support children affected by conflict. Singing, drumming and songwriting helped young people process grief and rebuild identity.
Cross-Border Youth Exchanges
The Western Balkans saw numerous cross-cultural music programmes:
Why This Matters Today
The Balkans teach an essential lesson: when words fail, music can reopen dialogue. MyPEACE applies similar methods—creative collaboration, shared tasks, and emotional expression—to prevent future conflict and build resilient youth communities.
