Thirteen adolescents from Moldova, who are members of the inclusive choir La La Play Voices, took part in a global project that brings together 140 musicians from 30 countries, under the aegis of the Better Together Global Orchestras Network. They recorded from home Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” that is the official anthem of the European Union, transmitting this way a message of optimism in the period of self-isolation owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, IPN reports, quoting a press release of UNICEF Moldova.
UNICEF Representative to Moldova Desiree Jongsma said the launch of this project during the World Health Worker Week is symbolic, being an expression of solidarity with the healthcare workers from all over the world, who are in the frontline in the fight against the pandemic. “The children and young people are the future generation of people of science and doctors. Any crisis is a possibility of helping them to learn, to cultivate compassion and to be strong while building a better world,” stated Desiree Jongsma.
“I’m convinced that this challenging period will be used as a life lesson by all the children and young people, which shapes and stimulates them to become stronger and full of compassion, being ready to make a contribution towards saving the world,” said Sweden’s Ambassador in Chisinau Anna Lyberg.
Andrei Chistol, secretary of state in charge of culture, said the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research encourages the students to develop online learning skills. “The example given by La La Play Voices, which we have supported since its launch, alongside other musicians from all over the world, can be only appreciated as a special gesture with value added produced by the creativity of this project and the global positive message conveyed by singing Beethoven’s famous “Ode to Joy”,” noted Andrei Chistol.
Romanian conductor Gabriel Bebeșelea, who is the initiator of the project, noted that he set the goal of bringing together young musicians from all the continents and of displaying a common aim – solidarity, union. “I’m very glad that the project La La Play Voices of the National Youth Orchestra of Moldova takes part in this common message of solidary through music, while the young people of Moldova have the chance to meet on the virtual stage with young musicians from all the continents” stated Gabriel Bebeșelea.
According to UNICEF, the project emphasizes humanity’s highest values of love, friendship, creativity, solidarity and unity, reflected in music. The adolescents said they experienced unforgettable moments and understood how important solidarity is in these moments.
The ode can be listened to here.
