Testimonials

Every year I would discover mew things that BISYOC was giving me!

I was a member of BISYOC for several years (2014, 2015, and 2017), and to this day I still remember it as one of the best musical experiences of my life. For me the most impressive thing about BISYOC was how every year, as I was growing older, I would discover new things that this orchestra was giving me. In the beginning, it was a musical challenge, from which I learned a lot. As I became older, and my musical level rose, the cultural, human side of the project gained importance for me, and that was even more enriching. This is exactly why I recommend this project to everyone, because there is so much to it, that regardless of your context or musical background, you will live an experience that you will never forget.

BISYOC was a lifetime experience!

I was a member of BISYOC from 2007-2014. But it was much more than an orchestra, it was a lifetime experience for me! Until today I remember this unique mixture of musical knowledge and cultural friendship. The fact that so many talented people from all over Europe still come together is a fantastic sign in a world of (political) isolation. For me BISYOC stands for open-minded people, for music with a big heart and a well-organised team, which creates a friendly and creative atmosphere, wherever it takes place! Thank you for having given me the chance to be a part of it.

BISYOC is a truly intercultural orchestra!

I took part in the BISYOC 2019 summer course. It was my first experience working with an orchestra with members from all across Europe. I felt very welcome in this group of young musicians. I was given the responsibility for being a section leader, which I am very thankful for. My time at BISYOC was both a challenge and enjoyment at the same time. I would recommend BISYOC to anyone who is interested in being a part of a truly intercultural orchestra.

BISYOC builds brigdes!

I believe that through music the young generation is able to make a connection and build bridges at times when European countries start to shut off their borders in a stronger way. BISYOC has showed in the past, that it enables young people from all over Europe to come together, get to know each other, and use the power of music to build those bridges.

BISYOC made me aware of my own cultural heritage!

The unique blend of cultural activities and music making has brought me many friendships and unforgettable memories. I have encountered beautiful sceneries, supportive tutors, teamwork, being able to learn first hand from likewise openminded people, but also becoming self-aware about my own cultural heritage when being asked some surprising questions.

I have learned so much from BISYOC!

A year ago, BISYOC 2019 started in Struga and I miss it a lot. These two weeks in Struga gave me a lot of strength in a time, where I had to face many hard decisions in my private life. I met amazing people, with whom I am still in contact. I have learned so much - personally by improving social and musical skills - and also from our viola tutor who has supported us with so much energy and passion. For me it was also very impressive to get to know other cultures and countries, like North Macedonia with its amazing landscape. I was surprised, how many peoples understood Swiss German in Struga. BISYOC was probably one of the best times I can remember

BISYOC is great to connect with fellow young musicians!

BISYOC is great to establish new connections across the borders of nationality and ethnicity. Aside from playing in an amazing orchestra you make many new friends and have so much fun!

I really like the energy of BISYOC!

I love about BISYOC that I got to know so many people from different cultures and with different backgrounds. I really like the programmes and the energy of the orchestra. The past summercourse was a very productive and lovely time.

BISYOC is an innovative orchestra that brings together young musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating an environment of collaboration and enriching exchange of experiences. During my participation, I had the opportunity to experience first-hand the strong connection between musicians from different countries and how music transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. I can assure you that of all the youth orchestra projects I have participated in, this was the most diverse, fun and intense (in a good way) project I have been involved in. From the gastronomy night to the Eurovision night, learning about other traditions, dances, languages and customs from other countries elevates this project to an exceptional intercultural level.

The BISYOC Orchestra continues to work promoting diversity and inclusion, offering a unique platform for emerging and established musicians to come together and grow together.

I went to BISYOC when I only was 16, BISYOC was my first abroad orchestral project and a decisive experience in my musical development. It strengthened my motivation, broadened my artistic perspective, and confirmed my wish to pursue music professionally.

BISYOC is a wonderful experience, both musically and personally! It’s an artistic bubble where we can enjoy our passion for music to the fullest! It's also a great linguistic enrichment to be immersed for two weeks in another country with so many different nationalities! The dance, singing and cooking activities, which allowed everyone to discover each country, were my favourite moments!

I highly recommend BISYOC to all musicians who love orchestras and meeting new people! (Even if you don't speak English, I managed just fine even though I have no knowledge of the language).

BISYOC was a great experience that made a huge difference in my progress as a musician. I saw open minds, great teaching styles that remind me the joy of playing and studying even when things don't seem to be that simple, and I love it, and I hope as many students as possible have this opportunity because they can learn a lot from it.

I had the opportunity to take part in this summer music gathering in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and I can honestly say it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life, both as a musician and as a person.

It is not just a course; it is a place where music becomes the common language among people from different countries, cultures, and ways of understanding art. During those days, you do not only learn from highly skilled and professional teachers, but you also share, live together, and build connections that last over time.

Thanks to this experience, I made friends from many parts of the world and also strengthened friendships within Spain. Years later, we have been able to meet again at annual gatherings or even run into each other in the same city after a long time without seeing one another.

The setting, the sense of community, the quality of the teachers, and the amount of music in the air make those days truly unforgettable. For all these reasons, I would recommend any young musician to live this experience at least once in their life. It is the kind of experience you never forget.

I like BISYOC because it's a blend of beautiful music and exploring a new country, but what broadened my horizons the most was meeting people from different cultures and making new friends. My favorite was the night when we all brought food from our countries and tasted everything. There are many nice memories from this experience and I would recommend it to any young musician!