An organization for world peace

Jeunesses Musicales was founded in a ravaged Europe in the aftermath of World War II. Currently presided by Canadian Pierre A. Goulet, the movement's goal is to overcome those factors most often at the heart of international conflict – racism and intolerance – through the universal language of music.

Last season, JMI's member-chapters organized some 26,000 musical events, enabling more than 6 million people – musicians and listeners alike – in more than 2,000 cities to develop through music.

The world's largest cultural network for youth

JMI is regarded by UNESCO as the most important youth cultural organization in the world. UNESCO regularly partners with JMI in light of the movement's unique opportunity to reach young people through music. Since May 1998, JMI has been recognized as a "non-governmental organization maintaining advisory relations with UNESCO."

Some of the representatives of Jeunesses Musicales chapters
at the 58th Annual General Meeting of the JMI held on
July 23 – 27, 2003 in Limerick, Ireland.

60 years of history

Initially, Jeunesses Musicales' primary aim was to present "good music" (classical music) to young audiences through concerts in major concert halls and, later, in schools. Over time, that focus was broadened to include the establishment of music camps, competitions and orchestras for young musicians. In the late 1960s, Jeunesses Musicales opened up to other music styles, such as contemporary classical, ethnic, jazz and pop-rock music, with classical music remaining its preferred style.

Jeunesses Musicales International was the pioneer organization in the establishment of musical events for youth in its various member-countries. From the outset, it has received substantial financial and political support from governments, renowned musical personalities and heads of state. It would be fair to say that most of the organized musical activities for youth today stem from the JM: orchestras (Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra), youth choirs (World Choir), school concerts, the promotion of young musicians, etc.

Once a relatively unstructured youth movement, JMI today possesses unique skills and programs that make it a true youth service organization.

JMI's main programs

Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra
World Youth Choir
Music Crossroads
International Music Camps
International Music Competitions

 
 Palais des Beaux-Arts
 Rue Royale 10
 B-1000 Brussels - Belgium
Phone: +32 2 513 97 74
 Fax: +32 2 514 47 55
press@jmi.net
 www.jmi.net