At a symposium held on 26 March 2026 at the Vienna School of International Studies (Diplomatische Akademie Wien), the role of music in international relations was discussed by experts from academia, cultural policy and music practice. The event, titled Current Challenges and Opportunities for Cultural Diplomacy – The Case of Music, was organized by the Vienna School of International Studies, the University for Continuing Education Krems and the Office of the State Government of Lower Austria – Department of Arts and Culture.
Two members of the Center for Applied Music Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems took part in the symposium: Olga Kolokytha, Senior Scientist at the Center, and Eva-Maria Bauer, who joined the panel in her capacity as President of the Austrian Music Council. The keynote was delivered by Marshall Marcus, Executive and Artistic Director of the European Union Youth Orchestra.
The discussion focused on current challenges and new opportunities in cultural diplomacy, with particular attention to the changing role of musicians, universities and cultural networks in international exchange. The event was part of the project Composing Change – Orchestral Impact in European Societies and was also streamed online.
