Dear friends,
In January 2026, Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade was informed that it can no longer serve as the organiser of the International Competition of Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade, with the explanation that an event founded by the City of Belgrade must be organised by a city institution. Unfortunately, Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade is registered as an association.
Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade, at the initiative of Aleksandar Pavlović, launched the process of establishing the Competition as early as 1969, and from the very beginning it was conceived as an integral part of the World Federation of International Music Competitions in Geneva. The first edition of the Competition was held in 1971.
However, during the 1990s, profound changes took place: the breakup of Yugoslavia, severe financial circumstances, as well as the economic crisis and hyperinflation, meant that the International Competition of Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade could no longer survive solely as an event of Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade. Guided by the idea of preserving continuity, and in good faith, believing in constructive intent and long-term cooperation, Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade accepted a model in which the City Assembly of Belgrade became the main financial patron of the Competition and, consequently, its formal founder.
Today, with the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that this formal title has been used in a way we could not have anticipated. Over the past decade, we have tried to find a sustainable and positive solution, but, as you can see,
we have not succeeded.
The Viola Competition was fully prepared: the dates had been scheduled, and negotiations with all collaborators were underway. However, due to administrative procedures and obligations related to membership fees and formalities within the World Federation of International Music Competitions in Geneva, this decision was made. Until now, Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade has been the signatory in Geneva, and as this status is changing, we are currently awaiting a response from Geneva, as the signatories must be updated.
We are sorry that all of this happened so close to the start of the Competition. According to the information we have, the organisation will be taken over by a city institution and, according to unofficial information, the Competition will not take place in its traditional timeframe. Whoever assumes responsibility for the organisation, if they receive the green light from Geneva, will also have to change the name, as Jeunesses Musicales Belgrade will no longer be part of it. After that, the new organisation will officially inform the public.
