The members of the Belgrade Philharmonic concluded their evening concert with a message of solidarity, voicing support for student protests and raising red fists as a symbolic gesture, N1 reports.
Addressing the audience, the orchestra conveyed a heartfelt message to students, calling them “the bright future of our beautiful Serbia.”
“The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra will always support youth and their hunger for justice, rights, and a better life. We fully agree with your demands and wholeheartedly support your courage and energy. As you know, we are still healing from the tragic event where four of our colleagues were ‘trampled’ while we peacefully paid tribute outside our building on December 6,” the orchestra members stated.
“This incident did not deter us; instead, it strengthened our resolve to pursue the only rational goal—life in a safe and just country governed by values of responsibility, civil liberties, freedom of choice, and faith in a better future. Dear students and future colleagues, you have made us proud, and the least we can do is stand shoulder to shoulder with you,” they concluded.
Support from the National Theatre in Belgrade
This display of solidarity follows similar gestures from the National Theatre in Belgrade. Ballet and orchestra members recently raised red fists on stage after their performances, demonstrating their alignment with the student movement.
Actors at the Atelje 212 Theatre have also joined the cause, appearing on stage nightly with signs reading, “The students have risen, what about us?”
The act of solidarity shown by the Belgrade Philharmonic is part of a broader movement where artists are standing in support of student protests. This wave of unity reflects a rising tide of awareness and support, not only within Serbia but across other Balkan countries as well.
The students’ demands for justice, better rights, and a secure future have resonated widely, drawing endorsements from prominent cultural institutions and individuals in neighboring countries. This growing regional solidarity highlights the shared aspirations of youth across the Balkans for a society rooted in equality, accountability, and hope.
