About EMMA

EMMA for Peace, or the Euro Mediterranean Music Academy, is a non-profit global organization for the promotion of peace and cooperation for development through music diplomacy and education in Europe, the Mediterranean region, Middle East and beyond.

Thanks to the collaboration with national institutions and international organizations, such as the UN agencies (in particular UNESCO, UNICEF, UNHCR)  and the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, EMMA for Peace encourages peace building initiatives by the participation of world renowned artists in concerts, masterclasses, workshops and other educational programmes of excellence for young people.

Celebrated Italian conductor Riccardo Muti acts as the organisation’s honorary president.

EMMA for Peace encourages dialogue and the sharing of musical excellence between international musicians of the highest level and students and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the Europe, the Middle East and beyond.  It uses music as a tool for peace in places torn apart by war, bringing the best talent from the world’s concert halls and academies to refugee camps and other deprived areas where music education is otherwise inaccessible.

EMMA for Peace also raises awareness in individual partner countries with the support of national institutions, as well as organising concerts at major venues and festivals throughout the region.

Founded by Italian cultural manager Paolo Petrocelli, EMMA for Peace is a ‘roving’ musical academy focusing on the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, with international branches that extend beyond.

Bringing together different peoples, cultures and traditions, EMMA for Peace lets music be the instrument of understanding, awareness and collaboration towards a peaceful future for all.

EMMA for Peace was officially launched in 2013 at the 13th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Warsaw, under the patronage of UNESCO and the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.