Music in action: Gen Rosso in Bosnia-Herzegovina

On a journey to bring solidarity to migrants fleeing their countries due to war and persecution, Gen Rosso’s music leaves a wake of sharing and fraternity. 

“We face so many problems, but with you, with this kind of activity, we feel driven to move forward.”

These are the words of a migrant who fled Pakistan because of problems facing the country. Today he, like thousands of other migrants, is in a refugee camp in Lipa and Borići in Bosnia and Herzegovina and was able to meet Gen Rosso.

From 4–8 May, the international performing arts group returned for a second time to locations on the “Balkan route,” where migrants fleeing their countries due to war or persecution travel every day.

The goal of the trip was to bring solidarity and dignity to migrants, lift their hopes for a better world, strengthen their self-esteem, and breathe in the family atmosphere. It was organised with the help of Jesuit Refugee Service, which provides housing and essential aid to asylum seekers and migrants.

“We had been here in October 2021,” says Michele Sole, one of the singers, “and it was a good feeling to return to familiar places. This time we went to a larger refugee camp in Lipa, where we met other refugees. The amazing thing is always to see how smiles and welcoming people without prejudice can make a difference and make their faces shine!”

Welcoming gestures and small gifts during the brief moments experienced with them offered some a glimmer of joy and light.

Another stop was to visit the John Paul II School in Bihać, where close to 100 children were able to participate in dance and singing workshops and attend two Gen Rosso concerts. Along with the pupils and their parents, some migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran were also able to participate in the artistic events.

“It was our way of trying to include everyone and experience how important and unimaginable the gift of sharing with this piece of suffering humanity is,” adds Michele.

“I don’t know what happened to me this morning,” says a Muslim woman who was present, “but I felt your music inside, and moved and lucky to be here.”

“Thank you, thank you really, for the passion and hope you gave us,” says an Afghan boy. “The singing was very beautiful.”

“The concert was something special,” says Bihać Institute’s headmaster, adding to the chorus of messages of joy and hope. “We sincerely hope to meet again. It was a great honour and pleasure for us to have you here in our school.”

Lorenzo Russo