In the last decade, dictatorships and totalitarian regimes in the region have caused tension in all aspects of life. The Balkan Peninsula peoples became isolated and did not know their neighbors’ cultural and public lives. The exploding genocide that took place on the former Yugoslavia’s territory had a strong impact on relations between ethnic groups living in other Balkan states. Despite these artificially-created clashes, the Balkans remain a united field for culture and spirit. The most obvious expression of this is in the realm of arts and music. AQUA STORM Music and Performing Arts Agency was inspired by UNESCO’s declaration of 2000 as the International Year of Culture and Peace. They were the ones who initiated the creation of a Balkan Cultural Project to promote Ethno and World Music. The Balkan Horses Band International orchestra featured nine of the most prominent Ethno and Rock, Jazz, Ambience, and New Age composers.
