Skopje, 9 June 2023 (MIA) — The Philharmonic gave its 'Sounds of the New Generation' concert Thursday with musicians wearing red ribbons to protest the state's decision to house the newly formed National Jazz Orchestra inside the Philharmonic building.

In the three months since their protests began, orchestra members say the Ministry of Culture has kept ignoring them but they are determined, nonetheless, to keep protesting until the government withdraws the decision.

"The Ministry of Culture is silent and completely ignores our fight," the Philharmonic said in a press release. "Ignoring problems does not reduce the harm done. On the contrary, it exacerbates it."

"By dismissing and disrespecting its most important cultural institutions, the state reveals its opinion of the tradition and lasting values created over decades by generations of artists who left their lifetimes on stage," the release says.

The Philharmonic also announces it will hold more protests in front of the Government building next week against the government's decision to house the new jazz orchestra in the building that, they point out, was custom-built for the country's only symphony orchestra. mr/