A strong fanfare introducing a proud first melody, an heroic middle section and hymnic trio, a vibrant bass solo and a bright grandioso finale - these elements musically symbolize the "Heart of Europe - interpreted both geographically in the Euregio Via Salina and spiritually in the European ideal of stability and peace. In 1997, EUREGIO Via Salina was founded, its member countries flanking the old salt road from Venice through Austria to the Allgau. EUREGIO supports and coordinates the transnational cooperation of its members, with a focus on band music. Austrian composer, conductor and music teacher Hermann Pallhuber composed "In the Heart of Europe" as a commission for the 2009 EUREGIO Music Festival.