On Saturday 1st February the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy organized a discussion in co-operation with the Association of Friends of Music of Athens on the subject “The Greek Musical Identity”, the event took place in the room of Friends of Music in the Athens Concert Hall.
The event was introduced by the director of the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy and Dr. of Medicine specialized in Sports Medicine and Biology of Exercise Mrs. Rea Politi, who described in brief the works of the Institute up to that time. The event was addressed by the President of the Association “Friends of Music of the Athens Concert Hall” Mr. Panos Dimaras and by the Director of the institution Mr. Alexandros Harkiolakis. This time, officially invited by the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy was the renowned violinist Mr. Leonidas Kavakos. Mr. Kavakos discussed with the President of the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy Mr. Peter Kapsaskis about the problems in Greek education regarding music and the possibility of a Greek cultural suggestion which would be of international interest.
In particular, during the discussion Mr. Kavakos referred to the way in which music is connected to human practice, to the musical signs as reflected in our lives, and to the harmony which is necessary so that people are able to experience music in a well-balanced manner. Later he focused especially on the lack of music education in Greece, on the absence of the course of music in Greek schools and on the indifference of the state to the essence of music.
In the end of the speeches the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns related to the shaping and development of the Greek contemporary musical identity.
The following video is the discussion with Mr. Leonidas Kavakos.
