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PROGRAM 2024
 

October 1st to 13th, 2024

The Festival European Polyphony celebrates its 6th edition, from October 1st to 13th, 2024.

During
two weeks
, the Festival presents an ambitious program crossing classical music, photography and cinema, and transforms the Medieval City of Rhodes into a big interactive music workshop combining arts, culture, and creativity. The Festival European Polyphony highlights the city of Rhodes as a meeting place for cultures, audiences and disciplines and aims to be a place of creation, connection and proximity between artists and audiences, through the transmission and discovery of art and classical music.


All events are free to the public.

This year’s artistic program brings together the Mediterranean heartbeat with Baltic and French art. The event features important international artists, including the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC), winners of two Grammy Awards, led by its conductor ad founder Tõnu Kaljuste, distinguished Greek composer Savvas Karantzias, and violinist Chrysanthos Antoniou.

The educational team of the choir Mikrokosmos returns with the Compagnie Transe Express and giant puppets to take us on a journey through the world of opera, accompanied by aerial acrobats in a spectacular show on an outdoor space.

During the Festival, the «Residency» program presents the photo exhibition of two Estonian photographers Anneli Ivaste and Birgit Püve, «Following the Sound and Silence», that reflects fragments of the musical path of Arvo Pärt, who has influenced the understanding of the nature of music in the modern world. There will be screenings of short films and documentaries that were shot on the island of Rhodes during the Festival, and many other surprises.​​

DISTRIBUTION

Chrysanthos Antoniou, Co-founder and co-artistic director Festival European Polyphony-Rhodes

Savvas Karantzias, Co-founder and co-artistic director Festival European Polyphony-Rhodes

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DETAILED PROGRAM

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

“Following the Sound and Silence”

The photo exhibition “Following the Sound and Silence” reflects fragments of the musical path of Arvo Pärt, who has influenced how the nature of music is understood in the modern world. In some parts of this journey, his companions, the conductor Tõnu Kaljuste and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir have shared with him a common creative space full of valuable moments.

The photographers have followed the footprints of the musicians of this unique world.

Anneli Ivaste, photography

Birgit Püve, photography

 

Venue: Inn of France, Rhodes

Duration: 1st to 13th of October, 2024

Time: in the morning 10:00 – 13:00 and in the afternoon 17:00 - 19:30

On Sunday 13th of October, the exhibition will be open only in the morning.

CONCERTS

FRIDAY 04/10/2024 (free entrance, reservation is needed)

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC)

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir was founded in 1981 by the Estonian conductor Tõnu Kaljuste. An internationally renowned vocal ensemble, winner of two Grammy Awards, and nominated 15 times for the same award. The choir honors with its presence for the second time, the festival by performing works of Arvo Pärt, Pjotr Tchaikovsky and Sergey Rachmaninoff.  

 

Musical Program:

Pjotr Tchaikovsky Da ispravitsya (Part 8 from the Nine sacred pieces)

Sergey Rachmaninoff parts from Vespers op 37

XI Velichit dusha Moya Gospoda

X Voskreseniye Khristovo videvshe

IX Blagosloven yesi, Gospodi – soloist Danila Frantou

VIII Khvalite imya Gospodne

VII Shestopsalmiye

VI Bogoroditse Devo

Arvo Pärt The Deer's Cry, Dopo la vittoria

Parts from Kanon pokajanen: Kontakion, Ikos, Prayer after the canon - soloists: Annika Lõhmus, Marianne Pärna, Danila Frantou, Henry Tiisma

 

Venue: Cathedral Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Rhodes

Time: 21:00

The Estonian Ambassador in Greece, Mrs Karin Rannu will honor us with her presence.

 Reservation Concert EPCC - 04/10/2024  - 21:00 

SUNDAY 06/10/2024 (free entrance, reservation is needed)

«Katharsis» 2023-2024, Savvas Karantzias (world premiere)

For mixed choir, percussion, and solo violin.

"Emotionally strong...highlighting the human soul, the work "KATHARSIS" of Savvas Karantzias, brings the Estonian and Greek sound worlds together harmoniously. The work is dedicated to Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and Tõnu Kaljuste."

Katharsis is a contemporary Mass consisting of 9 parts. It has been written for a mixed choir, percussion, and solo violin, where the violin part is based on improvisation, granting it complete freedom (connecting creation with the unpredictability and fragility of the human soul).

  • Kyrie Eleison

  • Psalm 50

  • Dies Irae

  • Τhe beatitudes

  • Christ the true vine

  • Purgation

  • Deus est lux

  • In principio erat Verbum

  • Pater noster

With the work Katharsis (from the Greek word "κάθαρσις"), the composer describes the process of the human soul's redemption from the powerful emotions of oppression, which hinder its balanced functioning. It is a purifying process by nature, during which the soul can rid itself of the excess elements it acquired while performing its functions.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle described Katharsis as the emotional cleansing of fear and pity that tragedy induces. Of course, this can also be achieved through certain forms of art, such as ancient tragedy and music. Art can provoke an emotional cathartic release in an audience by connecting with their personal experiences.

 

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC)

Tõnu Kaljuste, direction

Chrysanthos Antoniou, violin

Vambola Krigul, percussion

EPCC soloists: Marie Roos, Yena Choi, Marianne Pärna, Danila Frantou, Danny Zhizhong Xie, Kim Sargsyan, Henry Tiisma, Gier Luth

Venue: Cathedral Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Rhodes

Time: 21:00

The Estonian Ambassador in Greece, Mrs Karin Rannu will honor us with her presence. 

 Reservation Concert EPCC - 06/10/2024  - 21:00 

A SPECTACULAR MUSIC PARADE

COMPAGNIE TRANSE EXPRESS

Compagnie Transe Express is a French group of artists that combine music and theatre in their performances. During the Festival, they will present one of their largest creations. Giant puppets, percussionists, ascorbates and more than a thousand students from elementary schools of Rhodes that participated at the educational program of the festival will sing Opéra and a variety of French songs, to rhythm this spectacular outdoor parade.

 

SUNDAY 13/10/2024

Aria, percussion, sound, and light in a spectacular parade with many surprises...

Venue: Rhodes' Town Hall, Eleftherias Square

Start of the Parade: Rhodes' Town Hall

Time: 18:00

A MUSIC WALK WITH THE FRENCH CHOIR MIKROKOSMOS

Explore the medieval city of Rhodes discovering its hidden acoustic.

Exploring the sound in different spaces, familiarizing the vocal art at Cappella. An opportunity for the public to experiment and play in various locations (see below). The tour will be preceded by projections at the Armory of de Milly  (departure point).

WEDNESDAY 09/10/2024

Time: 19:30

Venue: Medieval City of Rhodes

Starting and meeting point: Armoury De Milly at 19:00

  1. Armoury De Milly

  2. Argyrokastro Square

  3. Street of the Knights of Rhodes

  4. Inn of France

 Discover the online map of the music walk 

MUSIC WORKSHOPS

Free entrance, reservation is needed

MUSIC WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Designed for young people aged 6-12 and 13-18 years old. Depending on the age group, the appropriate practice and pedagogy are applied.

  • Saturday 12/10/2024 Choir Mikrokosmos

Venue: Inn of France, Rhodes

Time: 10:00 a.m.

 Reservation Workshop for young people - 12/10/2024  - 10:00 

MUSIC WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS


This immersive workshop is created for amateur and professional musicians interested in living a completely different experience. It aims to offer a musical experience based on vocal art, artistic expression, and collective creation.

  • Saturday 12/10/2024 Choir Mikrokosmos

Venue: Inn of France, Rhodes

Time: 11:00 a.m.

 Reservation Workshop for adults - 12/10/2024  - 11:00 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS

From Tuesday 08/10/2024 to Friday 11/10/2024

The educational programs and music workshops of the Festival European Polyphony aim to develop and promote music to young people aged 6 to 18.

The 6th edition will dedicate a significant part of its workshops to ages 6–10 years old.

Through dozens of interactive music workshops which will be held in elementary schools of Rhodes, we will meet over 1000 children. The students will learn about human voice and polyphony, working with the experienced team of musicians from the French choir Mikrokosmos.

These activities also aim to prepare the children for the meeting that will be held in the last outdoor concert with the Compagnie Transe express (giant puppets and percussion) and their participation in a joint song, where they will collaborate with the artists.

 

CINEMA – SCREENINGS  

1. The Lands of Mist (free entrance, reservation is needed)

Date: Saturday, 05th of October 2024

Venue: Museum of Modern Greek Art

Time: 8:00 p.m.

The Estonian Ambassador in Greece, Mrs Karin Rannu will honor us with her presence.

 

The Lands of Mist

Is Europe still hosting indigenous and spiritual populations close to nature? With the film «Aux Pays des Brumes/ The Lands of Mist», Sophie Planque and Jérémy Vaugeois highlight the European cultural heritage connected to nature.

«The Lands of Mist», Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are mysterious, close to Baltic and Slavic culture yet simultaneously distant. The winter solstice revives ancient forgotten beliefs in the rest of Europe. Sophie Planque and Jérémy Vaugeois decided to spend the winter in the Baltic region on a bike, seeking to meet those who keep these ancient cultures alive. A unique heritage that nourishes a deep relationship with nature.

 

Sophie Planque and Jérémy Vaugeois, direction

Reservation Screening The Lands of Mist- 05/10/2024  - 20:00 

2. Short movies (No reservation is needed)

Date: 9th of October, 2024

Venue: Demiurge Dome

Time: 19:00

“BOTTLE BACK” - short film (commanded by the Festival European Polyphony 2022)

“PASSION” - short film

Gabriel Mirété, scenario, direction, main actor

 

After the screenings, there will be a scheduled music walk by the musicians of the French Choir Mikrokosmos.

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Artistic Direction ​:

Chrysanthos Antoniou, co-founder and co-artistic director Festival European Polyphony

Savvas Karantzias, co-founder and co-artistic director Festival European Polyphony

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Partners

The Festival European Polyphony is under the auspices of support of the Ministry of Culture & Sports of HELLENIC REPUBLIC, the General Secretariat of the Aegean and Island Policy and the Hellenic National Tourist Office (E.O.T).​

It is a co-organization of the South Aegean Region, the Municipality of Rhodes, the French Consular Authority of Rhodes and the association Arts Spontanés. With the significant support of the Ministry of Culture & Sports of HELLENIC REPUBLIC, the General Secretariat of the Aegean and Island Policy, the Estonian Embassy in Greece, the Ministry of Culture Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese, the French Institute of Greece, the Municipal Enterprise of Rhodes (DERMAE), the Municipal Organization for Culture and Sports of Rhodes (DOPAR), the Organization for the promotion of Rhodian Tourism (PROTOUR), Ars Artis and private organizations that support culture.

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