The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Administrative Region of Attica announce the opening of the (Dis)playing Attica programme. This programme is an initiative from the Athens State Orchestra and the Administrative Region of Attica, and it is taking place in the framework of the cultural activities of the current six-month Greek Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, which expires on 18 November 2020.
The cooperation and synergy between these three organizations is a strong message of openness and commitment to our country’s cultural wealth at a very difficult time – due to the pandemic – during which much that we took for granted in our daily lives has changed.
The Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Committee of Minister of the Council of Europe, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, made the following statement: “In collaboration with the Administrative Region of Attica, we are moving ahead with a number of cultural actions that will highlight the relevance of our culture’s timeless values. Starting in Athens and moving on to other neighbourhoods and beautiful locations in our country that symbolize, to us and other Europeans, the universal values of Greek civilization, these cultural events will be livestreamed and embraced by Europe’s 800 million people. Because the Council of Europe and Europe doesn’t mean just rights and democracy. It also means culture, and Greece has much to show in this sector.”
The Regional Governor of Attica, Giorgos Patoulis, called the digital broadcasting (livestreaming) of the concerts a message of solidarity and cooperation among the countries participating in the Council of Europe, stressing that “Music is a bridge of communication, bringing peoples together and promoting culture. Because music is life.” Mr. Patoulis highlighted that the Region of Attica promotes European principles and values, focusing on actions that improve citizens’ quality of life. He underscored that “Our Regions and Municipalities are sharing in the national effort to respond to the pandemic, working with the state in the effort to protect public health and support our fellow citizens who are in need.”
Finally, the Artistic Director of the Athens State Orchestra, Loukas Karytinos, welcomed the initiative, saying: “As is often the case, adverse conditions, beyond difficulties, are a source of new initiatives, cooperation and creative action. Thus, the Athens State Orchestra, in collaboration with the Region of Attica and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, found the opportunity, with its outstanding musicians, to present famous works of chamber music in various iconic locations in Attica. Through these concerts, the public will have the opportunity to get to know the musicians of the Athens State Orchestra and to hear exceptional works for smaller musical ensembles.”
These cultural actions are ultimately aimed at promoting historical and cultural landmarks and the universal human symbols of our land throughout Europe, through a series of 8 short concerts by various musical ensembles of the Athens State Orchestra, drawing from the classical repertoire, cinematic music, jazz and Greek art music.
These images will travel throughout Europe, projecting the timeless universal human values of our culture, which remain the foundation of European culture.
At a difficult time, in the midst of the second and stronger wave of the pandemic, we hope that these concerts give the audience a note of optimism, lifting people’s spirits.
So, tune in, starting today and every Thursday, at 20:00, on the websites of the Greek Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, the Administrative Region of Attica and the Athens State Orchestra, and share in this musical, digital experience from the archaeological sites of Attica!
The concerts will be shown free of charge and will run through 24 December 2020.
November 5, 2020