Page 100 - BLUE INK 2018

ORIGIN

“Cretan festivals carry the constraints in all my works.But what I struggled
a lot against was the conceited promotion of
Cretan soul all on their own. «self» which is characteristic of our race. I chose
Without any “make-overs”, dialogue and critical thinking, taking more
sophisticated paths, which helped me to redefine
they are still holding up against my musical personality and to bring it closer to a

modern European culture.” global musical language that is not trapped in the
microcosm of localism.
Where in Crete do you personally identify
with complete relaxation?
Southern Rethymno, especially Kotsifos gorge.
Tell us what is your favourite beach on the
island, maybe one that visitors do not know
Cretans at heart Kedrodasos in southern Chania - a place I got to
about.
know when it was deserted and that I have never
gone back to so that it can remain in my memory
as the perfect seaside landscape.
What is the first thing you want to try
Significant people who hold the island in their soul - some- immediately you arrive home?
thing which still guides them on their path through life today. My mother’s home-cooked avronies (a wild
It is no coincidence that all three are distinguished for their Cretan green plant)
creativity and their close relationship with Crete. Can you finish this phrase for us: For me
Crete isn’t Crete without…
By Despoina Sampson Its gorges which look like the Cretan people, the
music and the Cretan dialect.
Tell us about a trip you have taken, either
by car or on foot, that would enchant any
Giorgos Koumendakis, Artistic he has been the Artistic Director of the Greek traveller.
Director of the Greek National National Opera. Arkadi, ancient Eleftherna and Margarites.
Orchestra You can’t believe that there is so much beauty
Giorgos Koumendakis is one of the best known What characteristics make Cretans stand out gathered together in a few kilometers.
of the new generation of Greek composers, as different, even today? Tell us where is the best place to take a deep
and was born in Rethymno in 1959. His music Their love for their outstanding homeland. For breath and enjoy the view.
is characterised by its wide variety of musical those of us who live outside Crete, our thoughts On the Fortezza in Rethymno, looking at the sea
styles and a constant search for new directions. are often flooded with nostalgia. We are certain in the north and listening to the waves coming
In addition to his many works of orchestral that this is the most beautiful place in the world, from Renaissance times and breaking in my ears.
music and chamber music, much of his artistic this small, welcoming strip of land, stuck there Tell us your favourite place to take
career has been devoted to composing music in the centre of the earth, radiating culture, photographs. Describe the shot to us:
for the performing arts (theater, cinema, dance, politeness and beauty. A high, dangerous bridge. And a deep drop
opera, installations). His works have been What influence has Crete had on your down below. On the left an inaccessible, wild
featured in major concert halls all over the world personality - who you are and what you have landscape. On the right a small stone village in
and his music has been conducted by Martin chosen to do with your life? the middle of nowhere. A few goats are grazing
Brabbins, Gaetano Colajanni, Olivier Cuendet, I grew up in Rethymno, the city of letters, in an next to the village chapel. Two shepherds, few
Christopher Warren-Green, Gunther Souller, environment where the arts were respected, words and the lightest breeze I have ever felt, in
Gunther Schuller, Nikos Tsouchlos, Alexandros and which prompted me to express myself Aradena, in Sfakia.
Myrat and Theodore Antoniou. In 2015 Giorgos freely through the music. It was a poetic place, What do you think is unique about Crete?
Koumentakis became the Artistic Programme full of life and generosity. I was empowered Cretan festivals. They carry the Cretan soul all
Manager for the Alternative Stage of the by tradition, I was inspired by nature and I on their own. Without any “make-overs”, in an
Greek National Opera at the Stavros Niarchos took strong memories with me, and they are authentic way, they are still holding up against
Foundation for Culture. Since February 4, 2017, still the source of inspiration and escape from modern European culture.

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