Mikis Theodorakis 1998

THEODORAKIS REACTS

Quotation:
In mid-February, one of the country's most popular singer, Stelios Kazantzidis, was engaged in a highly publicized trial with a leading composer, Christos Nikolopoulos. To discredit the latter, the
singer used a vast array of anti-Semitic attacks, calling him "agent of the Jews," and denouncing a "Jewish plot" and "an international Jewish conspiracy." These statements were made repeatedly in front of television cameras and even in the courtroom. Subsequently they were quoted in the
newspapers. There was absolutely no reaction for a few days: no journalist, media, or intellectual criticized Kazantzidis; while, though Greece has laws condemning incitement to racial hatred, no prosecutor nor any judge thought of invoking them in the courtroom where the singer was committing the crime 'in flagrante.' In dismay, the Central Jewish Council, which generally downplays Greeks' notorious anti-Semitism, issued a strong statement of protest: the media simply reproduced it without any comments (14/2).

This lack of reactions led the country's foremost composer, Mikis Theodorakis, to send an equally strong letter in which he argued that "the comeback of the zombis of racism  is a disgrace for Greece," adding that "in such moments, silence means guilt." Again, the media merely published
the letter (16/2): one, E, under the title "Theodorakis for Jews" (!!!). With the exception of some rare and marginal voices, nearly all Greek media, politicians and intellectuals, with their silence, confirmed their "guilt." Indeed, many opinion surveys confirm that Greek public culture is
anti-Semitic, racist, extreme nationalist, and xenophobic. This intolerance towards 'others' results mainly from a tolerance of hate speech concerning 'others,' which, in any other European country with the long democratic tradition of Greece, would have led to mass reactions.

Excerpt from
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MIKIS THEODORAKIS HONOURED IN THESSALONIKI

Quotation:
A special event dedicated to the wide personality of the Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis will take place tonight at the publishing house of "Ianos".
Famous people of the greek cultural sector such as the author Mimis Androulakis, the director Kostas Georgousopoulos and the composer and singer Dionisis Savopoulos will speak in honour of the great composer.
Tomorrow, in a special ceremony that will take place in the European Youth Centre, the mayor of Kalamaria will nominate mr Theodorakis honorary citizen whereas, the same day, mr
Theododrakis will be nominated honorary citizen of the prefecture of Panorama as well.

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-03-13

THEODORAKIS CONCERT IN AUSTRIA

Quotation:
Internationally renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis will present his work "Canto General" on Sept. 12 in Linz, Austria.

The world premiere of the "Canto General" musical arrangement for symphonic orchestra will be among the top events during the European cultural month
in the Austrian city, organised from Aug. 28 to Oct. 4.

The cultural month is related to the cultural capitals of Europe institution, inspired by late Greek culture minister Melina Mercouri. Culture ministers
from the Union's 15 member-states are expected to attend.

Athens News Agency
 

[15] Venizelos attends EU culture ministers meeting in Austria

VIENNA  09/09/1998 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Quotation:
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, who is currently here to attend a three-day EU informal council of culture ministers in the Austrian city of Linz, told the Athens News Agency yesterday that funding by both national and EU budgets was the most important aspect in promoting Europe's cultural cooperation.

The EU's new programme-framework for culture in 2000-2004 and its funding will be the main subject of discussions between the 15 culture ministers.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Venizelos will also discuss issues relating to the organisation of the Euromediterranean Conference of Culture
Ministers, to take place on Rhodes, Sep. 25.

Mr. Venizelos, at the close of the meeting, along with his EU counterparts, will watch the perfomance of Mikis Theodorakis' "Canto General", which is the highlight of the European Cultural Month, organised this year in Linz.

GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER TRAVELS TO SOUTH AFRICA ON THURSDAY

Athens, November 16 (MPA)

Quotation:
Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is to embark on an official two-day visit to South Africa on Thursday, November 19. Famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis will accompany the FM on his visit and will conduct his musical adaptation of Odysseus Elytis' epic "Axion Esti".
Mr. Pangalos has said that proceeds from the concert would be donated to South African President Nelson Mandela's charity to help impoverished children.
Mr. Mandela has said he will attend the Greek composer's concert.

[03] Pangalos to travel to S. Africa

Athens  13/11/1998 (ANA)

Quotation:
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos begins an official two-day visit to South Africa on Thursday.
His visit will be marked by a variety of cultural events, including two concerts conducted by Mikis Theodorakis of his musical adaptation of
Odysseus Elytis' epic poem "Axion Esti".
Mr. Pangalos has said that proceeds from the concerts would be donated to South African President Nelson Mandela's charity to help impoverished
children.
Mr. Mandela has said he will attend the Greek composer's concerts.

[04] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Athens, November 19 (MPA)
Thessaloniki, November 19, 1998

Quotation:
Greece’s Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos embarked on an official two-day visit to South Africa today. Famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis is accompanying the FM on his visit and will conduct his musical adaptation of Odysseus Elytis' epic "Axion Esti".
Mr. Pangalos has said that proceeds from the concert would be donated to South African President Nelson Mandela's charity to
help impoverished children.
Mr. Mandela has said he will attend the Greek composer's concert.
Tomorrow, Mr. Pangalos will travel to Ethiopia to meet with government officials while he will also meet with Patriarch Paul.
The Foreign Minister is to conclude the Africa  tour on Saturday where he is scheduled to return to  Athens.