Bridges

The greekspeaking eastern Mediterranean music is a unique blend, rooted in the musical legacies of two major theoretical systems, creating a natural fusion that reflects the essence of our cultural heritage. It is akin to mixing two different metals in the right ratio and under the right conditions, resulting in a new and distinctive alloy. This fusion involves the Western European Major Minor system and the Ottoman Makam system, which not only preserves the reasoning of Byzantine music but also encapsulates elements of the musical reasoning of the ancient world.

The outcome is a "hybrid" musical idiom, unique to our country, encompassing the landscapes of the Greek area, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the northeastern Mediterranean. These musical idioms are characterized by a robust practical physiognomy and widespread oral dissemination, often leading to potential misunderstandings and terminology discrepancies. Musicians proficient in these idioms, especially those handling concert instruments, face the challenge of establishing a common language for communication and clarifying the system for better comprehension.

This initiative is an invitation to delve into the study of these musical phenomena through a representative repertoire, presented in the form of a musical ensemble. The goal is to serve as a genuine musical "bridge" between these two worlds, seeking answers to the eternal question of "who am I?" while embracing the fundamental values of music—expression, pleasure, and communication.

Coordination:

• Achilleas Tigas

• Haroula Tsalpara