The Near & Far Kastellorizo International Music Festival, dedicated to the Greek diaspora, comes to the Greek island for the first time from June 27 to 29. The amphitheatrical waterfront of Kastellorizo is transformed into a dreamy music stage, open to all residents and visitors of the island.
The maiden voyage of Near & Far begins with three internationally acclaimed artists. On Friday, June 27, the internationally renowned and beloved musician Ara Dinkjian with the Secret Trio will perform. On Saturday, June 28, the festival’s inspirer, Pericles Kanaris, presents his work NAFTODIA. On Sunday, June 29, soprano Vassia Alati closes the festival with an Opera Gala featuring famous opera arias, operettas, and Italian canzonettas.
The concept behind the Near & Far Kastellorizo International Music Festival is the creation of a high-caliber international music forum that transcends musical genres, set against the unique landscape of Kastellorizo.
“The goal is to create a field of artistic expression in ideal conditions of inspiration for musical creation, attracting emerging and established Greeks of the Diaspora and Philhellenes who excel worldwide,” states the inspirer and artistic director of the Near & Far Kastellorizo International Music Festival, Pericles Kanaris.
“It also aims to become a pole of attraction for visitors and personalities, spreading the name of the island within and beyond its borders, while simultaneously enriching the lives of residents, especially the younger generation, with music,” he adds.
The choice of Kastellorizo as the venue is particularly symbolic. It is a small place in size but of great significance, with a rich history and people who, as Greeks of the Diaspora, conquered the world while keeping their love for their homeland unquenched.
Just as the island is simultaneously close emotionally and far geographically from mainland Greece, so too do the Greeks of the Diaspora and Philhellenes remain “near and far” from their birthplace. The name “Near & Far,” written in English as an international language, precisely symbolizes this invaluable relationship.
The Near & Far Kastellorizo International Music Festival is held under the auspices of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture.
It is held with the generous sponsorship of DEI, Alter Ego Media, Lamda Development, Real Consulting, Aegean, Apivita, Optima bank.
Friday, June 27: Ara Dinkjian – Secret Trio
Ara Dinkjian (oud), Ismail Lumanovski (clarinet), and Tamer Pinarbasi (kanun) will perform original pieces and traditional melodies that combine elements from the Middle East, the Balkans, jazz, rock, classical, and world music.
Saturday, June 28: Pericles Kanaris – NAFTODIA
The composer presents a new series of songs titled Naftodia. It is an ode to Greek seafaring and its historic relationship to the Diaspora. Naftodia, an ode to Greek seafaring, based on new poems by significant Greek poets, as well as experiential lyrics from people belonging to the Greek maritime “family.”
The program will also include beloved songs written on the same theme by acclaimed Greek composers and will be performed with Pericles Kanaris‘ orchestral vision. Pericles Kanaris will be accompanied by Krystallia Gaitanu on viola, Giorgos Kostopoulos on double bass, and Giorgos Skarpelos on bouzouki, lute, mandolin, and guitar. Guest singers will be Erriketi Katsani and Kalia Hatzigiannaki.
Sunday, June 29: Vassia Alati
Soprano Opera Gala with famous opera arias, operettas, and Italian canzonettas. The acclaimed tenor Antonis Koroneos participates as a Guest Star, while the experienced Dimitris Giakas accompanies on piano.
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