“Synthermia” International Contemporary Music Festival, an institution initiated in 2004 by M.C.T. aiming at the prominence of artists and creators of contemporary music, continues its action leaving its unique mark on music events not only of the city of Thessaloniki but also of our country; simultaneously, it widens the horizon of its cultural intervention, corresponding to the needs of contemporary reality.
They say about the festival..
The Greek Composers Union always salutes all Synthermia activities with great enthusiam; Synthermia is a very important institution with multiple artistic and educational actions which boost and promote music and greek music in particular.
The Greek Composers Union always support similar activities and would like to thank the Municipality of Thermi, the Mayor and the President of the Board of Directors of Thermi’s Cultural Center and also, the Artistic Director of the Municipal Conservatory of Thermi and “Synthermia Festival”, Ms. Erato Alakiozidou.
With regard,
Theodoros Antoniou
President-GREEK COMPOSERS UNION
In this painful absence of institution supporting contemporary music creation, the emergence of the Synthermia institution in the area of Thessaloniki looks like the star of Bethlehem.
As a result, Thermi lures the glances of all musicians (composers, musicians, musicologists, professors, etc.), who unrighteously strive to attract the interest of public sources and of the audience toward the quintessence of artistic activity: the contemporary creation.
The visionary mood, the stubbornness and the efficiency of Ms. Erato Alakiozidou, Artistic Director of the Municipal Conservatory of Thermi, combined with the staminal support of the conservatory’s President and the Board of Directors, along with the honest interest of the Mayor of Thermi, Mr. T. Papadopoulos, guarantee the fast transformation of this bright star into a luminous sun.
Giorgos Kouroupos
Composer, Vice-president-Greek Composers Union, Artistic Director-Orchestra of Colours
I want to express my support, my enthusiasm for the organization of “Synthermia” and my thankfulness for my participation. In this dry landscape of the current reality in terms of contemporary scholar music in Greece, this event, accompanied by workshops, a composition competition, concerts, special tributes, seminars and lectures of high esteem, with participation of world-known musicians and with a smooth and responsible recording and publishing of the events, Synthermia,comprise a bright example and specimen, which must be supported and continued.
My warmest congratulations to Ms. E. Alakiozidou for the initiative, the realization of these events and the admirable organizational evenness.
Minas I. Alexiadis
Composer, Musicolofist, Associate Professor-University of Athens, 2nd Vice-president-Greek Composers Union
I am very happy to hear that you are planning a continuation of your successful conference/festival last year. It is without doubt extremely important for the Greek composers to have the support that you are giving.
The contacts and interesting lectures and performances that took place last year deserve all of the help that can possibly be given to assure a regular continuation of this excellent initiative. Also it is so important for the composers attending to have the possibility of performance during these events.
My hopes are that you will receive as much support from the Greek authorities as possible in your organization.
With much admiration,
Geoffrey Madge
Pianist
“Synthermia is one of the most special places that knows the importance of presenting composers and performers of today. It was an honor for me to play and introduce some unknown works, which were received with such great enthusiasm. It is a vibrant festival with so many great musicians sharing their art, their passions and all the amazing new creations!”
Tatjana Rankovitch
Pianist
“I was very honored when Erato Alakiozidou asked me to participate in the Synthermia festival two years ago. I had already heard about the festival via Internet and from friends and acquaintances’ comments, i.e. how it works as a cultural international magnet, but my personal experience was beyond any fame. I met a group of people of high musical texture, high levels of energy and love for their students and a festival, competing with the best international ones, at least in relation to those I have personally known. The organization, the hospitality, the status of discussions and music performance in the concerts I attended, where all very high. I left from Thermi feeling very excited and wishing that this unique effort will flourish in the future. The Municipal Conservatory of Thermi is now the beacon, which defines the level of what is possible to accomplish from other music institutions across the country and it deserves all kinds of support and assistance from public and private organizations.”
Christos Ηatzis
Composer
“Synthermia” comprise an original tool in the sculpturing of new perspectives in the Greek Contemporary music, but they also provide some dynamic style in the country. They create a new tradition and I wish its continuation will always be a challenge for even more different and special things for this institution. Stay strong!
Christos Samaras
Composer
Undoubtedly the Synthermia institution comprises a radiant of culture and a rostrum of free and pioneer creation. It is organized and manned by young people who address young creators. Objecting to the “globalized” art and education, it sings something different. It offers hope to the composers; a podium to the performers, a vision to the students. It embraces all citizens generously. It functions as an exemplar. It eavesdrops, it dares, it bleeds. It gives a smile of culture.
Cosmos Saxophone Quartet & Theofilos Sotiriadis
