Author(s): Nikos I. Synodinos
Former General Director of the Greek National Opera
Abstract or Summary:
This article reflects on the personal and professional qualities of Yorgos Sicilianos, highlighting his integrity, modesty, independence, and kindness. The author recounts their acquaintance from the late 1950s, detailing their collaboration when Sicilianos became General Director of Music Programs at the National Radio Foundation (EIR) and their work together at the Athens Festival. Sicilianos’ significant contributions to Greek music, particularly in advocating for music education and cultural enrichment, are emphasized. Despite his prominent position, he remained humble and focused on his compositions and educational initiatives. The article also touches on the challenges faced during the military dictatorship in Greece, which disrupted their work and led to the author’s dismissal from the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT).
Post-1974, Sicilianos maintained a social relationship with the author, and their professional collaboration was renewed in the early 1990s when Sicilianos was appointed chairman of the Artistic Committee of the Greek National Opera. This period, described as a “golden period” for the GNO, saw significant achievements such as the renovation of the Olympia Theatre and the reintroduction of significant works to the repertoire. Sicilianos’ influence extended beyond artistic decisions to broader organizational policies, balancing artistic freedom with public interest while safeguarding national cultural identity. Sicilianos’ legacy in the arts and his exemplary character remain deeply respected, highlighting his unwavering dedication to both his art and Greece’s cultural heritage.
An abbreviated version of this article forms part of the English supplement at the end of this volume (page 265-266).
Year of Publication: 2007
Published/Presented: Yorgos Sicilianos In the avant-garde of contemporary music
Page(s): 77-81
Language(s): Greek
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Nikos I. Synodinos |
Greek National Opera |
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Yorgos Sicilianos |
Dimitris Agrafiotis, Theodore Antoniou, Tatsis Apostolidis, Valia Christopoulou, Giorgos Demertzis, Popi Eustratiadi, Byron Fidetzis, Gianni Ioannides, Apostolos Kostios, Giorgos Kouroupos, Katy Romanou, Yorgos Sicilianos, Michalis Stathopoulos, Nikos Synodinos, Nikos B. Tsouchlos |
Benaki Museum |
2007 |
Musicology |
Edited Volume |
Greek & English |
77-81 |