Type: Lecture
Language: Greek
Year of Publication: 1961
Description:
In 1961, Yorgos Sicilianos delivered a lecture addressing the pressing musical issues in Greece, particularly focusing on the dire state of music education and the broader cultural landscape. He began by acknowledging the difficulty of discussing practical problems that are often ignored or indefinitely postponed in Greece. Sicilianos criticized the prevailing notion that art, including music, has withered in the modern age of technology and expressed optimism about the potential for artistic growth, as demonstrated by international traditions and activities in the arts.
Sicilianos emphasized the need for a comprehensive reform in music education, highlighting that it is integral to the nation’s future. He proposed creating a musically literate public starting from childhood, suggesting the establishment of music clubs for children and a more engaging school music curriculum. He lamented the current state of music education in Greek schools, which he found outdated and ineffective. Sicilianos also pointed out the necessity of general music education over professional training at conservatories to foster a deeper cultural appreciation. He envisioned the establishment of a State Music Academy to offer professional training, while conservatories would focus on cultivating music lovers. Furthermore, Sicilianos discussed the challenges faced by professional musicians in Greece, advocating for better support and organization of musicians to prevent them from having to take multiple jobs to make a living. He concluded with a call for more independent symphonic orchestras and better utilization of young musicians, alongside systematic promotion of Greek music and artists domestically and internationally.
This lecture was delivered at the Macedonian and Artistic Society “Art” on May 16, 1961. Republished by Art in Thessaloniki, vol. B2, pp. 75-95, 1961.