Proposal for the Establishment of a Research and Promotion Foundation for the Music of European Countries Entitled: "Amphictyony of Music" (I.E.M.E.C.)

Description:

In February 1986, Yorgos Sicilianos, then president of the Greek Composers’ Union, proposed the establishment of a Research and Promotion Foundation for the Music of European Countries, named “Amphictyony of Music” (I.E.M.E.C.). This proposal outlined the aim of the foundation to conduct comparative studies, preserve, publish, perform, and promote works of both traditional (folk and ecclesiastical) and contemporary serious music from European countries. The detailed budget for such an initiative was meticulously prepared, indicating collaboration with European institutions, though no further documentation was found in Sicilianos’ archives.

The foundation would establish a music library and archive, housing scores, recordings, and scholarly research on European music. It would also create a museum to display personal items, manuscripts, and instruments related to European composers. Concerts featuring European works would be organized, supported by the foundation, and performed by young musicians from various European countries. The foundation would host pan-European competitions for musical composition and musicological studies, fund music publications, and organize seminars for young composers and virtuosos. It would also support other music institutions with similar goals and host music conferences across Europe to discuss contemporary music issues and education. The foundation’s headquarters were proposed to be located in Corfu, leveraging the island’s cultural heritage and strategic location between Eastern and Western Europe.