(Dis)playing Attica

The “(Dis)playing Attica” programme was an initiative of the Athens State Orchestra and the Region of Attiki which was enthusiastically embraced by the Hellenic Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Culture and Sports and took place under the auspices of the Greek Presidency of the Council of Europe (May-November 2020). The cooperation and collaboration between these three institutions sent out a powerful message of outwardness and commitment to the cultural capital of Greece at this particularly difficult time for the country, as the pandemic continued to impact on so many of the things we took for granted in our everyday lives. “(Dis) playing Attica” was a response to the question of how public authorities could provide the public with alternative forms of entertainment at a time when—for the immediate future, at least—it was impossible for most of us to physically attend concerts. This is how Athens State Orchestra ensembles came to perform eight small concerts at different venues around Attica, one in each of its regions, which were recorded using the finest tools contemporary technology places at our disposal. These concerts treated audiences to a wide range of musical content, ranging from the classic repertoire to film music, jazz, and the Greek art pop scene.
These cultural activities also sought to shine a light on historical and cultural sites around Attica, some of which have become universal symbols for the whole of Europe, allowing audiences to see them up close and to 'travel’—albeit it only digitally—to parts of Attica which, though geographically accessible, were anything but at that point in time. These images travelled throughout Europe, highlighting the universal and timeless values of Greek civilization, which remain the foundations of European culture. During a most difficult period, these concerts provided the public with a note of optimism and cheer. The concerts were broadcast free of charge and are now posted on the Athens State Orchestra's YouTube channel.

Starting on Thursday 5 November 2020 (at 8 pm), and for seven subsequent Thursdays, one of the recorded concerts was uploaded to the websites of the Greek Presidency of the Council of Europe, the Region of Attiki, and the Athens State Orchestra's YouTube channel Athens State Orchestra on YouTube.

The concerts were broadcast free; the last one went out on 24 December 2020.

For the action's promotional video, click here.

For the concert performed in the Roman Agora by the Athens Classical Players, click here.

For the concert performed by the Metallon ensemble in Lavrio's Technological Cultural Park, click here.

For the concert performed by an ensemble of two oboes and a cor anglais at the monastery of Dafni with rare Beethoven's compositions, click here.

For the Athens State Orchestra's small orchestra concert in Cultural Centre of Lipasmata, click here.

For the Athens State Orchestra's wood quintet and Metallon Quintet concert in Flisvos, press here.

For the Athens State Orchestra's ensemble Aenaon concert at the Temple of Afaia in Egina, click here.

For the Athens State Orchestra's YouTube channel, click here.

Under the auspices of the Greek Presidency of the Council of Europe, May-November, 2020.

In collaboration with the Region of Attiki.