Concerts FEP24 Rhodes

The Festival European Polyphony celebrates its 6th creative year in Rhodes. Dedicated to classical music, photography, and cinema, the 6th edition of the Festival European Polyphony celebrates from October 1st to 13th 2024, in Rhodes, the cultural bridge between Paris-Rhodes-Tallinn that has been built over the years.

-Friday October 4th at 21.00

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC) – The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir was founded in 1981 by the Estonian conductor Tõnu Kaljuste. An internationally renowned vocal ensemble, winner of two Grammy Awards, and nominated 15 times for the same award. The choir honors with its presence for the second time, the festival by performing works of Arvo Pärt, Pjotr Tchaikovsky and Sergey Rachmaninoff.

Free entrance, Reservation is needed.

– Sunday October 6th at 21.00

«Katharsis» 2023-2024, Savvas Karantzias (world premiere) – For mixed choir, percussion, and solo violin.

​”Emotionally strong…highlighting the human soul, the work “KATHARSIS” of Savvas Karantzias, brings the Estonian and Greek sound worlds together harmoniously. The work is dedicated to Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and Tõnu Kaljuste.”

​Katharsis is a contemporary Mass consisting of 9 parts. It has been written for a mixed choir, percussion, and solo violin, where the violin part is based on improvisation, granting it complete freedom (connecting creation with the unpredictability and fragility of the human soul).

With the work Katharsis (from the Greek word “κάθαρσις”), the composer describes the process of the human soul’s redemption from the powerful emotions of oppression, which hinder its balanced functioning. It is a purifying process by nature, during which the soul can rid itself of the excess elements it acquired while performing its functions.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle described Katharsis as the emotional cleansing of fear and pity that tragedy induces. Of course, this can also be achieved through certain forms of art, such as ancient tragedy and music. Art can provoke an emotional cathartic release in an audience by connecting with their personal experiences.

Free Entrance, Reservation is needed.

The Estonian Ambassador in Greece, Mrs Karin Rannu will honor us with her presence.

The Festival European Polyphony is under the auspices of support of the Ministry of Culture & Sports of HELLENIC REPUBLIC, the General Secretariat of the Aegean and Island Policy, and the Hellenic National Tourist Office (E.O.T). It is a co-organization of the South Aegean Region, the Municipality of Rhodes, the French Consular Authority of Rhodes, and the association Arts Spontanés. With the significant support of the Ministry of Culture & Sports of the HELLENIC REPUBLIC, the General Secretariat of the Aegean and Island Policy, the Estonian Embassy in Greece, the Ministry of Culture Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese, the French Institute of Greece, the Municipal Enterprise of Rhodes (DERMAE), the Municipal Organization for Culture and Sports of Rhodes (DOPAR), the Organization for the promotion of Rhodian Tourism (PROTOUR), Ars Artis and private organizations that support culture. Photo Credits: Anneli Ivaste