NAFTEMPORIKI NEWSPAPER • INTERVIEW, Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Nikos Spanatis: «The classical music has a limited but a passionate audience …»
"The classical music has a limited but a passionate audience ... "
In a seductive play where nostalgia meets expectation and happiness surrenders with melancholy to hopeless love, the counter tenor Nikos Spanatis talks about the baroque music concert «Mi palpita il cor». Featuring vocal and instrumental music of the 18th century, this music night will take place at the Philological Association " Parnassus ", on Friday April 12th , at 20.30 pm , with artists specialized in the interpretation of Baroque music. Among them, the distinguished counter tenor Nikos Spanatis who talks about the concert and the magic of music.
Who will be your partners on stage ?
"I am very pleased - the last two years- to work with great and highly regarded Baroque music artists in Greece. For Katerina Ktona recommendations are not necessary, since the history of the harpsichord in our country has been identified with her name.
Ms. Ktona is a founding member of important recordings and numerous appearances at home and abroad.
Our collaboration took place for the first time in April 2011 and was soon repeated in the next few months. I will also have the pleasure to interact musically once again with Angelos Repapis. Mr. Repapis studied double bass and viola da gamba in Netherlands, is a founding also member of the ensemble "Sinfonia" who works with major early music ensembles in Greece and greatly supports the dissemination of interpretation with original organs.
My acquaintance with Efi Minakouli lasts for many years. Ms. Minakouli studied singing, lute and theorbo in England, works with the most significant Greek orchestras as laoutista and participates in important recordings of baroque opera. It would have been an omission not to mention that over the years my acquaintance with Efi Minakouli developed into a regular cooperation and cordial friendship. Finally, another partner to this concert will be Anastasia Miliori in baroque violin. After completing her studies in Germany, she works with Baroque ensembles in Greece and abroad and participates in Baroque opera recordings . I will have the pleasure to work on stage for the second time With Anastasia Miliori. "
Which moment of your artistic journey do you believe that defined your evolution ?
"I think during my career until now there has been no specific moment which proved to be decisive. Each successful cooperation is a reason for what will follow. The singer who has a healthy and beautiful voice with a sense of professional responsibility and above all shows respect to the music it serves, has the opportunity to participate in productions , performances and concerts, to become loved by the audience and above all to create great partnerships."
What is attitude towards classical music in Greece ?
"The classical music - although universal – has a limited but a passionate audience. Fortunately, the nightlife spots are not characterized as “cultural centers” anymore ." Now, with a new spirit , the great artistic and educational activities of the State Orchestras , the Camerata, the Foundation of Arts and Letters , the National Opera and many other cultural institutions present distinguished works of the classical repertoire with a different and fresh look throughout Greece , dazzling young and old viewers. "
What is that you do not like in the modern Greek music scene
"I do not like that it's more" scene "and less" music ". The devaluation of artistic work and its oversimplification have been transformed into a subculture, which destroys the real Greek music, the pure folk, traditional and artistic. "
At the height of the financial crisis, how do you feel about the present and the imminent future?
"I think we are not yet at the height of the financial crisis and the days ahead will be even more difficult. Regarding the present and the imminent future, I would feel more confident if each of us tried to work without depending on state support, venture enough "heroic" by investing in private initiatives and partnerships.
Do you see something hopeful in the horizon?
"What could be more optimistic than the music itself and the love for it?"
INFORMATIONS:
Parnassos Literary Society Concert Hall
Ag. Georgiou Square, Karitsi 8, Athens
Nearest Metro: Panepistimio, Line 2
Tickets:
€12, €10, €5
George S. Koulouvaris
http://www.naftemporiki.gr/story/637077
