CULTURE

Athens to host 4-day celebration on occasion of World Music Day

“Athens is celebrating World Music Day with special luster this year – and not for just one day. Last year’s invitation was accepted by 35,000 people, a response which filled us with joy but at the same time raised the standard for this festival,» said Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis at a press conference on Tuesday. Variety This year’s events feature a great variety of music, and the entire production is billed as the most important project since the event’s establishment in Paris, in 1982. One of the reasons for this is the Olympic Games, of course, which have prompted the organizers to present their most ambitious program so far. Artists and bands from both Greece and abroad will be performing in public areas, squares and streets, playing jazz, rock, pop, Greek and classical music. «There are about 100 acts,» said Pemi Zouni, in charge of the festival. «This is a great effort, one that could only be carried out by a public mechanism, in order to ensure free admission for all.» Events will take place in Kotzia and Klafthmonos squares, the Athens Municipality’s Technopolis complex and the National Gardens. Each day will begin with performances by young artists, ending with the more established ones later on. The Greek music scene will be represented by Manolis Famellos, Jacques Stefanou, Theodosia Tsatsou, Giorgos Christodoulou, Constantinos Vita as well as Anoichtoi Thalassa, Astyplaz, Atria, Universal Trilogy, Efstathia and Astathis bands, among others. Foreign artists participating in the events are the Scissor Sisters, 1 Giant Leap and Bermuda Triangle, among others, along with various well-known DJs. A more traditional touch will be given by Greek and foreign choirs, as well as dance troupes – the four-day event will also feature puppet theater, exhibitions and a bazaar. The festival’s opening event will take place at Kotzia Square on Monday, June 21.

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