Upcoming symposium will try to prove Theodorakis’s theory
«Only art can introduce us to the laws of the universe and make us part of the sole harmony that exists, which is universal harmony.» That is, in brief, Mikis Theodorakis’s theory about music and the world. Academics and music experts will try to find proof for that theory in the upcoming international scientific symposium titled «Music and Universal Harmony,» which the University of Crete will organize on March 10 and 11. The head of the university’s Department of Philosophical and Social Studies, psychology professor Yiannis Kougioumtzakis, who last August said Theodorakis should receive an honorary doctorate degree, talked about the symposium at a recent press conference with Professor Giorgos Nikolakakis. «The originality lies in us trying to see that behind the music and action there is a connecting philosophy, which determines the composer’s general stance,» Nikolakakis said. Theodorakis said he was very happy that a theory he had worked on in 1942 is now becoming the object of scientific research. The symposium will start off with the analysis of Theodorakis’s theory and its connection to relevant theories by Pythagoras and Heracleitus, continue with the «Music of the Spheres» and also explore the roots of popular music. The event will close with a concert of five of Theodorakis’s works, under the artistic direction of Giorgos Demertzis. Experts attending Professors of astrophysics, philosophy, anthropology and other specialists will visit Crete for the symposium. One of the symposium’s noteworthy lectures will be by Jerome Bruner, a psychology professor and researcher at New York University, who will talk about social harmony. The symposium will take place at the Creta Maris conference center in Crete. Those interested can contact the administrative office or call 210.937.0205-6.
