As the cuts continue to sweep across Greece there are major questions that should be asked, which increasingly cast doubts on the meaning of European democracy and the actions of the Troika. This is the final piece of music, the Greek national anthem, with which the orchestra salutes the closure of the Greek Radio and Television. Below is a message from the three Music Ensembles of the Greek Radio Television (ERT).
Dear colleagues, fellow artists, musicians and managerial staff of State Radio Television Broadcasters worldwide,
This is a communication letter from all 3 Music Ensembles of the Greek Radio Television (ERT), which as you already know is now SHUT DOWN after a government decree. As of Tuesday the 11th of June 2013 the “National Symphony Orchestra” (est. 1938), the “Contemporary Music Orchestra” (est. 1954) and the Choir (est. 1977) of ERT have ceased their activities. The new institution that is proposed at the moment from the government there is no room for music whatsoever. Our very existence is at stake. We are asking for help and solidarity in any possible way. It is of the outmost importance to make them understand why a Public Television should include Music Ensembles. We would mostly appreciate a written formal statement of support (in both email and normal post if possible) addressed to the Greek government (Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Culture, Ministry of State, GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF INFORMATION ANDCOMMUNICATION) and to your own respective governments as means of applying pressure for the existence and functioning of the Music Ensembles and ERT in general. A European country’s decision to shut down its national Broadcaster constitutes a major strike against democracy and culture that concerns all of us.
Music Ensembles of European Radio Television traditionally are pillars of civilization.
The unhindered artistic creation and freedom ofexpression is an essential part of the human existence.
The Musicians, Choristers and Managerial Staff of the Music Ensembles of ERT
PS. The importance of the situation demands your immediate response.
Please communicate every action to the email of the Artistic Director of the Music Ensembles of ERT.
Mr. Markos Moissidis
markosmoissidis@yahoo.gr
Addresses needed
Minister Of State
Dimitrios Stamatis
Lawyer
Post. Address:
Maximos Mansion
19, Herodou Attikou str.
106 74 Athens, Greece
Telephone: (+30) 210 33 85 488
Fax: (+30) 210 33 85 274
e-mail: gramypep.gr
Ministry of culture and tourism
Minister: Mr. Kostas Tzavaras
Address: Mpoumpoulinas 20-22, 106 82 Athens
tel: +30 2131322100
fax: +30 210 8201138
Email: grplk@culture.gr
URL: www.yppo.gr
Ministry of Finance
Minister: Mr Stournaras Ioannis
Κ. Serbias 10,
105 62 Athens
tel: 210 337 5000
