Role

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Ensemble

 

Ensemble En Chordais is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of traditional music from the Mediterranean region. The ensemble was founded in 1993 in Thessaloniki, Greece, by Kyriakos Kalaitzidis, a musician and composer who had a passion for the music of the Mediterranean. The ensemble's name, En Chordais, is derived from the Greek word "chordos," which means "string." The name reflects the ensemble's focus on stringed instruments, which are prominent in the traditional music of the Mediterranean. Ensemble En Chordais is made up of a core group of musicians who are dedicated to the ensemble's mission of preserving and promoting the traditional music of the Mediterranean. The ensemble's main members include Kyriakos Kalaitzidis on oud and vocals, Kostas Vomvolos on kanun, Kostas Theodorou on percussion, and Petros Kourtis on violin. Over the years, Ensemble En Chordais has performed at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals and venues. The ensemble has been invited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, the Berliner Philharmonie, and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, among others. One of the highlights of Ensemble En Chordais' career was their performance at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The ensemble was chosen to represent Greece at the opening ceremony of the games, where they performed a traditional Greek song called "Milo Mou Kokkino." Ensemble En Chordais has also received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 2002, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Award for their efforts to preserve and promote the traditional music of the Mediterranean. In addition to their performances, Ensemble En Chordais is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students and musicians around the world, sharing their knowledge and passion for the music of the Mediterranean. Ensemble En Chordais' repertoire includes traditional music from Greece, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East. The ensemble's performances are characterized by their virtuosity, improvisation, and deep understanding of the cultural and historical context of the music they play. Ensemble En Chordais' recordings include several critically acclaimed albums, including "Aman Katerina," "Mediterranean Voices," and "The Greek Project." The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their authenticity, creativity, and emotional depth. Ensemble En Chordais continues to be a leading force in the preservation and promotion of traditional music from the Mediterranean region. Through their performances, recordings, and educational initiatives, the ensemble is helping to ensure that this rich and diverse musical heritage is passed down to future generations.

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