Cyprus-Forum.com

[banana growers]

Europe day concert hits a sour note
By Elias Hazou

EUROPE DAY, intended as a celebration of peace and unity in Europe, has instead caused discord and ill-feeling in the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra after the state invited Turkish musicians to take part in local events.

The inclusion of six musical artists from Turkey in concerts has provoked the ire of some members of the CSO.

Two of the Turkish nationals are soloists performing the prelude to the ‘Ode to Joy’, from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the European anthem.

Overseas artists are regularly invited as guests by the CSO without incident. Indeed the orchestra itself is comprised of many different nationalities. Some members have taken exception to the nationality of these specific musicians.

The concerts were co-organised by the Education Ministry and the Embassy of the Czech Republic, which currently holds the EU presidency.

In addition to the Turkish nationals, the orchestra also featured Syrian, Lebanese, Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian musicians.

Diversity is fine, but in this case it’s been taken too far, say the dissenters.

“It’s provocative. There was really no need for it,” said Nikos Ioannou, a double bass player on the orchestra.

“What kind of message are we sending out when we invite people from Turkey to play alongside us, when our country is still occupied?

“Are we trying to say that everything here is all right? Because it’s not. Besides, Turkey is not even in the European Union.”

He had nothing personal against the Turkish musicians, he hastened to add.

“I had the chance to chat with one of them, also a double bass player, and he seemed like a very reasonable fellow. He agreed that Cyprus should be demilitarised.”

But unlike Ioannou, other Greek Cypriots in the orchestra, some of whom are refugees, were not on speaking terms with their Turkish colleagues.

“That’s understandable,” Ioannou told the Sunday Mail.

Including overseas talent, has also caused expenses to soar, according to the dissenters. The tab is being mostly picked by the government.

“Each of the Turkish musicians cost some €3,000, for travel, accommodation and fees. Not only that, but they brought them over 10 days ago [for rehearsals], out of which three days were down time with no rehearsals because of the May 1 long weekend,” said another source, who preferred not to be named.

The two Turkish soloists were certainly made to feel unwelcome before setting foot on the island.

The Sunday Mail understands they were sent anonymous threats via email warning them to keep away. The matter has been reported to the police by administrators at the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.

It’s been suggested that the masterminds behind the concert may got carried away by an attempt at détente between Cyprus and Turkey. One source likened the move to the policy of promoting rapprochement between the island’s two communities in public schools.

During the concert at Limassol’s Rialto theatre on Friday night, a band of around 10 protesters, distributed pamphlets condemning the inclusion of the musicians from Turkey. A couple brandished Greek flags outside the performance to drive home their point.

The inflammatory pamphlets featured a parody drawing of Beethoven wearing a fez with the crescent moon and star, the symbols appearing on the flag of Turkey.

A few protesters were also expected to turn up at the second show last night at Strovolos Municipal theatre for maximum exposure, as the event was set be attended by a host of European ambassadors and Cypriot officials. Tickets to the concert was sold out days ago.

Were the concert arrangements off tune? Not so, insist the organisers.

“We wanted to stress the spirit of co-operation, the concept that art transcends nations and unites all people. That’s the idea,” said Giorgos Moleskis, consultant for the CSO.

“These things can’t be taken seriously,” he said of the controversy, also brushing aside allegations that qualified Cypriot musicians had been passed over.

“Our criteria for hiring musicians were not based primarily on degrees and whatnot, but rather on a person’s performance during auditions. This was a special event, special circumstances, and we wanted to get the right people for it,” said Moleskis.

[banana growers]

What a disgraceful hateful race of ppl you are...hang your damn heads in shame!!

[miltiades]

What a disgraceful hateful race of ppl you are...hang your damn heads in shame!!

What a blithering idiot you are !!!

[banana growers]

Greek cyps are just about the most racist , ignorant ppl I have ever had the displeasure to meet. Pity you are not more like the true Greeks...no wonder they don't like you either! They are ashamed of all of you!

[Get Real!]

Greek cyps are just about the most racist , ignorant ppl I have ever had the displeasure to meet. Pity you are not more like the true Greeks...no wonder they don't like you either! They are ashamed of all of you!

[The Cypriot]

Greek cyps are just about the most racist , ignorant ppl I have ever had the displeasure to meet. Pity you are not more like the true Greeks...no wonder they don't like you either! They are ashamed of all of you!

You should know there's no such word as foreigner in our language; only 'guest' - xenos... And those who come to Cyprus and behave with honour are treated as such.

But those who don't? We have another word for those: 'Varvari' - barbarians. And barbarians get what they deserve.

[ttoli]

Greek cyps are just about the most racist , ignorant ppl I have ever had the displeasure to meet. Pity you are not more like the true Greeks...no wonder they don't like you either! They are ashamed of all of you!

You should know there's no such word as foreigner in our language; only 'guest' - xenos... And those who come to Cyprus and behave with honour are treated as such.

But those who don't? We have another word for those: 'Varvari' - barbarians. And barbarians get what they deserve.

With statements like that what chance is there for a settlement, hang your head in shame.

[vaughanwilliams]

“What kind of message are we sending out when we invite people from Turkey to play alongside us, when our country is still occupied?"

How about: Forgiveness, good grace, magnanimity and a true artisits ability to rise above politics?

[vaughanwilliams]

You good Greek Orthodox "Christians" should also remember Matthew 5:44

[The Cypriot]

With statements like that what chance is there for a settlement, hang your head in shame.

Hey, I'm just giving you an insight into the mind-set. If you'd been a victim of serial invasion and occupation over centuries, maybe you'd think the same.

I won't hang my head in shame. There are plenty of foreigners who'd need to do that first before I will.