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A tribute event marking the 100th anniversary of Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis’ birth brought together cultural figures from Türkiye and Greece at the recently restored Sismanoglio Megaro in Istanbul.
The event highlighted the enduring place of Theodorakis’ music in shaping shared cultural memory across both societies.
Organized by the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul, the evening emphasized the universal dimension of Theodorakis’ work and the role of music in fostering understanding between nations.
Greece’s Consul General Konstantinos Koutras welcomed the audience by reflecting on the composer’s legacy, noting that Theodorakis represented not only the people of Greece but “all those who struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity.” He pointed to the power of art to build bridges where politics and history may create separation.
Koutras also underlined the cultural ties that connect Türkiye and Greece, saying that shared memory, artistic traditions, and musical expression form a foundation upon which dialogue and mutual respect can be developed.
The first part of the program featured contributions from notable Greek and Turkish cultural figures. Musicologist Alexandros Charkiolakis discussed the global significance of Theodorakis’ compositions, while fellow musicologist Valia Braka spoke about the composer’s archival materials donated to the Music Friends Association, noting ongoing efforts to digitize and use them in cultural and educational contexts.
Publisher Nazim Tokuz reflected on a recently released Turkish edition of From the Cells to the Concert Halls: Asking Theodorakis, a book by Asterios Koutoulas, explaining how the project connects literary work with shared artistic memory.
Turkish musician and author Zulfu Livaneli contributed to the event via video, recalling his friendship and creative collaboration with Theodorakis and emphasizing the shared cultural language expressed through music.
The second part of the evening featured a performance by Greek vocalist Betty Harlafti, personally selected and mentored by Theodorakis.
Harlafti performed well-known songs in Greek and other languages, presenting key moments of the composer’s musical journey. She was accompanied on piano by Turkish pianist Ali Koc.
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