Available until January 31, 2025, on the free digital platform of public television Ertflix, in the “Classical Music” section, is the broadcast of the concert “Hymn to Freedom” by Dionysios Solomos presented in Kalavryta in July 2021, as part of the events “Flame of Freedom” of the Municipality of Kalavryta, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the declaration of the Revolution in Agia Lavra.
The concert was also broadcast by the ERT 2 program last Sunday, October 27.
The emblematic work “Hymn to Freedom”, composed by Nikolaos Halikiopoulos – Mantzaros, was presented in its entirety at the venue of the Panhellenic Hero of the National Palygenesis of Agonists 1821 by the National Symphony Orchestra of ERT and the Mixed and Children’s Choir of the Polyphonic Choir of Patras under the direction , orchestrated and edited by the composer and conductor Alki Balta, while the mezzo-soprano Irini Karagianni had impressively recited excerpts from the “Hymn to Freedom”.
The event was co-organized by the Municipality of Kalavryta, the Region of Western Greece and the Polyphonic Choir of Patras.
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**Interview with Alki Balta, Conductor of “Hymn to Freedom”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Alki. The concert “Hymn to Freedom” was such a significant event. Can you tell us what inspired you to lead this performance in Kalavryta, particularly in light of the 200th anniversary of the Revolution?
**Alki Balta:** Thank you for having me. The opportunity to present “Hymn to Freedom” in Kalavryta was profound, not just musically but historically. This piece represents an essential part of our national identity, and commemorating the revolution’s bicentennial was a reminder of the values we uphold today.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating how music can convey such deep emotions and historical significance. Do you believe that art and music hold the power to influence contemporary social and political movements, just as they did during the period of the revolution?
**Alki Balta:** Absolutely! Music has always been a force for change, a way to unite people and inspire action. “Hymn to Freedom” is a prime example. It calls on us to reflect on our freedoms and responsibilities.
**Editor:** Given the context, how do you think audiences today connect with the themes of freedom and national identity portrayed in the concert? Do you feel there is a generational divide in this understanding?
**Alki Balta:** That’s an interesting point. There might be a disconnect for some younger audience members who may not relate as strongly to historical events. However, many aspects of those struggles for freedom mirror current challenges. Engaging with history through art can bridge that gap.
**Editor:** for our readers, do you think music like “Hymn to Freedom” can still rally people around a common cause in today’s fast-paced, digital world, or are such sentiments diluted?
**Alki Balta:** That’s a critical question. In our age of information overload, it can be challenging for any single message to resonate. Yet, the emotive power of shared experiences in music remains intact. It’s essential for conversations around these themes to continue, as they can foster understanding and action.
**Editor:** Thank you, Alki. Your insights certainly make us reconsider the role music plays in our society today. Readers, how do you feel about the impact of classical music on contemporary issues? Do you see parallels between the past and present in our ongoing fight for freedom?
