The Rokka Symphony Orchestra in the Municipality of Chania

The newly established Rokka Symphony Orchestra will soon be enjoyed by audiences in the Municipality of Chania, as announced during a press conference held at the “Mikis Theodorakis” Theatre, while the orchestra was in rehearsal.

As emphasized by the Mayor of Chania, Mr. Simandrakis, the Rokka Festival is presenting and introducing the new Rokka Symphony Orchestra to the public of Chania:

“An initiative of the Rokka Festival that began in 2013 is now evolving into a cultural tool — a significant new institution, which in the future will present important performances not only in Rokka but also in other parts of Crete, Greece, and potentially abroad. This is further proof that culture can thrive where there are groups and people who love their land, and where institutions manage to cooperate. This is the result we present this year, culminating with the Rokka Festival under the full August moon, on Saturday, August 9, at the archaeological site of Rokka.”

The mayor added that the Rokka Symphony Orchestra is made up of accomplished musicians from some of the most important orchestras in Europe. They are currently in Chania, rehearsing and preparing for the upcoming major concert under the direction of the distinguished conductor Luca Gliozzi.

“As the Municipality of Chania, we officially support this effort by providing the rehearsal spaces and attending the small concerts that are open to the public during the preparation period. This moving initiative is culminating in a significant cultural achievement, and we invite everyone to join us on Saturday in Rokka,” Mr. Simandrakis concluded, also thanking all those contributing to the Rokka Festival.

From his side, the orchestra's conductor Luca Gliozzi said:

“I am very grateful to be here in Chania and for the opportunities that the Rokka Festival offers to me and the Rokka Symphony Orchestra. I am very excited to present our work in a special program that connects with the people of the villages and, combined with the full moon, creates an even more beautiful experience.”

Chania-born pianist Konstantinos Papadakis stated:

“I was born and raised in Chania and I am truly excited to make my solo debut with the Rokka Symphony Orchestra — an ensemble created by young musicians from all corners of Europe. They are also performing in smaller ensembles throughout the week, every day at the ‘Mikis Theodorakis’ Theatre from 19:00–20:00 and 21:00–22:00.”

The public will have the chance to enjoy recitals and chamber music concerts by outstanding musicians from the Rokka Symphony Orchestra at the Mikis Theodorakis Theatre. On the night of the August Full Moon, the highlight of the festival, the orchestra will present a program that celebrates the musical traditions of Scandinavia and Greece — works that symbolically bridge the two cultural heritages as an invisible symphony of coexistence, hope, peace, and creativity.

PROGRAM
Wednesday, August 7

19:00–20:00 | Chamber Music Recital

Nicole Biegniwska (violin)

Gabriel Punsvik Gluch (cello)

Gustav Sciacco Schantz (piano)

21:00–22:00 | Wind Chamber Music

Luca Scappagnini (clarinet)

Sara Zucchelli (oboe)

Fritz Fembro (bassoon)

Luca Gliozzi (piano)

21:00 | Old Harbor – Chania | Outdoor Concert – Haydn String Quartet
Performers:

Kevin Huang (violin)

Hilde Aronsson (violin)

Tuomas Oravuo (viola)

Persefoni Aslanoglou (cello)

Thursday, August 8

21:00–22:00 | Piano Recital

Nicolas Ventura (piano)