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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I am here today, at the presentation of the book "Nicholas Economou - The unexpected flight of a genius" by the author Vanda Economou-Kostantinou, which is also a tribute to the great performer and composer.
First of all, I would like to warmly congratulate the author for her initiative to collect and formulate this excellent work, which sheds light on the life and work of a great musician. Her decision to present Nicolas Economou's career with such passion and sensitivity offers us the opportunity to honour this great career.
This book is a first biography of Nicolas Economou (1953-1993), who was a piano prodigy. One of the most important pianists in the world. A worthy ambassador of Cyprus, who honoured his homeland like few others.
He played in the greatest halls of the world, including Germany, England, France, Finland, New York, Japan, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus, bringing to light the Cypriot creation through concerts and events.
He played in the greatest halls of the world, including Germany, England, France, Finland, New York, Japan, Austria, Holland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus, bringing to light the Cypriot creation through concerts and events.
In every performance, Nicholas Economou put forward Cyprus and its problem, while making its culture and tradition known beyond its borders. In Munich, where he lived, he held concerts and events on Cyprus and its tradition. For a week, in Munich, he presented "Cypriot Evenings with Karagiozis", invited the karaoke player Pafios, invited visual artists, and presented his own compositions, written for small ensembles and orchestra, with themes taken from "Cypriot Municipal Music". Our folk music has always been the trigger for his musical compositions.
The city of Munich honoured him with the prize for best performer in 1979, and in 1992 he became a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
He received rave reviews for his performances, for his explosive and exuberant talent.
His colossal performances include Modeste Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition", Robert Schumann's "Kreisleriana" and "Fantasia op. 17", Franz Liszt's "Sonata in B minor" and "Mephisto Waltz" also by Franz Liszt. He made the transcription for two pianos of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Ballet Suite "Nutcracker", which he performed with Marta Argerich and which was released on disc by Doyce Grammofon.
In addition to music, Nicholas Economou also expressed himself through words. He was a genius interested in a wide range of subjects, exploring the teachings of Greek philosophers as well as the world of literature and astronomy. He argued that music is 'the language of God', through which we can access and interpret the deepest truths of existence. This multi-dimensional personality made him a true voice of civilisation, capable of expressing and communicating on multiple levels. "When you are truly a musician, it's everything," he had said, indicating his deep connection to the art of music.
The center of his interest was man and his progress. He collaborated with great names in the art, including Argentine pianist Martha Argerich, American jazz composer Chick Correa, German pianist Friedrich Gulda, cellist Natalia Gutman, Russian Bolshoi ballerina Maya Plisetskaya and many others.
The miracle that Nicolas Economou achieved, always respecting quality, was that he made spoken music accessible to all. After all, music belongs to everyone and everyone can understand music, as long as they open their hearts.
This book by Vanda Economou, cousin of Nicolas Economou, is an important contribution to culture and music in general. Vanda Economou, an excellent musician and writer, was born in Nicosia. She studied at the Pancyprian Gymnasium Faneromeni and the Greek Music Academy, under the tutelage of George Arvanitakis. He continued at the Ionian University and took specialized courses - masterclasses - with Nicolas Economou, Christodoulos Georgiades and Rudolf Kerr.
This is her third book. Her other works: "In the Rainbow of Art and Life-In the Ikonomou Court" and "George Arvanitakis, the Artist, Educator and Man."
The writing of this book is not just an academic account. It is an authentic and profound attempt by the author to express her admiration for Nicolas Economou, "the great soul who understood the meaning and spirit of music." This work highlights the importance of music as heritage and teaching, providing inspiration, cultural and educational value for future generations. As Nicholas Economou used to say, "When you understand music, you suffer with the disharmony you see around you," a phrase that underscores the importance of music in his life.
Sadly, Nicholas Economou passed away too soon. I still remember that day when the fatal accident that cut the thread of his life became known. My father, who was a music lover, heard it on the radio first thing in the morning and was truly devastated. Sadly, we will never know how much more this man had to offer. But it is our duty both as individuals and as a state to remember and recognise him as one of the most important Cypriots of the spirit, whose brilliance transcended the narrow geographical boundaries of our small island. His works bear witness to this fact and will always keep his memory alive.
With these thoughts I welcome the publication of the book "Nicholas Economou - The unexpected flight of a genius" by Vanda Economou, through which we can all get to know this unique man. My warm congratulations and thanks on behalf of all of us.
(EK/NGian/MS)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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