One of our core principles at Qualco Foundation is that Culture and the Arts are a driving force for human development. They contribute to establishing resilient societies by creating a sense of community and forging solidarity. Thus, safeguarding the Greek cultural heritage is the main element of our grantmaking.

In line with this vision, we established and supported the operation of the Institute of Greek Music Heritage (IEMK). This initiative is an effort to preserve, illuminate, record and document the diverse and fundamental aspects of the Greek music creation, featuring all genres of music, such as folk, rebetiko, art-popular songs, pop, instrumental music, theatrical and cinematic music. IEMK is a dynamic and innovative scientific institution that aspires to become Greece’s most comprehensive source for music creation and history, scholarly research and education.

Its first major activity is the exhibition “I think it’s time we listened…” –  The Institute of Greek Music Heritage at the Ghika Gallery. The exhibition is co-organised with the Benaki Museum and held at the Ghika Gallery from April 25, 2024 to January 5, 2025. It aims to highlight the creation of Greek music and make it more accessible to younger generations. It seeks to gain deeper insight into the personas of past decades, unearth their unique perspectives, and revisit their work and contribution to our modern civilisation. It features the work of eleven iconic composers (Vamvakaris, Theodorakis, Constantinidis (Giannidis), Mitropoulos, Xenakis, Xenos, Papaioannou, Sicilianos, Sklakotas, Tsitsanis, Hadjidakis), viewed through a contemporary perspective and employing cutting-edge technology. The exhibition also includes a dedicated installation honouring Stavros Xarchakos.

See also: Opening of the exhibition  “I think it’s time we listened…” –  The Institute of Greek Music Heritage at the Ghika Gallery.

Featured story: Athimorama