Exhibition “I wanted to be a perfume” – Chania 25th April until 3rd May
The secrets of the musical archive of the Koutsoureli Family will be revealed from today.
WHEN: 25th April – 3rd May
Opening hours 09.00 – 21.00
The official opening is scheduled for today, 25th April at 19.00.
WHERE: Grand Arsenal (KAM), Venetian Harbour, Chania
Free entrance .
Unlocking the Secrets of the Koutsoureli Family’s Musical Archive – music that has shaped the Cretan tradition:
The exhibition highlights the deep and multidimensional contribution of the Koutsoureli family to the Cretan musical tradition, focusing in particular on their decisive role in the foundation of the lute as a solo instrument. Through a rich and rare archival material, audio documents and modern interactive applications, the public is invited to discover a fascinating musical world, where memory, creation and tradition are intertwined.
The exhibition space is structured into thematic sections that illuminate different aspects of the life and work of the Koutsoureli brothers. The biographical retrospective presents their childhood, their first musical influences, but also the dynamics of their family tradition. The unity of discography, radio and collaborations highlights selected productions, radio broadcasts and collaborations with leading musicians of their time. Finally, special emphasis is given to the lute as a solo instrument, illuminating the pioneering role of the Koutsourelis in shaping the modern Cretan sound.
Through interactive elements – such as screenings of rare films, digital representations and acoustic experiences with original and unpublished recordings – the archive comes to life, inviting the visitor to an experiential tour of the “Koutsourelis Café”, where music that has shaped the Cretan tradition was born, played and broadcast.
Photographs, scores, cassettes, video recordings and musical instruments form a precious mosaic of documents that reveals not only the artistic journey of an emblematic family, but also the very evolution of Cretan music over time.
As part of the exhibition, organized visits and tours will be held for schools, conservatories, clubs, music and other educational institutions, accompanied by a parallel artistic program, live concerts and presentations, offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with the local cultural heritage and highlight the vitality and timeless appeal of the musical and dance tradition of Crete.
CO-ORGANIZATION
Lousakies Cultural Association Municipality of Chania
Municipality of Kissamos
Region of Crete – Regional Unit of Chania
WITH THE AUSPICES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Ministry of Culture – General Secretariat of Contemporary Culture
Source: chania-culture.gr
