Communities Between Islands: …and so we’ll end up singing
The interdisciplinary arts-based research program Communities Between Islands (CBI) announces the launch of its third and final chapter, titled “…and so we’ll end up singing.” Building on previous cycles curated by Archipelago Network and Providenza in autumn 2023 and spring 2024, this chapter further develops collaborations between international artists and local communities across Corsica, Sardinia, and Syros.
For Chapter #03: …and so we’ll end up singing, Cherimus has invited artists Maya Aghniadis (1991, Greece/Lebanon), Roberto Casti (1992, Italy), and Lukas De Clerck (1994, Belgium) to explore the interconnectedness of Mediterranean musical traditions and the passage of time through innovative, cross-island artistic projects. Each of their works delves into the cultural and auditory landscapes of Syros, Corsica, and Sardinia, focusing on rhythm, melody, and the reimagining of traditional instruments. By blending elements of the past and present, they aim to create a speculative, shared musical narrative that transcends geographical boundaries.
From September 17 to 25, 2024, the artists visit Syros for the initial part of their research, hosting a series of public workshops. If you are interested in participating, you may sign up until Wednesday, September 11 by completing the registration form here. Spots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
WORKSHOP by Maya Aghniadis
Wednesday, September 18, 17:00, Hermoupolis (location to be announced upon signup)
Participants: up to 8 persons
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Working language: English
Reserve your spot here by September 11
In this workshop, participants explore the creative potential of rhythm and melody based on a set tempo and focusing on the musical note Ré (D). Participants will record their spontaneous responses as they arise from their emotional state and personal connection to the tempo and tonality that guide their creativity. These recordings will then be woven together to create a final collective piece, highlighting the diverse emotional expressions and interpretations of the group.
About Maya Aghniadis’s project, titled Ousura
Aghniadis’s project explores the interplay between past, present, and future, reflecting on how we often plan ahead, lose touch with the present, and grapple with our past. Ousura is a sonic narrative that delves into the essence of time through rhythmic play and evocative soundscapes, transporting listeners to a space that feels both ancient and familiar.
The project weaves together cultural and auditory threads from Syros, Corsica, and Sardinia. It also incorporates elements from workshops where diverse groups perform together on a single note and rhythm, despite never meeting, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected sounds and experiences.
WORKSHOP by Lukas De Clerck
Thursday, September 19, 17:00, Hermoupolis (location to be announced upon signup)
Participants: up to 8 persons
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Working language: English
Reserve your spot here by September 11
The aim of this workshop is to share the fascinating world of the aulos, an ancient double-reeded double pipe played in Ancient Greek, Roman and Mesopotamian times. In the framework of a lecture-performance, De Clerck will share sounds and stories about the instrument, its past and especially its current state, focusing on his own perspective of the instrument and how it can be used in an artistic context. The second part of the workshop involves reimagining the design and crafting of a new aulos by participants from Syros, inviting collaboration from the fields of musicology, design, visual arts, pottery and other local crafts.
About Lukas De Clerck’s project, titled Experimental Archeology
De Clerck’s project explores the intersection of Mediterranean musical traditions through the crafting of aulos reeds from harvested reed (phragmites australis). Focusing on the late harvest season in Syros, the project extends across Syros, Sardinia, and Corsica, integrating local materials and traditions to create a unique cross-island musical experience. In Sardinia, the project will be inspired by the launeddas, with plans to develop a fusion instrument that combines the aulos and launeddas, symbolizing a musical connection between the islands. Corsica’s caramusa, akin to a bagpipe, adds another layer to this exploration.
By uniting these diverse elements—reed harvesting, traditional instruments, and regional variations—the project aims to weave a rich tapestry of Mediterranean sound. This collaborative effort serves as a creative prelude to further exploration and fusion of musical traditions across the islands.
WORKSHOP by Roberto Casti
Friday, September 20, 17:00, Hermoupolis (location to be announced upon signup)
Participants: up to 8 persons (traditional and non-traditional musicians; individuals 16 and above who want to learn to play or compose)
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Working language: English
Reserve your spot here by September 11
Roberto Casti’s project involves recording a single song across three islands: Syros, Corsica and Sardinia. For his workshop in Syros participants explore and develop rhythmic components through improvisation and writing, culminating in the recording of a collective song. The workshop is open to all, regardless of musical experience, and encourages blending traditional instruments with innovative composition techniques.
About Roberto Casti’s project, titled Song for a future embrace
Casti’s project explores the concept of anticipation through a unique sound installation. The composition, which comprises rhythm, melody, and vocals, is presented in its individual parts rather than as a unified piece. The installation features three speakers and various musical instruments and objects used to play and record the work. These elements remain inactive until activated by the participants from the islands who contributed to its creation.
The installation represents a promise of future collaboration rather than a reflection on past traditions. While Syros, Corsica and Sardinia share cultural commonalities, they also highlight the potential for new forms of communication and alliance. By presenting the song’s components separately, the project underscores the anticipation of a future performance where all contributors can come together.
Communities Between Islands is a collaborative initiative involving Providenza in Corsica, France; Cherimus in Sardinia, Italy; and Archipelago Network in Syros, Greece. From September 2023 to the end of 2024, these three Mediterranean organizations host nine international artists who collaborate with local communities through residencies and workshops, creating novel artistic commissions inspired by local thematics and concerns. The participating artists will present the outcome of the residencies in collaboration with local art institutions (FRAC Corsica, Museo Nivola in Sardinia, and the Syros International Film Festival) and the municipalities of Bastia, Perdaxius, and Syros-Ermoupolis on each respective island.
Communities Between Islands is a Creative Europe project funded by the European Commission, and realized with the support of the Goethe-Institut Athen and the J.F. Costopoulos Foundation.