On May 18, in Athens within the International Military Music Festival “Amfionia” program in the Zappeion Hall the representatives of the International Cultural Center “Spasskaya Tower” and the Athens Military Music Festival “Amfionia” signed an agreement on bilateral cooperation.
The document was signed by the Head of the International Military Music Festival “Spasskaya Tower” Sergey Smirnov and the Head of the “Amfionia” Festival Valeriy Smirnov in the presence of the special advisor on Russian relations to the Greek Prime Minister Dimitrios Velanis, Director of the Zappeion Center Xristou Georgios and member of the “Spasskaya Tower” Festival Public Council, assistant of the general director of the ROSTEC Corporation Yuliia Voronova.
The Agreement concerns the establishment of the partner relationship, development and consolidation of the cultural cooperation between Russia and Greece on the basis of the common values, historical and cultural heritage of the nations.
“I’m sure that I will greatly enjoy being present at the first ever military music festival held in Greece which opens a new page in the international military music history. The „Spasskaya Tower“ Festival is celebrating its eleven years of life. During this period more than 150 groups from 50 countries have taken part in the Festival. Musicians from Greece are frequent guests of our Festival. For several times we had the honor to receive in the main square of the country the Hellenic Air Force Band and Technical NCO’s Academy Drill Team as well as the Combined Band of the Hellenic Air Force and Navy. Largely due to them the „Sirtaki“ song melody has become popular among the Muscovites. And so, this is the major objective of military music festivals — they allow different countries exchanging musical culture and consolidating friendships between nations!” told Sergey Smirnov.
Considering the importance of the set tasks two brother festivals have recognized each other as strategical partners in the framework of developing and promoting military band movement.
“The „Amfionia“ Festival couldn’t have been realized without the support of the Russian State Corporation ROSTEC and the Directorate of the International Military Music Festival „Spasskaya Tower“. Our