On Saturday 6th of July the Norwegian Embassy participated at the official opening of the 42nd Olympus festival at the Centre for Mediterranean Mosaics at Dion. This year Norway is the country of honour at the festival.

 

The event was introduced by Nikos Paschaloudis, President of Public Relations of the festival. He focused especially on the cultural bridge of communication towards Norway. He was followed by the president of the Festival Mr. Grigoris Papachristou who emphasized the importance of the festival and the cultural heritage of Pieria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The official opening was completed with speeches by The Norwegian Ambassador Sjur Larsen and Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Theodoros Karaoglou.  Both emphasized the need of strengthening the ties between Norway and Pieria.

 

 The visitors were also introduced to traditional Norwegian folk music and dance by a group of Norwegian artists. They did an excellent performance and succeeded at capturing the attention and amusement of the guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three artists presented their work during the official inauguration. Dimitra Zirou “Arctic Light”, Nat Samarka’s “Mythos”, and Yannis Skoulas Photo Project “Descending North” all under the common title «Mythic Light».

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later, at the Ancient Theatre of Dion a larger audience got to enjoy a beautiful concert by The Socialist and Humanist Choirs of Norway, conducted by the acknowledged conductor Per Arne Olsen, accompanied by Greek singers and musicians. The concert was a tribute to Mikis Theodorakis, but also included music pieces from Norway.

 

 

 

 

 

For further information on the festival and the upcoming events see:

http://www.norway.gr/News_and_events/Events/Norway-is-the-Country-of-Honour-at-the-Olympus-Festival-2013