Review of the Rodotopi Guitar Ensemble in Costa Rica

RGE, from the tour in Costa Rica

All musical and educational activities of the Rodotopi Guitar Ensemble (RGE) in Costa Rica were successfully completed between November 23 and December 1, 2024, under the auspices and with the financial support of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.

This was the ensemble’s most extensive journey to date — one that could rightly be described as a “journey of a lifetime,” given the geographical distance of Costa Rica from Greece and the unique opportunity offered to its members to gain invaluable experiences. These included both artistic and educational activities (concerts, collaborations, seminars, and the promotion of Greek music abroad), as well as encounters with the natural environment, lifestyle, and culture of the people of Central America.

On behalf of the RGE, heartfelt thanks are extended to all who contributed to the success of the project, namely:

- The Hellenic Ministry of Culture
- The Municipality of Zitsa
- The University of Costa Rica, Preuniversitario en Artes Musicales SO
- Calasanz College, San José, Costa Rica
- The Church Parroquia San Juan Bautista Patarrá, San José, Costa Rica
- Costa Rican composer José Arias
- Costa Rican guitarist Alejandro Gómez
- Costa Rican guitarist and conductor Felipe Solís
- The sportswear company Athlos

A presentation of the ensemble’s activities in Costa Rica follows, illustrated with selected photographs and videos.

Videos from the RGE concerts in Costa Rica

Excerpts include performances from the following:

1) Collaboration of the RGE with the SO-PAM Guitar Ensemble of the University of Costa Rica
2) RGE concert at the Preuniversitario en Artes Musicales SO, University of Costa Rica
3) RGE concert at Calasanz College, San José
4) RGE concert at a church in San José

Collaboration with the SO-PAM Guitar Ensemble of the University of Costa Rica, Palmares

Under the direction of guitarist and conductor Felipe Solís

RGE concert at the Preuniversitario en Artes Musicales SO, University of Costa Rica

SO-PAM Guitar Ensemble concert, University of Costa Rica, Palmares

RGE concert at Calasanz College, San José

RGE concert at a church in San José

Guitar seminar at the Preuniversitario en Artes Musicales SO, University of Costa Rica

A few words on the RGE’s connection with Costa Rica

Before describing how the RGE developed its ties with Costa Rica, it is worth recalling an event that occurred long before any plans for such a journey had been made — a moment that reflects the ensemble’s early sense of curiosity and openness.

Several years ago, during a rehearsal in Rodotopi, the ensemble was performing Sueños en el Aire by Costa Rican composer José Arias. Half in jest, members remarked: “Imagine if José invited us to play his work in Costa Rica!” The comment was followed by laughter, yet behind it lay a quiet wish — perhaps even a dream that seemed far beyond reach. Today, after the successful completion of the tour in Costa Rica, those memories remind us: never say never. Dreams can sometimes become reality when pursued with passion and persistence.

The RGE’s formal relationship with Costa Rica began around 2017, when José Arias reached out and offered his composition Sueños en el Aire (for four guitars and bass), giving the ensemble full freedom to perform it. The RGE later prepared and performed two movements of the work (out of five) at the 3rd Panhellenic Guitar Ensemble Meeting in Ioannina in 2018.

Subsequently, Arias composed Leyendas Costarricenses (Costa Rican Legends) for solo guitar, a cycle of 20 pieces. One of these, La Bruja de Zárate (The Witch of Zárate), was dedicated to RGE member Georgios Nakis. The work was later published in Costa Rica and recorded in its entirety by guitarist Marco Corrales.

This collaboration with José Arias became the foundation for further connections with Costa Rican guitarists (such as Alejandro Gómez and Felipe Solís) and institutions (such as the University of Costa Rica and Calasanz College). These relationships, in turn, led to the planning and realization of the RGE’s 2024 program in Costa Rica.

Travelling