The Rodotopi Guitar Ensemble Travels to Türkiye via an Erasmus+ Project of Ege University

Following an official invitation by Ege University, the Rodotopi Guitar Ensemble (RGE) will participate in the European Erasmus+ program (KA153) titled "Echoes of Tradition". The project will be implemented in İzmir, Türkiye, from October 7th to October 14th, 2026.

A Few Words About the Project

"Echoes of Tradition" is a project organized by Ege University in collaboration with the State Conservatory of Turkish Music of the same university. It aims to highlight various aspects and approaches to the musical traditions of different countries through musical performances, collaborations, music and dance workshops, as well as live concerts.

The project involves the participation of five organizations from Türkiye, Greece, Lithuania, France, and the Netherlands respectively. Musicians, dancers, and educators will embark on a cultural journey centered around music. They will focus on exchanging traditional cultural practices from their respective countries, engaging in intercultural learning, and creating a multicultural repertoire to be presented in various public concerts.

The Participation of the RGE

The RGE will facilitate an interactive workshop for all participants, presenting two musical performances of Greek traditional songs—one from Epirus and one from the Aegean Islands—featuring arrangements created exclusively for this project. Additionally, the ensemble will lead a dance performance of a traditional Greek dance (Sirtos). The workshops will be highly experiential, incorporating both a theoretical section (historical overview, musical characteristics, explanation of song lyrics, etc.) and a practical section (live performance by the RGE, musical collaboration with the other participants, as well as a joint performance of the dance).

Accommodation and Cultural Visits

"The House of the Virgin Mary" - Ephesus

During the first four days, the participants will be hosted in a coastal location where the initial workshops and concerts will take place. For the remaining four days, they will be transferred to the university campus in Bornova for the finalization of the project's activities. Furthermore, the itinerary includes cultural visits to the Ancient City of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Finally, it is worth noting that the program is fully funded by the European Union, covering all travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses for the participants.

Acknowledgments

On behalf of the RGE, we would like to express our warmest thanks to Ege University and the State Conservatory of Turkish Music for the invitation and the excellent cooperation during the preparation of this project. In particular, we would like to thank the lead representatives of the organizing team, Ms. Şule Ar and Mr. Erman Erol.

See also: 

✓ International projects of the Rodotopi Guitar Ensemble

✓ The RGE’s participation in Erasmus+ projects