UCLA Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture

In case you missed it, be sure to check out the video by Dr. George Manginis, Academic Director at The Benaki Museum, titled "Pretty in Pink: A Portrait of Queen Olga of Greece at the Benaki Museum." A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Manginis for delivering such a compelling lecture!

Watch this engaging conversation between Professor Sharon Gerstel and Alexander Lingas, Music Director of Cappella Romana, as they discuss Lingas' Fall 2024 residency at UCLA, the performance of "In the Footsteps of St. Demetrios" with Cappella Romana and the UCLA Chamber Singers, and much more.

It was thrilling to watch the UCLA Chamber Singers rehearsing today with Dr. Alexander Lingas at the Ostin Recording Studio at UCLA. The UCLA Chamber Singers is a 32-40 voiced mixed-choir, representing the highest level of ensemble singing. The ensemble has been conducted by choral luminaries including Roger Wagner, Donn Weiss, Donald Neuen and now Dr. James K. Bass. At UCLA, the choir routinely presents performances representing the entire spectrum of choral literature on campus and in the community. The choir annually performs with UCLA Philharmonia in presentations of major choral orchestral works in the historic on-campus venue Royce Hall. The ensemble has collaborated with other nationally recognized arts groups, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Seraphic Fire, and the touring production of Distant Worlds, the music of Final Fantasy. The Chamber Singers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Cappella Romana singers, with whom they will perform at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral on October 27 at 5 pm! 🎟️ Get your tickets now! https://hellenic.ucla.edu/event/cappella-romana/ Stavros Niarchos Foundation Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral UCLA CMRS Center for Early Global Studies UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Consulate General of Greece in Los Angeles Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco UCLA College SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU

It was thrilling to watch the UCLA Chamber Singers, under the direction of Professor James Bass, work with Dr. Alexander Lingas on selected refrains and short responses they will chant for the Cappella Romana performance on October 27. This was the FIRST READ of one of the pieces they will be performing!!! What an amazing experience for our UCLA singers! Cappella Romana Stavros Niarchos Foundation Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Consulate General of Greece in Los Angeles Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco UCLA College UCLA CMRS Center for Early Global Studies

Video clip of Chrysoula weaving

Discover the ancient art of weaving that has thrived in the village of Geraki, Lakonia, for millennia. Join us on September 29th to witness a live weaving demonstration by Mrs. Chrysoula Stamatopoulou and learn about the vibrant cultural legacy that interweaves the past with the present. For more information and to RSVP, visit: https://hellenic.ucla.edu/event/gerstellecture2024/ #CulturalHeritage #WeavingTraditions #GreekCulture

Part 16: Weaving Dreams Chrysaphia Sini, a retired weaver, speaks of how amazing the minds of the women who were to create these weavings in the past. They didn’t have the same information and access as the women do today. Weavers of the past had incredible patience and imagination in order to create the designs they did. Nikos Zacharakis, MA in Folk Culture, University of Ioannina, discussed the transformative impact of weaving on women in the village. Through weaving, these women found an avenue to break free from the confines of their homes and to craft something of value that helped support their families. With thanks to the Cultural Society of Geraki, the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Lakonia, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. #Gefyra #GerakiCulturalSociety #GerakiWeavings #WeavingWisdom #TextileTraditions #ArtistryOfThePast #CraftingHeritage #WomensEmpowerment #FolkCultureLegacy #TraditionalCraftsmanship #HeritageThroughWeaving #CraftingDreams #VillageArtisans #WomenInArt #Geraki Δήμος Ευρώτα SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΕΡΟΝΘΡΩΝ

Part 15: Intangible Cultural Heritage Geraki's traditional weaving has secured a place on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in Greece. Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, a weaving teacher, emphasized the importance of this recognition to preserve and sustain the weaving tradition in Geraki. To ensure the tradition's vitality, discussions with Mr. Veroutis, Deputy Regional Governor of Laconia took place, seeking assistance in maintaining this significant piece of the village's history and cultural heritage. Thereafter, efforts were initiated to establish a weaving school, along with a workshop and seminar series in the village, aimed at safeguarding this crucial aspect of cultural heritage which has a historical presence in the village spanning millennia. With thanks to the Cultural Society of Geraki, the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Lakonia, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. #GerakiWeaving #UNESCOCulturalHeritage #WeavingTradition #LaconiaRegion #WeavingSchool #WorkshopSeries #CulturalHeritage #HistoricalPresence #SafeguardingTraditions #Gefyra #GerakiCulturalSociety #Geraki SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU Stavros Niarchos Foundation Δήμος Ευρώτα ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΕΡΟΝΘΡΩΝ

Part 14: Workshop The necessary elements are in position to solidify the significance of weaving within the community and secure its enduring legacy. There is an interest in establishing a museum, aimed at preserving and appreciating the value of weaving. The weaving tradition is actively persisting, with a resurgence in individuals keen on learning this art, evident through increased enrollment in workshops. This art has the potential to be passed down to future generations. Notably, weavers are extending their reach by showcasing their kilims beyond the village, aiming to garner more recognition for this artistic form. With thanks to the Cultural Society of Geraki, the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Lakonia, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. #WeavingLegacy #CommunityArt #MuseumPreservation #TextileTradition #ArtisticHeritage #WeavingWorkshops #CulturalPersistence #PassingDownArt #GenerationalCraft #VillageWeavers #KilimShowcase #ArtRecognition #ArtisticTradition #Geraki #Gefyra #GerakiCulturalSociety #GerakiWeavings Stavros Niarchos Foundation SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU Δήμος Ευρώτα ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΕΡΟΝΘΡΩΝ

Part 13: Ergani It proves challenging for women to share their homes and discuss their personal connections with weaving, making it difficult to document the weaving practices of past generations. Despite these obstacles, Nikos Zacharakis, MA in Folk Culture, University of Ioannina, believes that a considerable number of women in Geraki were involved in weaving as both a vocation and a source of income. Both Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, a weaving teacher, and Chrysaphia Sini, a retired weaver, indicated that they were founding members of the Ergani Cooperative, which comprised 15 women from the village. While the widespread production of textiles impacted the economic viability of woven goods in Geraki, the women associated with the Ergani Cooperative remained passionate and committed to preserving the weaving tradition. With thanks to the Cultural Society of Geraki, the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Lakonia, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. #WomenWeavers #WeavingLegacy #DocumentingTradition #FolkCulture #WeavingCommunity #ErganiCooperative #PreservingTradition #TextileProduction #EconomicViability #EmpoweredWomen #WeavingPassion #CulturalHeritage #CommunityCollaboration #FolkArt #TextileTraditions #Geraki #Gefyra #GerakiCulturalSociety #GerakiWeavings SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU Δήμος Ευρώτα ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΕΡΟΝΘΡΩΝ

Part 12: Cultural Society Mayor Dimos Verdos of the Municipality of Evrotas emphasized the importance of preserving the weaving tradition in Geraki. He highlighted that while weaving is a significant aspect, the village has a rich history spanning millennia, encompassing various cultural elements that warrant preservation. Mayor Verdos expressed a collaboration with the Cultural Society of Geronthron with the hope that a museum could eventually be established to encapsulate Geraki's cultural significance. This initiative aims to elevate Geraki to the status it deserves as a tourist destination while simultaneously ensuring the preservation and recognition of its rich cultural history. Anthi Saranti, President of the Cultural Society of Geraki, has pointed out that weaving in Geraki goes beyond mere tradition. Visitors should have the opportunity to tour the castle in Geraki, engage with the vibrant weaving community and view kilims, delve into Byzantine history, and explore various archaeological discoveries in the area, including items like loom weights. Importantly, this increase in interest in Geraki also creates opportunities for employment and improving the local economy. With thanks to the Cultural Society of Geraki, the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Lakonia, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. #GerakiCulturalPreservation #WeavingTradition #RichHistory #CulturalElements #CollaborativeInitiative #TouristDestination #CulturalRecognition #MuseumProject #CulturalHeritage #CommunityEngagement #CastleExploration #VibrantWeavingCommunity #ByzantineHistory #ArchaeologicalDiscoveries #LocalEmployment #EconomicGrowth #Geraki #Gefyra #GerakiCulturalSociety #GerakiWeavings SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU Δήμος Ευρώτα ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΕΡΟΝΘΡΩΝ

Part 11: Geraki in the 20th Century Throughout its history as a village, Geraki has confronted economic fluctuations and challenges arising from wars. During difficult periods, villagers have often migrated in search of better opportunities. Over time, the Geraki community has extended its presence to various regions in Greece and other countries, including the United States. Expatriates from Geraki occasionally contribute to the village, supporting its prosperity and well-being. With thanks to the Cultural Society of Geraki, the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Lakonia, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. #GerakiHistory #EconomicFluctuations #WarChallenges #VillageMigration #OpportunitySearch #GlobalGeraki #DiasporaConnection #CommunityContributions #CulturalPreservation #IconicArtists #PhotisKontoglou #VillageProsperity #ArtisticHeritage #HomePaintings #Geraki #Laconia SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU Δήμος Ευρώτα ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΕΡΟΝΘΡΩΝ

Part 10: Women and Trade As per Michalis Sovolos, Archivist at the General State Archives in Laconia, women from Geraki have distributed their kilims all over Greece, with the highest consumer presence in Athens and Piraeus. The pricing strategy these women adopt involves considerations such as weight, intricate designs, or the length of the kilim. According to weaving teacher Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, following the economic crisis, demand for weavings from Geraki diminished, as it is a product catering to a more affluent market due to its higher cost. Nevertheless, when buying kilims in Geraki, customers should also acknowledge the product's intrinsic value, understanding that their purchase involves more than just acquiring a kilim. They should consider factors such as the use of expensive materials, time, and labor invested in crafting the kilim. With thanks to the Cultural Society of Geraki, the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Lakonia, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. #Gefyra #GerakiCulturalSociety #GerakiWeavings #WomenInCommerce #KilimDistribution #GreekArtisans #TextileCraftsmanship #EconomicImpact #WeavingTraditions #ArtisanalCraft #CulturalHeritage #Geraki Δήμος Ευρώτα SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies at SFU ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΕΡΟΝΘΡΩΝ