Songs of Peace Concert: ZULFU LIVANELI

Interviewed by Bircan UNVER

About the "Songs of Peace" Concert in New York, "Historical resources feed the roots of proximity with people with whom we lived together shared the same culture for centuries", says Zulfu Livaneli, who has a unique place in international art.

Zulfu Livaneli and Maria Farandouri’s joint concert, which aims to unite Turkish and Greek communities for the first time in New York, reflects the idea that artists and societies are ahead of the states. "Songs of Peace" concert in New York, one of the most striking cities of the US and the world, has the potential to leave gracious and strong traces of peace and friendship. An audience of 1.500 is expected to be in the Town Hall in Manhattan for the concert, which is produced by Soon Productions. The meeting of two societies through music in New York will encourage hopes of sharing culture, common values, and friendship between the two people. 

We directed written questions about the New York concert and Turkish-Greek friendship in general to Zulfu Livaneli, who, apart from his uniqe music and compositions, is known for his writings, movie directing, and his position as the Good Will Ambassodor of UNESCO.

You have been in New York and many regions of America for various reasons before. It is the first time you are here for a concert. Approximately 2 years ago, in one of your concerts and press bulletin, you announced that you would have no more concerts on the stage except "private" ones. How would you describe this concert’s privilege in this context?

I’ve had concerts in many places around Europe till now. But it’s my first time in New York. The relationship between people in America is much more different than it is in Europe or Greece. The problems in America are deeper and more complicated and it is harder to get in touch with people. The concert we will have with Maria Farandouri might be an important step to develop and enable closer relations between Turkish and Greek communities.

Together with Farandouri, you will bring the Turkish and Greek communities together for the first time in New York. Can we evaluate your concert as a turning point of starting and developing Peace Culture Road in an International dimension? Are there any common art projects with Greek artists with the same approach after this first one?

It would be a very conceit evaluation to consider this concert as a turning point of staring and developing Peace Culture Road on an International basis. I’ve been having concerts with Greek artists for 20 years. I’ve worked with lots of Greek artists like Mikis Theodorakis, Maria Farandouri, Manos Hadjidakis. Our common projects will go on. I think this concert may have a contribution to the development of cooperation.

In the name of the developments in Turkish and Greek relations in the recent times; how do you evaluate the role of globalization in the efforts of two cultures to come together in also political basis? In this content, what are the advantages and disadvantages that might be brought by globalization to both two countries and global music culture?

As well as the economic dimensions, globalization also has cultural and political dimensions. Globalization is defined as the overcoming of difficulties in front of capital in economical basis, and I find it groundless to reflect it as " more closer relations of the two cultures" which might be taken as a basis to Turkish and Greek relations and their formal policies in political dimensions. The roots of intimacy between people, who lived on the same lands, shared the same culture and had established a common history for centuries, can be fed by historical sources.

How do you interpret the agreement which is especially framed on "Cultural Cooperation’’ and signed by our Foreign Minister Mr. Cem and Greek Foreign Minister Mr. Papandouri? What are your expectations?

The agreements between the countries are not important for me. I believe that the relations between the societies do not need this kind of formal agreements.

Are there any negative reactions or supports from the Greek Lobby which had done antipropagandas in the previous times especially in New York?

I did not hear any negative reactions. Just the opposite I hear some news about their support.

Al Di Meola famous jazz musician and guitarist; composer-musician Ara Dinjiyan, our jazz musicians Ilhan Ersahin, Atilla Engin and Israeli jazz musician Mordy Ferber will be attending to your concert as guest musicians and so bringing various kinds of music together. Thus, is your aim to give peace theme not only between Turkish — Greek societies but in a wider dimension?

I strongly believe that in every aspect of life, cooperation with others helps the development of the soul and increases the productivity of one’s self. So cooperation is very important in the sense of production.

Are we gonna hear any new song of yours that you will sing in this concert?

No. There isn’t any new song.

Last October in Italy you were awarded as "The Best Composer" of Europe. Was it given for only one of your chosen song or as an evaluation of all the songs you’ve composed so far? Is "The Best Composer" title a bridge for new music projects and activities in Europe?

It was given as the overall evaluation of all my songs and the evaluation was done by Italian worldwide composer —Premio Luigi Tenco-. I can say that yes it was an important step just like being a bridge to new music projects in Europe. Alabianca record company is on their way to release my music in Italy.

Besides your unique songs, you also compose New Age and Classical Music. Is there a new work in this content? For example wouldn’t you consider composing Seyh Bedrettin Ballad as an opera?

That"s a good idea. Lots of work should be done on it.

And you also had the "Third Millennium" concert again together with Farandouri in Paris last November. We read the effects of it from newspapers. Will you tell us the importance, place and differences from the New York concert?

The Millennium Concert was held in UNESCO’s Big Saloon in Paris with the contribution of artists from all over the world. Moscow Symphony Orchestra directed by Zubin Mehta played a part from New Age Rhapsody. Together with Maria Farandouri very famous names like Barbara Hendricks, Lionel Richie contributed to that concert. Paris concert was a big one. The New York concert will be a common work of me and Maria Farandouri.

Have your ideals changed since the day you started performing art? Which ones are those that never came true or frustrated you or came true in such an unexpected way?

No, my ideals never changed. Every person faces difficulties or has frustrations in every aspect of life. But life is itself a struggle. You either solve or overcome your problems in time.

If you were to explain yourself in only three words, which ones would they be?

Omer Zulfu Livaneli

And if you had to present only one peace song to the universe, which song of yours would it be?

It’s not possible to make such a choice.

(March 2000, New York)

Translated by Ozgur Isitan Gun.

Baris Sarkilari : Zulfu Livaneli (For Turkish)