Antenor Bogea, Ministro Conceleiro of the
Brazilian Embassy in Greece
A Rhapsody for Naxos by
Antenor Bogea
Interviewed by Zacharias
Georgoussis
"INNAXOS"is an intense and colorful work of
the Ministro Conceleiro of the Brazilian Embassy in Greece, Antenor
Bogea, that celebrates diversity in manshades and tints, with an
original variety of styles and instruments ranging from the piano to
the Greek lira, from the violin to the exotic Brazilian cuica and
matraca. The presentation of his new CD will take place on April
17th in Naxos. Guets stars, Nena Venetsanou and Afendoula Razeli.
What is the content of your new CD "Innaxos"?
The cd includes a total of 17 songs recorded in Brazil, France,
Greece and USA with the participation of 40 musicians and presents a
variety of rhythms (ballads, bossa nova sambas, waltzes, and
foxtrot). Basically is a "passport" for a journey: into the remote
times of Ancient Greece, as we listen to the bells of a flock of
sheep at the beginning of a song Innaxos or for a visionary walk to
the stars through an experimental music.
Do you consider yourself to be a "bridge" between Greece and
Brazil?
Yes, I make an effort to create a better understanding between
Brazil and Greece in the cultural area. An effort to bring certain
elements of the Brazilian culture to Greece and to present them to
the people. As an artist I've had the opportunity of playing and
singing with Greek musicians such as Afendoula Razeli. As a diplomat
I've had the opportunity of organizing exhibitions and conferences
on Brazilian culture.
If you had the opportunity to transform the sentiments you feel
when you 're playing your latest CD "Innaxos", into pictures, what
would be the content of those icons?
I don't associate directly the music with specific images. However,
when I play the music that is dedicated to Naxos, what comes to my
mind is the sea, the sun, the people in the harbour and without
adoubt the "trademark" of the island, Portara.
What is your next inspiration?
I'm thinking about creating something related to the island of Kos,
that I've recently visited. I was impressed when I first saw the
temple of Asclipio and the place where Hippocrates operated. I felt
strong emotions and suddenly the inspiration came. I'm planning to
express my feelings for the beauty of the island by composing and
singing a variety of songs about it.
