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PeppeOud
Oud Junkie
Posts: 109
Registered: 3-23-2007
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About the closure of Ross Daly's Labyrinth Music Workshop
Probably most of you already know about this sad news, but i thought to share with you and publish on this forum the communicate of mr. Ross Daly:
" Dear friends,
We regret to inform you that, due to the absence of even the slightest interest and support from the local and national government agencies and
services concerned with cultural activities, the Musical Workshop Labyrinth has no choice but to close and cease all activities except for the 5
already announced seminars which are:
On Lefkada
1)Percussion with Zohar Fresco (18 – 23/3)
2)Afghan Rabab with Daud Khan Sadozai (24 – 29/3)
In the village of Houdetsi on Crete
3)Iranian Tombak with Pedram Khavar-Zamini (31/3 – 4/4)
4)Kemençe with Sokratis Sinopoulos (6 – 11/4)
5)Group work in modal music with Ross Daly (28/4 – 3/5)
For those of you who may not be aware of the exact nature of our work, our main focus is on the organization of seminars and master-classes centered
on the subject of modal musical traditions involving some of the world’s most illustrious teachers and approximately 350-400 students every year
from over 35 different nationalities. All of these seminars work below cost given that we the organizers are in no way interested in financial profit.
Our only interest is in providing a valuable service to our students and indeed to music itself. The vast majority of our students have limited
financial means and are not able to offer more than the modest sum which we are obliged to ask of them (250 euros for 6 days of tutelage with
accommodation included).
Despite all of our efforts to establish some sort of cooperation between ourselves and the relevant government cultural agencies and services
(Ministry of Culture, Region of Crete, Prefecture of Herakleion, etc.)none of the aforementioned showed any interest whatsoever even in meeting with
us to discuss such a collaboration let alone in establishing it. All that we ask of them is to participate with us in the cost of the seminars so that
the full weight of the real cost does not fall on the students who are unable to bear it. Until this year our partner in all of our efforts was the
Municipality of Nikos Kazantzakis in the province of Herakleion on Crete. The Municipality undertook the management of the Musical Workshop Labyrinth
as well as covering the financial gap incurred by the 25-30 seminars organized on Crete (approximately 35000 – 40000 euros annually). In the last
two years we also established a fruitful albeit limited cooperation with the Municipality of Lefkada who helped us to organize 4 seminars at their
location during the winter months.
As of this year, the Municipality of Nikos Kazantzakis has declared itself unable to cover the costs which it has covered up until now and, as a
result, we are without the necessary funds to continue our activities. The Mayor of the Municipality Nikos Kazantzakis Mr. Rousos Kypriotakis has
assured us that, despite his and his colleagues’ persistent and best efforts to ensure the interest and support of the local and national agencies
and services involved in cultural activities in order to continue with our work, no response was forthcoming from any of them. As a result, the
Musical Workshop Labyrinth has no choice other than to cease all activities and close.
The village Houdetsi has acquired international renown as a result of the activities of the Musical Workshop Labyrinth which has become the
prime-mover for the development of the village itself as well as the area in general. The students and teachers of Labyrinth teach at some of the most
prestigious institutions of musical education throughout Greece, Europe and elsewhere while simultaneously participating creatively and decisively in
cutting-edge productions involving the integration of traditional elements of various cultural backgrounds in contemporary creative composition. Crete
itself is developing into a focal point for the meeting, dialogue and creative interaction between cultures of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and
Asia. Unfortunately however the authorities show no interest....The financial gap which, for us, is an insurmountable obstacle, is for them
inconsequential for such a significant cultural and developmental project. Their attitude of indifference and negativity can only be described as
being criminal.
We are more than willing to seriously consider and even implement any proposed plan of action in order to continue our work here at Labyrinth except
for the following three:
1)Increasing the costs of the seminars at the expense of the students
2)curtailing any aspect of the activities of Labyrinth
3)Any reduction in the quality of the teaching services thus far offered by Labyrinth.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all of the students and teachers who, for all these years, have graced us with their presence and trust. I would
also like to thank the Municipalities of Nikos Kazantzakis and Lefkada who showed support for our activities an indeed did whatever they were able to
on our behalf.
If anyone reading this message wishes to express their dissatisfaction and displeasure with this turn of events, I recommend that you send an email
expressing your feelings to any one of the following email addresses or, even better, to all.
1) Crete Region : http://www.crete.gov.gr/contact.asp?id=4&category=19
2) Prefecture of Heraclion nairakl1@otenet.gr
3) Local Union of Municipalities Heraclion tedk@otenet.gr
4) Ministry of Culture : http://www.yppo.gr/0/gcontact.jsp 5) Municipality of N.Kaxantzaki http://www.dimos-nikoskazantzakis.gr/contact.html
All the best Ross Daly"
Personally, LMW has been for me the occasion to fall in love with the oud and turkish music and to be able to study and be in touch with great players
and teachers like Yurdal Tokcan, Goksel Baktagir, Omer Erdogdular, Pedram Khavarzamini, Ross himself and many others in a very easy and affordable
way. The atmosphere during the workshop summers in Houdetsi was just great and enhnanced my wish to learn and to improve myself as a musician. So,
hoping for better news very soon, i just feel to say THANK YOU to Ross, Kelly and the other people who gave their contribute to create the wonderful
experience that LMW has been.
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Ararat66
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1025
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Location: Portsmouth, UK
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Well I'm really upset by this - not just because I was plannng on going in the next year or so but because it is such a cultural gem.
I hope it flowers elsewhere.
My best regards to you all, we might meet up sometime.
Leon
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
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thanks for posting this...
this is really sad and bad news.
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shareen
Oud Junkie
Posts: 218
Registered: 8-28-2007
Location: Upstate New York
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Maybe they can find another host country for this. This seems like a really incredible series. How about Turkey? Cyprus?
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
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i have just now written to ross suggesting to him to forget about these local funders who are obviously feeling the $$$ crunch.
greece is in the EU, and the EU is still very rich.
40000 Euro per year is nothing for such a school!
can anyone suggest the proper people or agencies in the EU to contact to make them aware of this situation.
i am totally sure that if they would be aware they would offer the needed funding. The question is WHO to contact?
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PeppeOud
Oud Junkie
Posts: 109
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Well, Edward, i can't imagine why a private subject should finance a substantially non-profit always-in-loose organization like LMW. I think this kind
of realities necessarily have to be linked to a place's public administration.. But who knows, maybe even in this time of crisis there are some
philantrophes 
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1212
Registered: 1-20-2008
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| Quote: | Originally posted by PeppeOud
Well, Edward, i can't imagine why a private subject should finance a substantially non-profit always-in-loose organization like LMW. I think this kind
of realities necessarily have to be linked to a place's public administration.. But who knows, maybe even in this time of crisis there are some
philantrophes |
I was in no way suggesting trying to find a private donator... I am suggesting go straight the EUROPEAN UNION'S DEPARTMENTS FOR CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
(whatever that might be actually called). Undoubtedly they have mulit-millions of Euros to spend each year on such projects.
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adamgood
Oud Junkie
Posts: 499
Registered: 6-27-2005
Location: Brooklyn, NY
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Mood: 2.7 koma flat
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Edward bravo to you for beginning to think outside of the box, keep going!
Wow I'm just now finding out about this, didn't hear of it. This is really a shame and must be so frustrating for Ross! He is far too talented and far
too brilliant a man for coming up with the Labyrinth series out of his passions for this to happen.
That project is essential, I hope to see it continue or resurrect somehow.
Adam
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PeppeOud
Oud Junkie
Posts: 109
Registered: 3-23-2007
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Edward Powell
| Quote: | Originally posted by PeppeOud
Well, Edward, i can't imagine why a private subject should finance a substantially non-profit always-in-loose organization like LMW. I think this kind
of realities necessarily have to be linked to a place's public administration.. But who knows, maybe even in this time of crisis there are some
philantrophes |
I was in no way suggesting trying to find a private donator... I am suggesting go straight the EUROPEAN UNION'S DEPARTMENTS FOR CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
(whatever that might be actually called). Undoubtedly they have mulit-millions of Euros to spend each year on such projects. |
Sorry, i completely misunderstood. I agree with you, that's the way. For what i know EU yearly open some possibility to get funds for cultural
activities. Something already well-developed like LWM should find no problem at all to get these, maybe the only obstacle is how to formalize it and
how to build a safer and more solid partnership than a single funding.
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Marina
Oud Junkie
Posts: 615
Registered: 9-1-2005
Location: Bosnia
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A few years ago I attended the Yordal Tokcan's classes. It is such a sad new that the school will not be able to continue with the programs...
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Luttgutt
Oud Junkie
Posts: 578
Registered: 1-10-2009
Location: Norway
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Sad news :-(
Edward, I suggest Sweeden!
I might be capable of getting some contacts if Mr. Ross is interrested!
Good luck
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1212
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I was just sadly informed by Kelly that they will also have to vacate the MUSEUM! This is just absurd! ...and what about Ross's astonishing
collection of 150 oriental instruments!??
I heard from Ross, and he is now busy squeezing the gov't's b***s... He is hopefull. . . . . but......
Sweden sounds great! ...and afterall, when global warming really hits that might be the only inhabitable zone left anyway 
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PeppeOud
Oud Junkie
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this thing of the museum was already in the air months ago. The first problem they had with the municipality was that they didn't wanted to assure the
safety of the instruments forcing kelly and ross to take them away.
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
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you mean ross and kelly removed all the instruments already from the museum??! where did they put them??
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PeppeOud
Oud Junkie
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if i understod correctly in between of the 2008 winter seminar in Lefkada and Kerkyra (i heard there about this question) and the last summer seminars
the museum has been emptied because of that. I imagine they took the instruments at home. Anyway last summer the museum was full of instruments as
usual.
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charlie oud
Oud Junkie
Posts: 694
Registered: 11-19-2007
Location: Newcastle upon tyne. UK
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Mood: chords prefer frets
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Peppe, Try stay positive and see any closure as temporary. The LMW clearly has a history. From this and also future development, the operation can put
the case for sustained funding. The sum you seek is tiny. I feel the project could qualify for EU grant aid but this will probably take around a year
to secure and your case will need to be professoinally delivered. In it you will need to demonstrate how the LMW significantly contributes to the
community, its education, its culture and its value to Europe. You will do well to research the practise involved for acquiring EU funding for arts,
culture and education. Next you will need a real wise guy, with knowledge of the EU process for determining the allocation of funds and who also knows
how to present the case effectively. Keep the dream. C
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1212
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yes, there is NO question that LMW can get 50,000 or so each year from the EU.
as Charlie outlines, it just needs to be done. Everybody is doing it! I myself managed to get a grant from the CC to study in istanbul.
so far Ross seems content to pressure the Greek gov't... but if that doesn't work, the EU is the best alternative.
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mavrothis
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1674
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I heard about this and am really upset by it. The museum and the seminars in Houdetsi are really an amazing, and I think, necessary part of cultural
life in Greece.
There may need to be some compromises made for them to have a future - if you think about it, the cost for the students was very low, since it
included the lessons, room and board, and access to so many rare and well-made instruments.
Perhaps if more support can be found from the EU, perhaps also private donors, and possibly increase the cost to the students, the LMW can be
resurrected and maintained indefinitely.
I hope something can be worked out, it's really sad to see this happen. We are all feeling the weight of the present economic crisis though - I had 3
concerts canceled last minute in one month! Hopefully, things will improve sooner than later, so the arts and non-profit groups can feel less
threatened than presently is the case.
Take care,
m
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
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this is an update from Ross:
Many many thanks to all of our friends who have expressed their solidarity with the Musical Workshop Labyrinth. Certain people have sent me messages
making the perfectly reasonable supposition that the problems encountered by Labyrinth are yet another result of the "financial crisis". I just want
to inform everyone that, even though this is indeed a very logical sounding supposition, it is definitely not the case. The "financial crisis" is a
very real problem of course and we here in Greece will definitely feel it, but at the present time it is being used by all sorts people as a rug under
which to sweep that which is not politically expedient. Labyrinth's problems are entirely and solely related to a seriously flawed Greek Government
policy with regards to anything cultural and we, as well as many many others, have been plagued by these problems for decades. It's actually a wonder
that we lasted so long! In fact our "longevity" is the direct result of the responsibility which we feel to our students and teachers whose trust in
us is our prime inspiration.
Many thanks for you support
Ross Daly
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theodoropoulos
Oud Junkie
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Location: Greece
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guys i asked the labyrith museum and they told me that its not curtain that it will be closed.
it's under thoughts.....
i hope so...
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Jack_Campin
Oud Junkie
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Location: Scotland
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I wrote to the Ministry of Culture address that Ross gave - no answer.
Did anybody who tried one of those addresses get a reply?
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
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Labyrinth is BACK !
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendI...
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adamgood
Oud Junkie
Posts: 499
Registered: 6-27-2005
Location: Brooklyn, NY
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Super cool for everyone!   
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
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...YES!
It seems Ross's intuition was correct all along - since his tactic of embarrassing the local gov't worked.
Finally the gov't in Heraklion agreed to fork out quite a lot of support - even more than before - and this is amazing because the village of Houdetsi
is not even IN the municipality of Heraklion!
So, finally it is a good thing - and all is back on track and even stronger than before.  ...YES!
It seems Ross's intuition was correct all along - since his tactic of embarrassing the local gov't worked.
Finally the gov't in Heraklion agreed to fork out quite a lot of support - even more than before - and this is amazing because the village of Houdetsi
is not even IN the municipality of Heraklion!
So, finally it is a good thing - and all is back on track and even stronger than before.
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Edward Powell
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1212
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Subject: 2009 Summer Program at the Musical Workshop Labyrinth
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.labyrinthmusic.gr
registrations at info@labyrinthmusic.gr
tel/fax: 0030 2810 741 027
SUMMER PROGRAM 2009
July 6-11*Daud Khan Sadozai, Afghan rabab and sarod
July 6-11 * Zaharis Spyridakis, Cretan lyra
July 13-18* Pedram Khavar Zamini, tombak
July 13-18 *Giorgos Xylouris, Cretan laouto
July 13-18*Siamak, Aghaei, Iranian santur
July 20-25*Zohar Fresco, percussion
July 20-25 *Omer Erdogdular, ney
July 27 August 1 *Ugur Isik, cello
July 27 August 1*Goksel Baktagir, kanun
July 27 August 1*Yurdal Tokcan, ud
August 3-8 *Marta Sebestyen,"Hungary - a nation with asian roots in the heart of Europe..."
August 3-8 *Derya Turkan, kemence
August 3-8* Mihalis Stavrakakis, mandolin
August 10-15*Tzvetanka Varimezova, Bulgarian singing
August 10-15*Ivan Varimezov, Bulgarian music
August 10-15 *Ross Daly, Music Group
August 17-22 *Ross Daly, lyra with sympathetic strings
August 17-22* Efren Lopez, Music Group
August 24-29 *Haris Lambrakis, Music Group
August 24-29* Erdal Erzincan, saz
August 24-29 *Mercan Erzincan, Turkish singing
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