07/09/2021
	Athens, Greece

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«I write in a language that I do not want
to speak – a language unknown, cast-off, bitter, trampled
as the few noble efforts in long centuries
of slavery, invalid democracy and mostly darkness
I write in a language that I failed
to speak, to convince anyone, to see something
remaining in the minutes of the assembly
before they are gnawed by mice and history –
I did not compromise, I fell standing upright, I do not regret
if the odds were ten to one, twenty to one, or thirty to one
I failed miserably against the hairdressers and the makeup artists
I saw science written by smugglers
I saw art made worthy by contractors
I saw justice being awarded by fraudsters
I cried, I complained, I failed
in my language and in all the languages of the world
I lifted my eyes to the back of the room
I counted all those who sat at the big table where the deal took place and they were not speaking any language»

“I write in a language that I don’t want to speak” is a poignant aria from Miran Tsalikian’s new oratorio.
This work is based on the evocative and deeply moving book “Toccata for the Girl with the Burnt Face” by John P.A. Ioannidis (Ed.
Kedros, 2012), a renowned professor from Stanford University, celebrated globally for his contributions to science and literature.
Award winning composition in the 2021 International Composition Competition, Double YY.

Music Composition: Miran Tsalikian,

Poetry: John P.A. Ioannidis.

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I Write In a Language (2021)

For Choir & Orchestra [1-1-1-1 / 0-1-0-0/ Pno. / Str. 5-4-3-3-1]

Duration ~ 11′:01″

Premiered September 7, 2021 at Kallithea Concert Hall, Greece

Filli Notas Orchestra, Maria Bazou, Conductor

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