Save Greece's national orchestra

I'm Giannis and I've been a violoncello player for ERT's orchestra for the past 22 years. Last week, Prime Minister A. Samaras decided to shut down ERT, Greece’s national broadcaster. Despite the Greek government now saying ERT will resume some operations, the fate of the orchestra remains uncertain.

While our political leaders are taking crucial decisions about the future of ERT and our national orchestra, I'm writing to you from the occupied studios of ERT which remains shut. This is my workplace; where we rehearse, record and broadcast our concerts but it’s very likely that we will all lose our jobs very soon.

ERT's classical and modern orchestras as well as the choir are national treasures. They serve the Greek national broadcaster ERT just like other european orchestras serve broadcasters like RAI and the BBC.

ERT's orchestras are currently the only opportunity for thousands of Greek citizens to experience classical music through their TV and radio for free. We produce recordings, live concerts, radio shows and educational concerts for thousands of school children across Greece.

My biggest fear is that by closing ERT's orchestras, every Greek kid, every Greek citizen will lose this unique opportunity to experience classical music through ERT. In an era where Greek people are constantly bombarded with 'fast-food' music, I'm scared that if ERT’s orchestras go, many people will lose their only connection with classical music.

For me, the orchestra is my home, and my colleagues are my family.

The only way we can save ERT's orchestras is if we all take action now. Our voices are the only tools we have to put pressure on our political leaders who, in the name of austerity, are diminishing any form of culture that remains in Greece.

Only a massive public outcry and the fear of not being elected again should, and will, stop Samaras from extinguishing Greek culture.