Parliament of World Religions
Peter Mousaferiadis was appointed the creative direction for the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions’ opening, closing and evening plenaries held at the Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre from 3-9 December 2009. Cultural Infusion worked creatively to produce events that were world class in their use of talent, staging of ‘spectacle’ and realisation of the theme – Make a World of Difference: Hearing each other, Healing the earth. With over 1300 performers, presenters and speakers coming from a wide range of the arts, many ethnic backgrounds and an even wider diversity of religions this creative production involved both professionals and amateurs at all levels.
These events had to speak to the worlds of over 5,000 participants coming from every religion on earth and most nations. Peter Mousaferiadis directed the concept development and production of the event, including specially composed music; he successfully developed theme and sub-themes – e.g. water, mutual respect – while maintaining continuity and focus.
“Peter and his team at Cultural Infusion worked with us, shaping the conceptual development without dominating or pushing us around, but rather respecting our goals and needs. He then moved to production and execution of these ideas. Peter and his team quickly established productive relationships with the people at the centre and they worked together to make the place work, ironing our unforseen challenges and difficulties in ways that were largely undetectable by those observing events. This capacity to work with and to draw the best out of a wide variety of people is an enviable characteristic and is present at a level I have rarely seen.”
Opening Ceremony “Invocation”
2nd of December 2009
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Chorus, Monash University Chorus, Melbourne Percussion Ensemble, Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and Didgeridoo
Peter Mousaferiadis led these groups in a collaborative effort to create a wholesome, spiritual and vibrant backing for the evening.Western Creation
Part of their Schools program; Western Creation have inspired and educated youth all over Australia on indigenous culture and art. See at the HOME-page a video of them.
Melbourne Plenary “Sharing Our Water”
8th of December 2009
Indo B boy Fusion
A young urban dance artist’s spiritual journey is set in the contemporary setting of Melbourne’s laneways. A young B Boy (Lamaroc) makes an artistic connection with his ancestor spirit (Aryanthur) in a performance that fuses Hip Hop with traditional Balinese dancing.Norman Currie and Parvyn Siingh
A choral and drumming finale -“Song and Water”.
International Plenary “Making A World of Difference”
5th of December 2009
International Balinese Performance Group – Yayasan Dharma Samuan Tiga – Performed Sesaji Tri Yoni Saraswati”,
A new Intercultural and Interreligious ritual dance rooted in the local genius of Indonesian cultures.Indigenous Female Faith Leaders Chant
A group of Indigenous female elders from across the world each delivered a personal short chant/song/prayer to then come together in the finale to symbolise unity, togetherness, compassion and harmonious co-existence.
Closing Ceremony “Our Responsibility for the Future”
9th of December 2009
Agape Choir
A multi-ethnic choir that travels the globe singing celebrations of the world.Joseph Towardos
Internationally acclaimed solo Oud player.Stephanos Eleftheriadis
Australian sand artist who creates shifting ephemeral imagery with religious themes.Dya Singh and other world musicians
Dya Singh’s multi-chants encompassed sounds and prayers of the world. Gyuto monks will make their way to the Yarra footbridge joined in song by various children’s choirs.
