Friendship

9-19 August 2024

Philia is the Greek word for friendship, and it encompasses both the idea that friendship is an aspirational ideal and one of the foundations for a flourishing society.

This year is the 10-year anniversary of the festival which inspired us to dedicate it to all the friendships and collaborations that have made MIMF possible over the past 10 years. The existence and success of this festival is a testament to the power of trust between people, perspectives, countries and cultures – trust that can only exist on the basis of openness, tolerance, curiosity and friendship.

This year we want to look at what makes a true friendship. Aristotle distinguished between 3 types of friendships. The friendship of utility, the friendship of pleasure and the so-called complete friendship. A complete friendship is based on reciprocity, trust and the unconditional goodwill of the other person. In this kind of friendship, the other person meets you as a reflection of yourself mirroring back to you who you are and who you could be.

During the past 10 years, we have witnessed unique moments of friendship throughout the festival – different cultures and people from various walks of life coming together, a marriage proposal, people connecting with music across all ages, a wedding and so many more unforgettable experiences.

Classical music is constantly searching for the symbiosis of different motives, cultural influences, rhythms, ideas and emotions. We want to let the music be the ideal example to awaken in us the same vision – to venture into new friendships and be grateful for the friendships that already surround us.