In a stunning one-night-only concert event in Brisbane, the internationally acclaimed works of Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis will come to life in Axion Esti and Masterworks, in Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Concert Hall on Wednesday, 5 June 2024.
This uplifting, anthemic celebration will include three local Greek choirs featuring the largest number of Greek voices ever on a QPAC stage. Joined onstage by QPAC’s Chamber Choir, these four (in total) community choirs make up the 90-voice chorus that will accompany this spectacular performance which features renowned international vocalist Dimitris Basis, esteemed Greek Australian conductor George Ellis, cantor George Karantonis, and narration by Greek Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos.
A 35-piece orchestra will accompany the soloists and the 90-voice combined choir creating what will be an incredible moment in time for the audience, be they music lovers or Greek Australians.
The entire audience is sure to be moved as 91-year-old Apostolos Belas and seven-year-old Milana Sotiris make their Concert Hall debuts as part of their respective Greek community choirs.
TICKETS ON SALE TODAY AT 9am.
Channelling suffering and passion, spiritual lessons, and pure poetic power Axion Esti is a landmark work by Odysseas Elytis which won the National Book Award for Poetry in 1960. It was set to music by Mikis Theodorakis and has become a widely celebrated anthem that tugs on the heartstrings of homeland.
Honouring the 100th birthday of Mikis Theodorakis this year, this is the first time the work has been performed at such scale in Australia and is the result of a partnership between QPAC and the Greek Festival of Sydney.
Mikis Theodorakis is the legendary composer of Zorba’s Dance and is hailed as Greece’s most celebrated composer. With over 1,000 songs and song-cycles to his name, his melodies are intrinsically linked with the heritage of Greek music. This unique concert celebrates the sheer musical beauty and timelessness of his masterwork compositions. Some of his most famous works, including Ena To Helidoni (A Solitary Swallow) and Tis Dikeosinis Ilie (Sun of Justice), will be performed for the first time in Queensland.
It is the first time the QPAC Chamber Choir, the Ellinikes Fones Choir and the Ellinikes Fones Junior Choir will perform together, rehearsals having been underway for months. In a wonderful finale moment, the Greek Orthodox Community (GOC) Care Choir Fones, with some members in their 90s, will join on stage.
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas AM said QPAC aims to present a diverse and inclusive program that reflects the stories and cultures of Queensland communities.
“Connecting with our multicultural communities is a key priority for us and we’re proud to partner with Greek Festival of Sydney to present this celebration of the work of two brilliant artists in Mikis Theodorakis and Odysseas Elytis,” he said.
“Three local choirs will join with renowned national and international Greek performers under the baton of the much-loved George Ellis for a rousing concert of Greek music and poetry.
“Concerts like these that celebrate culture allow communities to see their heritage reflected on stage, reconnect those within the community to their roots, and also provide opportunity for broader audiences to widen their understanding and appreciation for different cultures.”
Tom Drakopoulos from the Ellinikes Fones Choir of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George Brisbane said, “Axion Esti is one of the finest pieces of work from the greatest composer Greece has ever produced. It’s the masterpiece of both composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Laurette poet Odysseas Elytis and to have it performed here in Brisbane at QPAC with our own community choirs on stage is truly incredible.
“Never before has something like this been staged,” he said. “This concert event has given the opportunity for two of the Greek Community’s choirs formed a little over 18 months ago in Ellinikes Fones and GOC Care Choir Fones, as well as the recently created Junior Ellinikes Fones, to participate in this unique and once in a lifetime event.
“Axion Esti was the catalyst to form Junior Ellinikes Fones and create a cultural legacy that we have been working on for a number of years. This concert in June will provide us with the impetus to expand the Greek Community’s Choral program.
“All three choirs have been in rehearsal already for months. They will remain for many years after, as just one reminder of the June event in 2024 where the music and stories of Greece shone on the great Concert Hall stage.
“The audience is in for a truly remarkable experience as this concert will also include a number of Mikis Theodorakis’ popular songs programmed as Masterworks,
TICKETS ON SALE FROM WEDNESDAY APRIL 24 AT 9.00am at qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.
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