The works of composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis will be celebrated on April 17 as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney. This stunning collaboration features international vocalist Vasilis Lekkas, celebrated Greek-Australian conductor George Ellis, the Millenium Choir and narration by Greek-Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos.
Elytis’ (1911- 1996) landmark work Axion Esti (1959) was set to music by Theodorakis and became a widely-celebrated anthem. Combining suffering and passion, spiritual lessons and poetic power, Axion Esti – widely considered to be Elytis’ masterpiece – won the National Book Award for Poetry in 1960.
Theodorakis – composer of the legendary Zorba’s Dance – is Greece’s most celebrated composer. He has written more than 1,000 songs and song-cycles whose melodies have become intrinsically linked with the heritage of Greek music. This unique event honors his 90th birthday and celebrates the sheer musical beauty and timelessness of his masterwork compositions.
As part of the Axion Esti concert, Theodorakis’ most famous melodies, including Ena To Helidoni (A Solitary Swallow) and Tis Dikeosinis Ilie (Sun of Justice) will be performed as an Australian premiere in a special collaboration between Sydney-based Millennium Choir, a symphony orchestra and an array of musicians performing on traditional Greek instruments.
Don’t miss this Australian premiere as part of the 33rd Greek Festival of Sydney, celebrating the enduring presence of Greek culture in Australia.
Axion Esti will be presented by City Recital Hall and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW
on Friday, April 17, at 8pm at City Recital Hall in Sydney.
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