Thousands of people standing up in unison, cheering loudly. Demanding more. More from the Sydney man who possesses a wizard’s ability to extract and conduct dozens of mesmerising sounds with one movement.

Welcome to the world of George Ellis

Axion Esti, April’s final stand alone and sold out event was the culminating moment of the Greek Festival of Sydney; bedecking a nine week program that featured local and international talent.

The prestigious Recital Hall, offered its audience the chance to see a dream team in action. George Ellis, led the Millennium Choir and the past and present Sydney Conservatory students, including George Doukas, bouzouki luminaries Tassos Lambrou and Christ Olympios in Axion Esti’s line-up.

Byzantine vocalist Tino Stylianou along with narrator Tony Nikolakopoulos, joined Greek star Vasilis Lekkas, as he conveyed Theodorakis’ and Elytis’ passion through his impeccable singing.

My recent interview with George Ellis, allowed me to learn more about his collaboration with one of my favourite bands, The Church, while delving into his stories about Alexandria where he hails from, his involvement with the Olympic Games and how he has built a career that inspires many emerging musicians.

Ellis can play just about any instrument and has the nerve of steel, allowing him to conduct multi-layered orchestral ensembles in front vast audiences the likes of the Sydney Olympic Games, were 120,000 sat transfixed as he led the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Millennium Choir.

This he did for both the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as for the Paralympics broadcasted live to a billions-strong TV audience.

“I was very excited,” George Ellis tells Neos Kosmos.

Becoming a musical director was easy for George, who seems to have spent his entire life, playing an array of instruments ranging from piano, guitar, cello and a stint at the Conservatorium of Music followed by further study in the US in the 1980’s helped him refine his talent.

His US studies allowed him to pursue what he had enjoyed from his early student days, conducting.

A phone call that changed his life and the Games experience

George admits he almost missed the opportunity to conduct at the Sydney Games.

“I nearly didn’t get the job. In 1999 I had responded to an advertisement that had referred to an ‘international event’ requiring a Greek Australian and I knew what it meant.”

He somehow managed to submit his application minutes before the deadline. Soon enough he was to receive the call that would propel his career to an unprecedented level.

“In the days of limited internet and mobile phones, I had received a message at home but didn’t return the call until two weeks later,” he confesses.

Fortunately, he made the return phone call; a phone call that not only led to his involvement at the Games and the assembling of the Greek influenced Millennium Choir, but also pitched him to the Olympic Games in Athens.

As a Greek from Sydney, with roots tracking back to Alexandria in Egypt, Athens was a natural fit for George.

Taking on the role of Musical Director and Conductor for Athens, he stayed a few months in the country of his heritage, mainly based in Corinth.

Athens, just like Sydney became yet another conquest along Paris, London, Brussels, New York, Boston, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

Attending Church

Asking someone with a vast array of industry credits what was a favourite a project felt akin to asking Pele for a favourite goal.

However, he did highlight his collaboration with The Church amongst many other Australian music artists.

The Church are one of the greatest musical exports this country has ever produced with hits all over the world.

What made a conductor contribute to the rock scene?

“Pop musicians, once they get to a certain level, they can look to add something different, usually orchestra to complement their original recordings,” he muses.

“I am a big fan, I love all their songs. I have all 23 of their albums.”

The result was a colourful collaboration called the Psychedelic Symphony, culminating in their 30th anniversary show at the Sydney Opera House in 2014.

This was the first time The Church had played at the venue, and since they began working together, a firm friendship has developed.

Not to be a name dropper, however, it is worth pointing out the Ellis has also lent his talent to Lou Reed, Sneaky Sound System, Alex Lloyd, Grace Knight, Guy Sebastian, Human Nature.

In theatre

Another arena that he seems to have enjoyed is that of theatre.

I was intrigued to learn that conducting an orchestra in concert is “easier in comparison as you have only one ensemble.”

In a theatrical setting, as the conductor and most of the musicians are usually away from the main action on stage, generally underneath, making it an ideal challenge to embellish the action without suppressing the actors’ voices.

Some Like It Hot in Melbourne and Sugar in Sydney, are only two of the popular shows Ellis has ‘dressed’ with his music.

To round out his ability to branch out to other styles and genres, George was a co-writer of The Conductor and the Clown, a musical comedy for children staged in 2013.

The play pitted two unlikely foes against each other; the conductor who is trying to perform classic music and a clown who interrupts the performance with his cheeky antics.

Having enjoyed a more light-hearted production, he is set to continue his ventures aiming at the younger demographic with a play entitled Peter and The Wolf later on this year.

Tips and advice for a career

As for what else he would have done in life if he hadn’t succeeded in the music industry?

With a voice exuding commitment and passion, he explained that he would not give up a single concert he has been involved with, though he believes he could do more with languages.

George can speak Greek, French, Spanish and some Italian as a result of his work on operas.

Having travelled around the world due to his line of work, he has developed a love of languages.

For any aspiring conductor or artist, it is worth paying attention to the words of George Ellis.

“I had to hear many no’s before I heard the word yes,” he tells.

“With dedication, perseverance, disciplined tuition -including private lessons- and a firm belief you can get there.”

George started at the bottom to learn the ropes of the industry, and used the humble road to get himself to the level he now performs at.

Years of toil and learning every aspect of his craft, have made it possible.

As I watched him in action at Axion Esti, my mind wandered.

George Ellis, has achieved so much and yet keeps himself grounded, while constantly in the pursuit of excellent sounds.

Axion Esti by the way, means ‘it is worthy’ in Greek.

I can assure you, the impeccable music Ellis presented during his performance was definitely worthy.

*Billy Cotsis is a freelance writer and short film director