Six decades on from its debut, Axion Esti makes its way to Melbourne this June with the ‘Axion Esti: Worthy it is’ concert.
Organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), the concert commemorates the contributions of legendary composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel laureate poet Odysseas Elytis.
June 1 will see the Melbourne Recital Centre host internationally acclaimed Greek vocalist Dimitris Basis joined by Sydney based conductor George Ellis and a 30-piece choir, chanter George Karantonis and well-known actor Tony Nikolakopoulos, who will bring Elytis’ poetry to life through narration.
Ellis brings with him a wide range of experience that includes the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Millennium Choir at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and being musical director and conductor for the Athens Olympics.
He has also presented concerts conducting in Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Athens, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta and performed in every capital city in Australia.
Karantonis, who was the front man of Moda Blu has performed with the Millennium Heritage Choir at the Sydney Olympic Games and as a soloist at the Sydney Paralympic Games. He also composed music for the poetry of the late Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Stylianos.
The concert pays tribute to Theodorakis, the man behind the Zorba Dance and one of Greece’s foremost musical figures, and Elytis’ whose ground-breaking work Axion Esti was immortalised through Theodorakis.
Attendees will experience renditions of “Ena To Helidoni” (A Solitary Swallow) and “Tis Dikeosinis Ilie” (Sun of Justice), capturing the essence of Greek heritage and spirit.
Paying homage of the enduring legacy and cultural significance of Theodorakis’ masterful compositions.
When: Saturday June 1
Where: Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
For bookings visit the Melbourne Recital Centre website.