Greek singer Dimitris Basis is set to be part of three upcoming concerts of ‘Axion Esti’ in Australia, as he aims to pass on the legacy of Mikis Theodorakis and Odysseas Elytis to the current generations of Greeks.
Basis will take part in performances of ‘Axion Esti’ in Sydney (May 11), Melbourne (June 1) and Brisbane (June 5), showcasing to Australian audiences the powerful work that is the result of Mikis Theodorakis’ music and Nobel Prize-winning Odysseas Elytis’ poetry.
The event will also feature renowned Greek Australian conductor George Ellis, a 30-piece choir and narration by Greek Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos.
Basis reflected on the significance of ‘Axion Esti’ as an effective method by Theodorakis in spreading Elytis’ 1959 work (which is considered by many to be his masterpiece) to the masses through the medium of music.
“Mikis Theodorakis brought the Greek people in the most direct way in contact with the poetry of the great Greek poets, trying to speak to their souls through melodies and verse, in a difficult time for our country,” Basis told Neos Kosmos.
The Greek singer elaborated further on Theodorakis’ intention when creating the accompanying compositions for Elytis’ poetry back in 1960, which subsequently became a widely-celebrated anthem.
“Mikis told me that through the work, he wanted to speak directly to the soul of the Greek people, at a time when the homeland was traumatised after a war and especially a civil war,” Basis said.
“He tried to do this by using strong Byzantine elements and Byzantine musical paths. In short, he wanted to make a popular liturgy.”
Basis stated that he first got to sing the work ‘Axion Esti’ in 2004 under the direction of Theodorakis, having since gone on to sing it many times in numerous theatres in Greece and abroad.
“Every time I sing this particular work I try to be worthy of its greatness, and I feel great pride that I can communicate with the audience through such a great work,” he said.
“I love my country and through the lyrics of ‘Axion Esti’ I try to communicate the songs and remind the people that we must love our country. This is the message of the work and this is my personal relationship with it.”
Basis did admit that the challenge has always been to live up to the legacy of the work, particularly in his case the original vocalist, Grigoris Bithikotsis.
“‘Axion Esti’ was sung by the greatest Greek folk singer who is Grigoris Bithikotsis,” he said.
“So, this is the great challenge for the performer to be able to stand up to this great work, as captured by the singing of Grigoris Bithikotsis.”
Basis is still immensely honoured to have worked with Theodorakis and sung his music, which is a major factor in him wanting to continue to spread works like ‘Axion Esti’ to the Greeks of today.
“For me, Mikis Theodorakis is the greatest milestone in my career,” he said.
“I am glad to have known him, I am glad and feel blessed that he conducted me in several of his concerts and I feel proud that I can tell the younger ones today what Mikis Theodorakis was and how great he was.”
