This June the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is partnering with the Greek Festival of Sydney to host the largest number of Greek voices ever on a QPAC stage, as part of the Axion Esti and Masterworks concert.
Three local Greek choirs will feature on stage alongside QPAC’s Chamber Choir to make up a 90-voice chorus to accompany international vocalist Dimitris Basis, Greek Australian conductor George Ellis, cantor George Karantonis, and narration by Greek Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos.
The concert will also see 91-year-old Apostolos Belas and seven-year-old Milana Sotiris make their Concert Hall debuts as part of their respective Greek community choirs.
A 35-piece orchestra will also accompany the soloists and the 90-voice combined choir bringing joy to a crowd of both music lovers and Greek Australians.
It is the first time the QPAC Chamber Choir, the Ellinikes Fones Choir and the Ellinikes Fones Junior Choir will perform together.
The groups have been rehearsing for months.
In what is sure to be a wonderful finale moment, the Greek Orthodox Community Care Choir Fones will join on stage, with some members in their 90s.
Tom Drakopoulos from the Ellinikes Fones Choir of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George Brisbane said that never before has something like this happened before.
“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,” he said in a media release.
Honouring the 100th birthday of Mikis Theodorakis this year, this is the first time the work has been performed at such scale in Australia.
The legendary composer of Zorba’s Dance will be celebrated in Queensland, and for the very first time, some of his most famous works will be included.
The likes of Ena To Helidoni (A Solitary Swallow) and Tis Dikeosinis Ilie (Sun of Justice), will be performed for the first time in Queensland.
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,” he said.
“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.”
When: Wednesday June 5, 7pm
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC, Queensland Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
Bookings: QPAC website or call 136 246
