A tribute to Mikis Theodorakis to be presented in Melbourne, on Friday

‘The Ballad of the Dead Brother’ will be performed in the Melbourne Recital Hall, by international vocalist Dimitris Basis accompanied by the symphonic orchestra under the direction of George Ellis and special appearance by performer Maria Yiakoulis

Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis directs his orchestra during a rehearsal at the ancient Herodium Atticon theater at the steps of Acropolis, in Athens, back in 2001. Photo: AAP via EPA/ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU

12 April 2022 1:32pm

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Regarded as the greatest composer in Greek history, Mikis Theodorakis used his artform to express the inexpressible, galvanising an entire nation when penning the film score to Zorba the Greek, along with countless other rousing symphonies and ballads.

Born in Greece in 1925, Theodorakis resolutely devoted his life to fighting for freedom and justice, searching for valid and comprehensible forms of musical expression, and pursuing the significance of art. This long journey ended in Athens on 2 September, 2021.

In 1962, Mikis Theodorakis composed a dramatic synthesis based on ‘The Dead Brother’s Song’ named ‘The Ballad of the Dead Brother‘ which referred to the Greek Civil War and the then oppressive political situation in Greece.

Dimitris Basis sings Romiosini and Beyond by Mikis Theodorakis at City Recital Hall, Sydney, NSW, Australia back in 24 May 2019. Photo: Supplied

‘The Ballad of the Dead Brother’ like a modern tragedy is placed in the most tragic period of Modern Greek history. Based in the 1940s a battle for independence gradually escalated into a civil war, it becomes the basis of a great tragedy.

“With the Ballad of the Dead Brother, I identify myself more than any other piece of my work, in all aspects: musical, humane, personal, activism, and above all “Greek”, because the civil war immersed Greece in tears, blood and an ever-ending struggle,” Mikis Theodorakis himself had said.

This ballad has been performed in Greece by four of the most important voices, Grigoris Bithikotsis, Giorgos Dalaras, Dimitris Mitropanos and Dimitris Basis.

In Australia it will be once again be performed by international vocalist Dimitris Basis accompanied by the symphonic orchestra under the direction of George Ellis and special appearance by performer Maria Yiakoulis alongside Theodorakis’ most iconic compositions.

‘The Dance Melody’, soundtrack for Michael Cacoyannis’ legendary film Zorba the Greek, which has become an unofficial Greek national anthem will also be performed.