Audiences were granted an insight into the life and work of Mikis Theodorakis, the great 20th century composer on August 27 in an event held by the Greek Community of Melbourne.
The event, celebrating the recent release of Professor Mimi Sophocleous’ book, ‘Mikis Theodorakis: The Meaning of the Muses – A Unique, International Cultural Phenomenon, featured the author highlighting important milestones of the Greek composer’s artistic development and his global impact.
Theodorakis (1925-2021) was a major figure in contemporary music, and left a massive mark on the world. Credited with over 1000 works, he scored for the films Zorba the Greek, Z and the Al Pacino starring Serpico.
His iconic Zorba the Greek, featured in the film of the same name gained international acclaim and is synonymous with Greek culture.
When fascist government went into power in 1967, he went underground and formed a revolutionary group and was later arrested, exiled and sent to an internment camp.
The focus of the event however was his links to Cyprus.
Sophocleous talked about the composer/activist’s close links to the nation, which began when he first visited in 1964 until his death two years ago.
He was always promoting, and trying to bring international attention to its plight for independence and justice.
To end the celebration, Sophocleous, his son Orestes, musician Christos Themistocleous and teenage clarinet player Loukas Vakalopoulos conducted a musical performance.
With 2025 bringing on 100 years since the birth of the late composer, the GCM tease many more celebrations of Mikis Theodorakis.
