The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW is presenting a concert in honour of Mikis Theodorakis titled: MIKIS THEODORAKIS 1925-2021 THE BALLAD OF THE DEAD BROTHER & HIS GREATEST HITS, at City Recital Hall in Sydney on Sun 15 May, 2022.
Featuring international artist Dimitris Basis, a symphony orchestra and choir directed by George Ellis, Greek band and special guest Maria Yiakoulis, this is an opportunity to enjoy the work of a composer who introduced poetry and Nobel prize poets to the people not only of Greece but worldwide. From Yiannis Ritsos to Pablo Neruda, his music has cultivated and nurtured so many generations.
Born in Greece in 1925, Mikis Theodorakis resolutely devoted his life to fighting for freedom and justice, searching for valid and comprehensible for
ms of musical expression, and pursuing the significance of art. This long journey ended in Athens on Thursday morning of 2 September in Athens.
In 1962, Mikis Theodorakis composed a dramatic composition 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.
The lasting legacy of Mikis Theodorakis in Greece and beyond is found not only his struggle for freedom, even in the face of personal torture and exile, it is in his flawless coupling of art with the voice of the people. What could be a more pertinent example than his perhaps most famous composition: the dance melody for Michael Cacoyannis’ legendary film Zorba the Greek, which has become an unofficial Greek national anthem. The significance of this melody for the people of Greece echoes the power of Verdi’s Va pensiero, and the melody that first inspired Theodorakis to become a composer, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.*
