Events in Greece to commemorate the centenary of the birth of renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 97, kick off next month with a performance at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron). The program will feature Maria Farantouri, a veteran performer of his works, and baritone Tassis Christoyannis.
Credit: Athens Music Hall (Megaron).
Scheduled for February 16 and 17 the concert opens with one of Theodorakis’ most iconic works, the oratorio “Canto General” based on the poetry collection of the same name by Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda.
The work, an ode to Latin America’s history and continuous struggle against oppression, will be performed as Theodorakis originally orchestrated it, for a 15-member ensemble and two choirs, and will be conducted by Miltos Loyadis.
The second part of the concert will feature songs from well-known cycles by the composer, orchestrated by the pianist Achilleas Wastor.
Canto General was recorded live on August 13, 1975, at the George Karaiskakis Football Stadium in Piraeus, and on August 16, 1975, at the Panathenaic Stadium featuring Farantouri and Petros Pandis in the vocals.
Farantouri, renowned for her worldwide performances has been lauded by the international press as “a people’s Callas” (The Daily Telegraph) and “the Joan Baez of the Mediterranean” (Le Monde).
Both shows begin at 8pm while tickets an further information can be found at Megaron’s official website.
