The Center for the Support of Dependent Persons presents one of the most interesting artistic events of the year in Herodion on 24 September 2012.
The monumental work "Axion Esti" by Mikis Theodorakis, based on poetry by the Nobel laureate, Odysseus Elytis, will be presented under the Parthenon, accompanied by the compositions "Stabat Mater" and "Song of Ascent" by Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, one of the most important contemporary Russian composers.
This is a unique concert, in which Greek music and history will meet the traditional and orthodox church music of Russia.
The two composers have chosen these deeply humanistic works, where art expresses religious inner spirituality.
Two countries, two cultures will be represented in this concert in which distinguished world-renowned artists will perform.
"Axion Esti" is a monument of Greek art. Its importance as well as the form of the poetic text led to the consideration of a new musical form.
The work covers the entire history of the Greek nation. "This is a small world, the great"… from Genesis to the prophetic vision of the sufferings imposed on us.
It is divided into three main parts: "The Genesis", "The Passions", "Doxasticon", while in its internal structure there are also three elements – the narrative, the hymn and the chorus.
The Narrator reads the prose text, the Psalmist in the hymns and the Layman in the choral sections.
Soloist: Marios Frangoulis (Folk singer), Dimitris Kavrakos (Chanter).
Narrator: Stavros Zalmas
Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, he is the most widely performed of all Russian composers.
His ability to complement the music with a deep religious content, to unite different cultures, to express profound meanings using simple and understandable language makes him unique among modern composers.
His music resonates with people regardless of background, the language, their political orientation and even their religious beliefs.
The sacred texts, including the gospels, of psalms, orthodox liturgical texts as well as medieval Latin poetry, they become a source of constant inspiration for the composer, who is distinguished both for his excellent craftsmanship, as well as for his spiritual insight.
His works that will be presented at the concert are::
The Mother was standing soprano, mezzo orchestra and choir, Song of Ascent, Symphony for orchestra and chorus, one aria from the Matthew Passion and one aria from the Christmas Oratorio with soloist: Svetlana Kasyan and Marita Paparizou
They participate:
• Symphony Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens
• Mixed Municipal Choir of Athens, Maestro: Stavros Beris
• PPC Mixed Choir, Maestro: Kostis Constantaras
• Choir "Ambitus" of Leontio Lyceum, Maestro: Katerina Vasilikou
• Soloist of traditional instruments