Greek maestro, Themos Mexis, pays tribute to Mikis Theodorakis

·

When news first emerged of the passing of legendary Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis, The Greek Herald instantly thought to reach out to maestro, Themos Mexis, to play a small tribute concert in his honour.

Mr Mexis replied with a resounding yes and it’s no surprise as the Greek, who is also the Musical Director of the National Metropolitan Choir of Australia, has a strong connection to Theodorakis.

Here is a tribute to Theodorakis written by Mr Mexis right after his impromptu concert:

“Last night, I was very much humbled when The Greek Herald called me to ask if I could give a musical tribute to the great man. Impromptu as it was, I immediately replied with a resounding YES. It was an honour to have done so. Last night I wanted to pay my respects through his music. Here now, today, I want to share with you my own personal tribute to the great man, the musician, and what he has meant to me.

Mikis Theodorakis has passed and this has saddened us greatly but his legacy, both in his music and as a freedom fighter, lives on. Theodorakis has played a huge part in my own musical journey, from a very young age.

I was just 16 years old when I went to see the film, ZORBA, in a cinema in George St. When those first few chords were struck by the bouzoukia, I jumped out of my seat, yelling, whistling and applauding madly. That got the rest of the audience engaged, too. That was it: I was hooked; I became a passionate follower and later exponent of Theodorakis’ music, and of Greek music generally.

I lived in Greece, as a student and then as a professional, during the junta period; I was in the throng, as a student, when the tanks attacked and violated the Polytechnic, November 1973; I joined many other musicians in boites, playing his music, as our stand against the junta for imprisoning Theodorakis and banning his music.

Themos Mexis (left) with Mikis Theodorakis (right).

Yes, Theodorakis has certainly been very much a part of our Greek psyche and identity, a great influence on my music and that of many other musicians. His music has and will continue to strike a chord with us all.

Today we grieve, but his songs will lift our spirits and remember the great man. ETERNAL BE HIS MEMORY.

The above photo is from a concert we gave in 1995, in the UN Year of Tolerance, in honour of Mikis Theodorakis, organised by the then-Federal Government and Minister Nick Bolkus, at the Refectory, University of Sydney. The program was made entirely up of Mikis Theodorakis compositions, arranged and conducted by myself, performed by the Mexis Orchestra and Choir, and solo vocalists Mary Yiakoulis and Sandy Constantopedos.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Laconian Federation of NSW holds intimate 1821 celebrations

It was an intimate celebration of Laconian culture as the Laconian Federation of NSW held their commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821.

‘Greeks became an example of resistance’: Archbishop Makarios marks OXI Day

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has issued a message today to mark the 81st anniversary of OXI Day.

NATO deletes ‘tasteless’ Twitter post on Turkish Victory Day after Greek complaint

NATO's Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) has deleted a Twitter post congratulating Turkey on its Victory Day after Greece sent a formal demarche.