Regarded as the greatest composer in Greek history, Mikis Theodorakis used his artform to express the inexpressible, galvanising an entire nation when penning the film score to Zorba the Greek, along with countless other rousing symphonies and ballads.
The work by Mikis Theodorakis, The Ballad of the Dead Brother, and his greatest hits will be presented in concerts around Australia.
The Ballad of the Dead Brother, like a modern tragedy, is placed in the most tragic period of Modern Greek history. Based in the 1940s, a battle for independence gradually escalated into a civil war and it becomes the basis of a great tragedy.
The composer himself has said:
“With the Ballad of the Dead Brother, I identify myself more than any other piece of my work, in all aspects: musical, humane, personal, activism, and above all “Greek,” because the civil war immersed Greece in tears, blood and an ever-ending struggle.”
This ballad has been performed in Greece by four of the most important voices, Grigoris Bithikotsis, Giorgos Dalaras, Dimitris Mitropanos and Dimitris Basis.
It is our pledge to honour the memory of Mikis Theodorakis, the man who not only composed the work of great poets but managed to recreate it in such a way that it reaches our souls.
In Australia, it will be performed by international vocalist Dimitris Basis, accompanied by the symphonic orchestra under the direction of George Ellis and special appearance by performer Maria Yiakoulis in the following dates:
- Melbourne: Friday 6th May 2022 – Melbourne Recital Hall – (03) 9699 3333
- Perth: Friday 7th May 2022 – Perth Concert Hall- (08) 9231 9999
- Sydney: Sunday 15th May 2022 – Sydney Recital Hall – (02) 8256 2222
- Adelaide: Friday 20th May 2022 – Adelaide Town Hall – (08) 8231 4307
- Brisbane: Friday 27th May 2022 – Queensland Performance Arts Centre – 136 246
