When Australian icon Tina Arena was invited by her good friend George Perris to perform with him at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, she walked onto a stage that had been graced by the voice of so many historic voices. This includes that of the controversial 20th century opera singer, Maria Callas.
Ms Arena reflected on her most memorable concert and lifechanging experience in an interview published in The Guardian Australia‘s series of ‘our favourite musicians.’
Ms Arena describes how although she’s been fortunate enough to play in venues such as the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall in London, there was something “magical and mystical” about the Herodes Atticus.
“Performing in an outdoor stone auditorium – a Greek theatre in the true sense of the word – that is almost 2,000 years old, and to experience how the natural acoustics resonate, was a profound experience for me,” Ms Arena told The Guardian Australian.
The singer goes on to remember the massive poster of Maria Callas adorning the stage as she walked up to perform and says it was a “pinch-me moment.”
“I remember walking out there and having shivers,” she explains.
“When I was walking out on stage with Maria Callas looking over my shoulder, I just thought: “Oh my god, this is really happening.” It was a pinch-me moment.
“When I stepped off that stage I was euphoric. Afterwards, we all went to dinner at a roof terrace restaurant that overlooked the Acropolis.
“We just sat out there and took in that extraordinary view and felt grateful to be alive.”
Source: The Guardian Australia
