Axion Esti: A night in Melbourne that resonated with the Greek soul

·

The Melbourne Recital Centre was filled to capacity on Saturday, June 1 as the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) presented the highly anticipated concert, “Axion Esti: Worthy It Is,” celebrating the enduring legacy of composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Laureate poet Odysseas Elytis.

The evening commenced with Theodorakis’ iconic song “I Genesis,” a moment that set the tone for the entire night. As acclaimed vocalist Dimitris Basis began, the audience joined in, singing along and creating a collective voice that resonated through the hall, evoking a sense of unity and shared heritage.

Throughout the concert, Conductor George Ellis masterfully led the “Exaudi” 90-piece choir, while Chanter George Karantonis and narrator Tony Nikolakopoulos brought Elytis’ poignant poetry to life. The blend of music and spoken word encapsulated the essence of Greek culture and history, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

dimitris basis axion esti
Dimitris Basis. All photos: Astrini Kopeloudi-Wallace.
dimitris basis axion esti
Tony Nikolakopoulos.

Greek Community Cultural Committee Chair Leonidas Vlahakis, reflected on the evening, saying, “Axion Esti transcends the realm of a mere concert; it is a celebration of our identity. This evening, we experienced firsthand the extraordinary power of Theodorakis’ iconic compositions, which perfectly complemented Elytis’ poignant poetry, creating an emotional resonance that deeply touched our souls. It served as a reminder of our rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of two giants of Greek culture. The performances tonight not only entertained but also reinforced our collective identity and the profound connection between music, poetry, and the Greek spirit.”

dimitris basis axion esti
dimitris basis axion esti

Vice President of the GCM, Anthea J. Sidiropoulos added, “The concert was an emotional journey that deeply touched the hearts of all attendees. The overwhelming response from the community highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural legacy. Events like this connect us to our roots and inspire future generations to embrace their heritage.”

Dr Jim Bossinakis, Vice President of the GCM, also shared his thoughts, stating, “Seeing a full house and experiencing the standing ovation was a testament to the timeless relevance of Theodorakis’ and Elytis’ work. This concert was a tribute to their genius and a reaffirmation of our commitment to cultural excellence. Axion Esti marked a significant milestone in the cultural calendar of Melbourne’s Greek community. The night will be remembered not only for its musical brilliance but also for its ability to touch the Greek soul.”

The night concluded on a high note with the vibrant performance of “Ena to Helidoni.” The audience’s applause echoed throughout the venue, culminating in a standing ovation that underscored the deep appreciation and emotional impact of the performance.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

How the US military base on Crete helped power the stealth bombing of Iran

A major part of the recent United States airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities unfolded quietly from Souda Bay military base on Crete.

Israel agrees to ceasefire after claiming to neutralise Iran threat

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran has officially come into effect, according to former US President Donald Trump.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch visits survivors of deadly church attack in Syria

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, has visited the site of Sunday’s deadly bombing at the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus.

Greek women make history at Brisbane Jazz Club

'Girl From Greece,' by singers Mel Lathouras and Katerini Manolatos, is the first Greek-led project to perform at the Brisbane Jazz Club.

Ersin Tatar compares Turkish Cypriots to Palestinians

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has drawn a controversial comparison between Cyprus and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

You May Also Like

Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW holds kefi-filled Taverna Night

Last Saturday, 13 January, the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW came together to host a Taverna Night.

Greece to strengthen bilateral relations with India

Greece's PM, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and India's PM, Narendra Modi have vowed to boost Greece and India's bilateral ties.

Versatile defender Koutroumbis joins Glory on two-year deal

Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that versatile defender John Koutroumbis has signed a two-year deal with the club.