Mikis of Resistance and Struggle, Mikis of creation and the great arts, is no longer with us. He passed away on Thursday 2 September at the age of 96.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia is deeply saddened and mourns the passing of Mikis Theodorakis, Greece’s most acclaimed composer whose name is directly associated with struggle, exile and music works that have been adored by millions around the world. Mikis’ love for the arts and his musical genius were inspired during the difficult years of exile where he composed music, representative of a whole era. An era during which Mikis Theodorakis not only was an active participant, he was the protagonist, leading a whole generation who shared the same ideals.
Because of his views and action, he was imprisoned, tortured and sent to exile, affecting his health which later led to further issues that followed him to the end of his life.
Mikis Theodorakis was the composer who encapsulated the turbulent history of our homeland through his lyrics and notes, as he himself lived and experienced it for almost one full century.
It was the man who taught us how to sing the poetic lyrics of our great poets and he was content to see these works growing roots in the heart and mind of a whole nation.
For it is the struggles, deep history, desires and vision of the Greek people that echo in those lyrics. His works resulted in the Renaissance of ‘Romiosini’ (Greekness).
His music and its impact went well beyond the Greek borders as Mikis created pure culture that touched millions around the world advocating justice and a better life for everyone.
He had a special bond with Cyprus and the Greeks of Diaspora because this is where he found refuge in order to gather his strength, organise and fuel the struggle against the Greek junta during an era known as ‘stone years’, stretching from the Civil War until the fall of the military junta in 1974.
His relationship with the pain-stricken people of Cyprus was particularly strong and this is why he gave numerous concerts there pushing for struggle towards freedom and independence.
Mikis Theodorakis as a fiery advocate of community ideals, was a close friend and ally of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia and we were honoured to welcome him at the Olympic Hall in two occasions, one was during the anti-dictatorship struggle in 1972 on behalf of the Patriotic Front and his second visit with his wife Mirto in 1995.
Honouring the great Greek composer, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia has at times organised concerts featuring his works, with the last concert in his honour being in November 2018.
Memory eternal our dearest friend Miki. Your songs, your legacy and your struggle will remain alive with us for ever.
Our deepest and heart felt condolences to the family of Mikis Theodorakis.