Legendary Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis, dies aged 96

·

Legendary Greek composer, politician and writer, Mikis Theodorakis, has passed away at the age of 96.

During his sixty-year career, Theodorakis wrote over 1,000 songs, many symphonic works, cantatas and oratorios, music for dozens of plays and tragedies, operas and music for the cinema.

Theodorakis was born in Chios on July 29, 1925, to a Cretan father and an Asia Minor mother. 

Due to the professional capacity of his father (senior civil servant) he spent his childhood moving to various cities in Greece, including Mytilene, Syros, Athens, Ioannina, Argostoli, Patras, Pyrgosand Tripoli.

Before World War II he had discovered his love for music and wrote his first compositions, while in 1942 he published his first poems, under the pseudonym Dinos May.

In 1943, he settled permanently in Athens and continued his musical studies, with Philoktitis Economidis as his teacher. At the same time, he worked with the resistance, working through the ranks of EPON and the KKE. He was arrested by the Italians and sent to prison.

During the Civil War (1946-1949) he was exiled first to Ikaria and then to Makronisos. His political persecutions do not stop his creative work. He composed works of classical music and on March 5, 1950, his first play, “Festival of Asi-Gonia” (1946), was presented at the Orpheus theatre in Athens, by the Athens State Orchestra.

With the imposition of the dictatorship of April 21, 1967, a new cycle of persecution and exile will begin for the composer, which will end in 1970 with the amnesty that will be granted to him after international outcry. 

The composer went abroad and gave dozens of concerts against the colonels, which will make him known everywhere as a symbol of the anti-dictatorship struggle.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Australia’s Cypriot communities to mark 51 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

From Bexley to Thessaloniki: Dimitri Sidiropoulos’ rise in Greek volleyball

Dimitri Sidiropoulos has has spread his wings and is showcasing his athletic talent in Greece, devoting his full love to volleyball.

STEM holiday program by Greek Community of Melbourne Schools a hit

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools recently completed a successful and engaging educational initiative titled “STEM in Their Element"

Huge comeback win for St George Men’s team

The St George Men’s team faced a massive challenge: a 5am bus trip to Wagga Wagga to take on the formidable Wagga Wagga Heat.

Creditors of Bill Ferg’s Lobster Cave face total loss as rescue bid stalls

Creditors of Melbourne’s iconic seafood venue The Lobster Cave have been warned they are unlikely to recover any of the millions owed.

You May Also Like

Jay Langadinos sues psychiatrist for professional negligence over gender transition

In a Sydney Morning Herald article today, Jay Langadinos has detailed her gender transition experience. Langadinos was 19 years old when she first visited psychiatrist...

Greek Community of Melbourne holds third successful John Berger Memorial lecture

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) presented on Wednesday, September 27, the third iteration of The John Berger Memorial Lecture.

The ‘Brooklidhes’: Dr Giota Tourgeli to give seminar in Melbourne

Giota Tourgeli will give an online lecture - ‘The Brooklidhes: Greek Americans and their communities of origin: Links and transformations'.