Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis’ iconic work “Axion Esti” (It is Worthy) will be played to a Greek-Australian audience at the 33rd Greek Festival of Sydney organized by the New South Wales Greek-Orthodox community. The work will be performed for the first time in Australia at the City Recital Hall at Angel Place on April 17.
Axion Esti is an oratorio based on poetry by Nobel Prizewinner Odyseas Elytis, composed for symphony orchestra, Greek popular instruments, choir, chanter, baritone soloist and narrator. It contains favourite melodies such as “Ena To Helidoni” (“A Solitary Swallow”) and “Tis Dikeosinis Ilie” (“Sun of Justice”). The work is loved for its poetic power and its sheer musical beauty.
Performers include vocalists Vasilis Lekkas and George Doukas, with Greek popular and western classical orchestras and the Millennium Choir directed by George Ellis. Narration by Tony Nikolakopoulos.
The songs will be in Greek with English translation.
Performances begin at 8 p.m. on April 17 with tickets at $120, $89 and $69.
A sneak preview
