Three Byzantine Hymns and Seven Poems

A tribute concert to three great composers

Organised by Travel in Art. Holy Monday, 10 April 2023, 8:30 pm, at the Apollon Theatre.

The concert presents excerpts from three important song cycles, true “swan songs” of their composers: “The Songs of Sin” by Manos Hadjidakis, on poems by Dinos Christianopoulos and one by Giorgos Chronas; “The Ballads of the Margins” by Apostolos Kaldaras, on lyrics by the composer himself and one by Kostas Virvos; and “Hymns of Angels in Human Rhythms”, Byzantine church hymns set to music by Stavros Kougioumtzis.

The works are performed by Andreas Karakotas, who gave the first performances of the works by Manos Hadjidakis and Apostolos Kaldaras, and who worked with Stavros Kougioumtzis during the creation of the third work.

The second part features the “Seven Poems” by Manos Hadjidakis, together with the Children’s and Youth Choir of the Cyclades Orchestra.

Performers

Also singing: Rena Vergou and Alexandros Dimitropoulos. Recitation: Vrasidas Zavras. Orchestration of the “Three Byzantine Hymns”: Sakis Kontonikolas.

Musicians: Aristos Vamvakousis (bouzouki), Sakis Kontonikolas (piano), Tasos Misyrlis (cello), Minas Tsavdaris (clarinet), Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou (violin), Takis Fragkous (double bass).

Sound: Christos Megas, Nikos Kontizas. Lighting: Magda Kontiza.

With thanks for their support to the non-profit association En Chordais kai Organois (Megali tou Markou Scholi).