Theodorakis News Flashes 2001

Delphi concert commemorates creation of UN High Commission for Refugees

A concert on Saturday (23/06/01) at the ancient stadium of Delphi commemorated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations' High Commission for Refugees. During the event, the High Commission's representative in Athens, F. Rojas Rodriguez, also honoured noted Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis for his contribution to the international humanitarian organization's efforts. "I must tell you that this award doesn't just honour me, it moves me deeply. The word refugee is interwoven with my own existence, the formulation of my personality and the basic ideological and political choices I've made in my life," Theodorakis said. The Russian orchestra Osipov, US soprano Joselyn Smith and popular Greek performer George Dalaras participated in the concert, held under the auspices of the culture ministry. Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

Vangelis concert in Athens' spectacular Temple of Olympian Zeus

A large-scale musical production "Mythodea" by Oscar-winning composer Vangelis Papathanasiou is scheduled at the Temple of Olympian Zeus in downtown Athens on Thursday (28/06/2001), complete with a laser-light show and international broadcast coverage amid the ancient columns in the shadow of the Acropolis.

Afterwards, French Education Minister Jack Lang will bestow the title of "Chevalier de legion d' honneur" to Vangelis - as he is known outside Greece -- for his contribution to Greek and European culture. The concert is part of events for the four-year "Cultural Olympiad", scheduled in the run-up and during the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

The concert will also be broadcast live for music aficionados without a ticket on a "video wall" set up nearby at the all-marble Panathenian Stadium - a 100,000-seat ancient venue restored in the late 19th century for the holding of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Vangelis also responded to recent criticism over the lavish production's cost by another Greek musical icon, in this case noted composer Mikis Theodorakis *).

Athens, 28/06/2001 (ANA)

*) Composer Mikis Theodorakis in a June 18 press conference pointed to the "exorbitant funds it has received by the culture ministry [1.1 billion drs, or $2.9 million]", while archaeologists expressed concern over the possible damage to the ancient site especially after a small well was discovered earlier last week.

Athens News, 22/06/2001, page: A39
Article code: C12919A394

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