March 30, 2008, marks a milestone in the history of Greek culture in New York. The internationally renowned Greek-Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos was at the center of the National Anniversary celebrations, receiving ultimate acclaim from the Greek Diaspora and the American public.
The Article in "Hellenic Canadian Tribune" (Friday, April 11, 2008)
The prestigious Hellenic Canadian Tribune, in an extensive feature titled "In the Context of the National Anniversary – New York's Diaspora Honored Panagiotis Karousos," recorded the chronicle of this historic success in detail:
"On Sunday, March 30, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York presented the opera 'Prometheus' at the Stathakion Cultural Center to honor the diaspora composer Mr. Panagiotis Karousos, as part of the events celebrating the national anniversary of March 25, 1821.
The work, performed in English with soloists from the New York City Opera and the Astoria Symphony Orchestra, thrilled the audience with its intense lyricism and garnered warm praise for its creator, Panagiotis Karousos, in New York newspapers.
The composer, Mr. Karousos, was invited to perform a song for the unveiling of the statue of Aristotle at Athens Square Park in Astoria, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, as well as Greek and American government officials. Mr. Karousos's impressive performance was repeated at Manhattan's 5th Avenue parade for our national anniversary of 1821, where he was loudly applauded by the thousands in attendance as he performed 'Famous Macedonia' and 'Forty Valiant Men' in the heart of New York.
The Greek Diaspora of New York has embraced the music of Panagiotis Karousos, and this marks the third consecutive year that a concert has been organized within the framework of the March 25th celebratory events and the grand parade on Manhattan's 5th Avenue, which constitutes the largest event of Hellenism outside Greece."
The prestigious Hellenic Canadian Tribune, in an extensive feature titled "In the Context of the National Anniversary – New York's Diaspora Honored Panagiotis Karousos," recorded the chronicle of this historic success in detail:
"On Sunday, March 30, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York presented the opera 'Prometheus' at the Stathakion Cultural Center to honor the diaspora composer Mr. Panagiotis Karousos, as part of the events celebrating the national anniversary of March 25, 1821.
The work, performed in English with soloists from the New York City Opera and the Astoria Symphony Orchestra, thrilled the audience with its intense lyricism and garnered warm praise for its creator, Panagiotis Karousos, in New York newspapers.
The composer, Mr. Karousos, was invited to perform a song for the unveiling of the statue of Aristotle at Athens Square Park in Astoria, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, as well as Greek and American government officials. Mr. Karousos's impressive performance was repeated at Manhattan's 5th Avenue parade for our national anniversary of 1821, where he was loudly applauded by the thousands in attendance as he performed 'Famous Macedonia' and 'Forty Valiant Men' in the heart of New York.
The Greek Diaspora of New York has embraced the music of Panagiotis Karousos, and this marks the third consecutive year that a concert has been organized within the framework of the March 25th celebratory events and the grand parade on Manhattan's 5th Avenue, which constitutes the largest event of Hellenism outside Greece."
The Musical Masterpiece "Prometheus Bound"
The presentation of the opera in English, under the firm baton of conductor Grant Gilman and accompanied by the Astoria Symphony Orchestra, brought together a top-tier cast of lyric artists from the New York City Opera:
The presentation of the opera in English, under the firm baton of conductor Grant Gilman and accompanied by the Astoria Symphony Orchestra, brought together a top-tier cast of lyric artists from the New York City Opera:
- Martin Fischer, baritone (Prometheus)
- Mary Elizabeth MacKenzie, soprano (Io)
- Elspeth Davis, mezzo-soprano (Bia – Goddess Athena)
- Nathan Baer, bass (Oceanus – Zeus)
In tandem with the Hellenic Canadian Tribune, the reputable newspaper Patrides added: "This musical creation by the well-known artist has previously impressed music lovers regardless of their origin and cultural traditions... and deeply enthusiastic crowds filled the audience."
Moments of Emotion at Athens Square
At Athens Square Park in Astoria, during the unveiling of the Aristotle statue, Panagiotis Karousos delivered a stirring rendition of "Famous Macedonia" before Archbishop Demetrios. This performance was so captivating that the Parade organizers immediately requested him to participate as a "special" guest in the main celebratory event.
At Athens Square Park in Astoria, during the unveiling of the Aristotle statue, Panagiotis Karousos delivered a stirring rendition of "Famous Macedonia" before Archbishop Demetrios. This performance was so captivating that the Parade organizers immediately requested him to participate as a "special" guest in the main celebratory event.
A Historic Triumph on 5th Avenue Before 150,000 Spectators
On April 6, 2008, the heart of Hellenism beat on Manhattan's 5th Avenue. In a magnificent parade broadcast live by the WWOR/Channel 9 network of the Fox group, Panagiotis Karousos made history.
On April 6, 2008, the heart of Hellenism beat on Manhattan's 5th Avenue. In a magnificent parade broadcast live by the WWOR/Channel 9 network of the Fox group, Panagiotis Karousos made history.
The bass-baritone ascended to the official grandstand alongside the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg. As soon as the Mayor concluded his speech, he warmly greeted the Greek artist. Karousos stepped up to the podium and performed the iconic anniversary songs "Forty Valiant Men", "O Gero Dimos" (The Old Dimos), and "Famous Macedonia", captivating a crowd exceeding 150,000 spectators.
Mayor Bloomberg's enthusiasm was such that he rushed to congratulate him personally. Attendees commented with awe that the Diaspora had not heard an opera baritone perform at the parade since the era of the legendary Metropolitan Opera protagonist, Nicola Moscona. During his stay, the creator also received congratulations from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Mr. Markos Kyprianou, Member of Parliament Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, coach Alketas Panagoulias, and the President of the Federation, Mr. Nikos Diamantidis.
Through his music and voice, Panagiotis Karousos emerged as the ultimate ambassador of the Greek spirit in New York, offering the Diaspora one of the brightest pages in its modern history.
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου