Axion Esti – 'Worthy it Is'

Dimitris Basis

Presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne

Details

A spellbinding union of Theodorakis, Elytis, and more.

Witness a breathtaking celebration of the works of composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis in Axion Esti.

This collaboration brings together the exceptional vocals of international sensation Dimitris Basis under the baton of the renowned Greek Australian conductor George Ellis. With the harmonious chants of George Karantonis and a 30-piece Choir, complemented by compelling narration from Greek Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos, don’t miss this unforgettable experience.

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Program

Mikis Theodorakis
Zorba’s Dance, is Greece’s most celebrated composer. He has written more than 1,000 songs and song cycles whose melodies have become intrinsically linked with the heritage of Greek music. This unique event honors his legacy and celebrates the sheer musical beauty and timelessness of his masterwork compositions. As part of the Axion Esti, Theodorakis’ most famous melodies including Ena To Helidoni (A Solitary Swallow) and Tis Dikeosinis Ilie (Sun of Justice)

Odysseas Elytis
Axion Esti (1959) was set to music by Mikis Theodorakis and became a widely celebrated anthem. Combining suffering and passion, spiritual lessons, and poetic power, Axion Esti is widely held to be Elytis’ masterpiece and won the National Book Award for Poetry in 1960.

Artists

Dimitris Basis vocals
Gaining recognition for his musical performances in collaboration with Alkistis Protopsalti, Stamatis Kraounakis, and Lina Nikolakopoulou for three consecutive seasons. His professional debut included participation in Stamatis Kraounakis’ works and the soundtrack of the TV series ‘To Trito Stefani’ In 1997, he released his first album, Me tin Fora tou Anemou. The winter of 1998–99 marked his collaboration with Haris Alexiou, and he embarked on a series of concerts with Yiannis Kotsiras. In 2001, Basis collaborated with Mikis Theodorakis, revising and performing To Tragoudi tou Nekrou Adelfou. The following years featured significant performances, including a dedication to poet Yiannis Ritsos and appearances with Dimitris Mitropanos and Themis Adamantidis. His contributions to celebrations honoring Mikis Theodorakis in 2005 showcased his enduring impact on the Greek music scene.

George Ellis Director, Conductor
Internationally acclaimed orchestral conductor, composer, and arranger based in Sydney. His extensive academic training in conducting, composition, and arranging and a wide range of experience has enabled Ellis to develop the unique talent essential for sensitively traversing a broad range of musical genres. He conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Millennium Choir at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and was Musical Director and Conductor for the Athens Olympics. He has presented concerts conducted in Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Athens, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta and performed in every capital city in Australia.

George Karantonis chanter
Highly acclaimed and esteemed singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist who first rose to prominence in his teens. Predominantly a self-taught musician, George captivated Greece with his music as the frontman of Moda Blue, a beloved band among Greek Australians. George has lectured in musical composition at Forte School of Music, written songs for various artists, and composed music for the poetry of the late Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Stylianos. His performances with the Millennium Heritage Choir at the Sydney Olympic Games and as a soloist at the Sydney Paralympic Games have solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician. George continues to perform for a broad audience with his diverse range of musical genres, seamlessly moving between rock, jazz, classical, Byzantium, Greek, and pop music with unparalleled passion.

Tony Nikolakopoulos Director
Greek Australian film, television, and theatre actor, Tony is best known for his work in Nick Giannopoulos’s film The Wog Boy and The Wannabes, and his role as Attilio in the television series Scooter: Secret Agent. He has also performed in Underbelly and stage plays, including Cafe Rebetika in 2009.

Venue