“Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera” Debuts at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Theater on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 8:00pm

Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera arose out of the simple concept to combine Greek History and Folk Music with Hard Rock and Melodic Metal.

“Poet you will sing about the day
We pledged our hearts my love and I
To the glorious empire of Greece
For what is man’s soul of culture deprived?”

The preceding excerpt is taken from Porphyra’s crowning epic “988AD- In the Time of Basil II Emperor of Byzantium”, enthusiastically labeled as “Byzantine Rock” by the press.

This is the story of Grand Prince Vladimir of the Kievan Rus and Princess Anna Porphyrogenita of Constantinople. They meet and fall in love in the tumultuous year of 988 AD. Following Vladimir and his nation’s conversion to Greek Orthodox Christianity, the balance of power shifts, ushering a second Golden Age for Byzantium and a new civilization for young Russia. Our hero, Vladimir was the first King of the Rus, ancestor of the Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians. Princess Anna was instrumental in making Kiev a powerful artistic and religious Byzantine Center.

Many films and books have been written to glorify the tiny and culturally dynamic nation of Greece. But never has there been a Rock Opera that has captured its ever evolving history like ours. From Alexander the Great to the apogee of Byzantium, the electric guitar in joyous harmony with bouzouki and violin will take you on an epic journey through our cross starred lovers dreams and ambitions. As the world focuses again on Greece unfortunately due to its economical collapse rather than its cultural legacy, it is a perfect time to revisit that glorious, happier past once again.

Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera, is based on Billy Chrissochos’ band Porphyra’s epic album “Faith, Struggle, Victory”. It also features new musical compositions, Greek folk songs, Belly Dancing numbers choreographed by the Dena Stevens Shazadi Dance Project, actors and a 12 piece Rock orchestra.

This is a sexy, fun, historical romp through the Greek, Russian and greater Mediterranean world through music. Our industry showcase will debut at Carnegie Halls’ Zankel Theater Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 8:00pm. This is the first Greek inspired Rock Opera of its kind for Carnegie Hall and a major step towards taking our unique musical to Broadway.

You can get your tickets now from the Carnegie Hall website- www.Carnegiehall.org.
You can also help financially support the project and receive plenty of exclusive VIP perks and gifts over at our crowd funding campaign at Crowdzu (www.crowdzu.com). This money will help with our theater and production expenses, rehearsals, costumes, props and marketing.
And for all things Porphyra head over to our website www.porphyraband.com.