Philo4Thought – Greek Legacies: Dynamic Narratives in Film & Performance Arts

Since 2009 the Philo4Thought Hellenic Mentoring Initiative has set out to highlight the accomplishments of our wonderful young Hellenes and to help connect up-and-coming professionals with seasoned mentors in a variety of fields. We have strived to help teach those skills that help build confident networking, expand horizons and find jobs and training opportunities that are fulfilling to the members of our ever-expanding community. As our own academic and professional network and initiative continues to grow (from the original 12-person “think tank” to over 176,000 online participants), we would like to thank those who have made every moment possible, from our dedicated Committee members to our wonderful array of mentors and sponsors. We are extremely grateful for the constant support we have received from the greater Hellenic community both in NYC and around the world, and to the many Philhellenes who have contributed their time and effort to helping us connect young people to solid professional opportunities. This level of unity and support makes us confident that our community will continue to thrive, moving forward to develop professional and social networks to create an impact as bright, strong, capable Hellenes.

The Board would like to offer its gratitude to our past and present members and sponsors for lending your keen advisement and enthusiastic involvement in each of our initiatives. We also welcome all new members and first-time attendees from all communities and hope you will enjoy the talks and activities scheduled for the day.
Our 4th Annual Spring Conference is a celebration of a precious gift that is such an inherent part of our culture: Storytelling. We are honored to have collaborated with various organizations and individuals whose aim is to promote this rich Greek legacy, which is the key to our education and progress.
The program began with the WELCOME ADDRESS by Prof. Christina Salboudis who is the Founding Director of Philo4Thought. She is also Adj. Prof. of Philosophy & Literature at St. John’s University and Student Coordinator at Columbia University.
The OPENING REMARKS were given by Prof. James Demetro who is the Founding Director of the NYC Greek Film Festival and is a Professor Emeritus of Composition & Literature at Bronx Community College.
There was a live MUSICAL PERFORMANCE by Prof. Mike “Risko” Savvas who is a Musician with the band Porphyra and Porphyra, A Grecian Rock Opera. Mike is also a professor and a coach. He performedexcerpts from Porphyra’s new album “The Starmaker’s Prophecy” and Rock Opera on the Tzoura and Guitar.

The PERFORMANCE ARTS PANEL was moderated by Prof. Anthony Michaelidis who is an Adj. Lecturer at St. John’s University, Discover New York Program Guidance Counselor at Frank Sinatra High School. The Panelists were Nikolaos Markakis, BFA, MFA. Independent Performer, Designer & Choreographer, Faculty, York University, in Ontario Canada and Vassilios “Billy” Chrissochos who has a B.A., Political Science & History with a Minor in Education from Queens College.
Billy is the primary Composer, Historical Consultant and Producer of Porphyra, A Grecian Rock Opera which debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2015 – visit www.porphyrarockopera.com for details. He is an awarded music video Editor, Director of Modern Music for Club for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands and founded the Greek Artists Guild, the Hellenic American Center of the Arts and the Alexander the Great Living History Society. Billy has served as an educator in the NYC Dept. of Education and is a member of ASCAP, AHEPA (Delphi 25 Chapter) and several other organizations dedicated to the support and education of the Hellenic community and culture. Billy is also currently a realtor at Keller Williams Realty and has extensive financial experience from his years as Asst. Manager at Marathon Bank and various institutions.

Billy spoke in detail about his production “Porphyra, A Grecian Rock Opera” and the current show “Anna and Vladimir: The love that ROCKED the world.” He told the excited audience the next performance will take place at the historic Flushing Town Hall in Queens June 2nd-3rd for three shows and is proudly sponsored by the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. You can get your tickets right here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-opera-experience-history-through-music-dance-and-romance-tickets-33533282952
The KEYNOTE ADDRESS was given by George Elias Stephanopoulos, Esq. Attorney, Stephanopoulos Consulting. George is the Creative Producer of the motion picture “Swing Away”.
The ACADEMIC PANEL featured Moderator George Zapantis, Esq., Vice President of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, Attorney, Zapantis Law. The panelists were Constantine Sirigos Director of Outreach and Development, American Community Schools (Athens) and Prof. Perry Giuseppe Rizopoulos Author & Adj. Professor, St. John’s University, Manhattan College.

The BUSINESS PANEL featured Moderator John Metekidis, M.S. Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, New York University and panelist Ariadne Panagopoulou, Esq. Associate, Pardalis & Nohavicka, LLP. Closing Remarks were given by Mr. Ilias “Lou” Katsos who is the president of the Eastern Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA) and Vice President of AHEPA Delphi 25 chapter.
The awards were given out by Mr. Peter Giakoumis from the NY Chapter for Modern Music for Club For UNESCO Piraeus and Islands. Mr. Billy Chrissochos is the Director. Organized in collaboration with the National Hellenic Students Association, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, and with the help of our additional event Sponsors & Affiliates.

Under the Auspices of Club For UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and The NY chapter of Modern Music.
As a 501(c)3 philanthropic educational foundation, we depend on the generosity of our annual and seasonal sponsors to help run our site, our monthly workshops and our seasonal annual events. Many
thanks to all those who believe in our initiatives and contribute funds, supplies and assistance in a philanthropic show of support. Evxaristoume. www.philo4thought.org/

The Hellenic-American Center of the Arts

Panagiotis Karousos and Billy Chrissochos