The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands today recognized the Greater FlushingChamber of Commerce for their cross-cultural presentation of Porphyra’s Rock Opera: “Anna and Vladimir, the Love that Rocked the World.” The award was presented at the announcement of Porphyra’s Queens debut performance on Friday, June 2, 7pm, and Saturday, June 3, 4pm and 8pm, at historic Flushing Town Hall, located at 137-35 Northern Boulevard in Flushing NY 11354. Tickets are available online at porphyra.eventbrite.com.
“The Chamber is pleased to present this wonderful cross-cultural performance of Anna & Vladimir. We hope this collaboration with Porphyra will strengthen our relationship between the Greek community and the many New Yorkers from around the world who now live and work in Flushing,” stated Taehoon Kim, the President of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “We invite you to join us in this unique celebration of New York’s most diverse and dynamic community!”
The Chamber was joined by Councilman Peter Koo and members of Porphyra for a preview of “Anna & Vladimir,” which features Greek folk music, belly dancing, theatre, and a full rock orchestra performance based on the real-life romance between the 10th Century Byzantine Princess Anna Porphyrogenita and Grand Prince Vladimir of Kiev.
“Only in Flushing can you find Greek folk music, belly dancing and a full rock orchestra performing in sync,” stated Councilman Peter Koo. “The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce put together a unique and colorful production of this classic tale, and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to bear witness right here in Queens.”
Porphyra’s “Anna and Vladimir” electrified Carnegie Hall in 2015 with the first Greek-inspired rock opera – chronicling the real-life romance Byzantine Princess Anna Porphyrogenita and Grand Prince Vladimir of the Kievan Rus. Set in the year 988AD, the Heroic Age of Basil II, Emperor of Byzantium, our performance brings to life this incredible story of love, war and peace through a combination of hard rock and Greek folk music, belly dancing, theatre, and a full rock orchestra.
Mr. Ioannis Maronitis, President of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Member of the Board of the World Federation of Associations and Club Centers for UNESCO, stated “My small country, Greece, which is going through troubled times now, has a very strong weapon; its culture, history and the arts. Byzantine History is a most attractive history and the way Porphyra has worked to create this very important show, has breathed new life to the pivotal story of Anna and Vladimir."
Mr. Ioannis Maronitis, President of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Member of the Board of the World Federation of Associations and Club Centers for UNESCO, stated “My small country, Greece, which is going through troubled times now, has a very strong weapon; its culture, history and the arts. Byzantine History is a most attractive history and the way Porphyra has worked to create this very important show, has breathed new life to the pivotal story of Anna and Vladimir."
Recognized by UNESCO, “Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera,” made its triumphant Off Broadway debut at the famed West Village Players Theatre in 2016. Porphyra’s album “Faith, Struggle, Victory” also won the 2016 Best Rock Album in the Akademia Music Awards.
From Billy Chrissochos, Director of Modern Music of the club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Creator and Producer of Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera, stated: "I set out with Porphyra to create the first ever Greek inspired Rock Opera based on themes from Greek and Russian History. The love story of Anna Porphyrogenita and Vladimir the Great is a universal one and I am thrilled that we can now share it with the greater Asian Community. The Silk Road is a binding thread in all of our shared histories."
Event sponsors include: Nippon Cha Café, MIMA Homecare, VIP Healthcare, Boss Li Auto, Ilias Katsos, Aldo's Regular Democratic Club, Mediterranean Foods, Astoria Soundworks. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Those interested in sponsoring can contact Peishan Lo at peishanlo@me.com.
“This year, for the first time ever, our Chamber is bringing this performance and Greek Community to historic Flushing Town Hall,” stated Alice Lee, Board Member of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “This is the perfect show to bring the entire family to and introduce them the history of West Asia – the other side of the Silk Road – through a spectacular music and dance performance.”
Elaine Tuttle, Lead Vocalist (who plays Princess Anna Porphyrogenita), stated: “I'm thrilled to reprise the role of Anna, which I performed in our debut of the rock opera at Carnegie Hall in 2015. This year's production includes more new songs, all of which are on Porphyra's upcoming album, “The Starmaker’s Prophecy.” Aside from Billy, Mike, me, and our fabulous dancers, we have a new cast and musicians as well. I'm very excited the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce has sponsored our new show!”
Christina Stavrou, Lead Vocalist (who plays Princess Olga), stated “I am thrilled to be a part of this production taking on the role of Princess Olga alongside an amazingly talented cast of individuals. Billy has created such a wonderful story and I'm anxious to see it all unfold on stage!"
Lead Vocalist Tommy Von Voigt (who plays Prince Vladimir) stated: “Getting cast in Porphyra as Prince Vladimir is a rare treat. It isn't often you get to discover a really exciting chapter of European history while rocking out with a tight metal band!"
Porphyra is currently accepting amateur musicians from the community who are interested in performing. Those interested should contact Mike Savvas at mike.risko.savvas@gmail.com.
Sponsored by the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce at Flushing Town Hall.
Friday June 2nd at 7pm
Saturday June 3rd at 4pm and 8pm.
Hellenic American Center of the Arts
Hellenic American Center of the Arts
