Photos by Marilyn Hirsch-Wyler
Porphyra,
A Grecian Rock Opera, Anna and Vladimir:The love that ROCKED the world,
thrilled audiences with a historical and cultural journey into Greece's past at
Flushing Town Hall "Where the Silk Road ends, a romance begins.” The Rock
Opera was hosted by the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and audiences got
to experience for the first time in one of Queens’ most revered landmark
theaters three shows; one on Friday June 2nd and two on Saturday
June 3rd.
First
came Anthony and Cleopatra then, there was the drama-drenched Byzantine duo
Anna and Vladimir. "Porphyra" is the rock opera that captures all the
history, grandeur and power struggles behind their love story. Set in the year
988AD, the production chronicles the world-rocking marriage of Princess Anna
Porphyrogenita of Greece to Grand Prince Vladimir the Great of the medieval
Kievan Rus. Their tale of love, war and peace is brought to life through hard
rock, melodic metal, and Greek folk music, all churned out by a rock orchestra.
Based on the epic albums "Faith, Struggle, Victory" and "The
Starmaker's Prophecy" (due to come out this summer), the performance
weaves together theater, dance and visuals.
The
Director, Production/Stage Manager, Costume stylist, Prop Master and Narrator
was Despina Chrissochos (married to Billy Chrissochos), who masterfully helmed
the production while seven months pregnant with the couple’s second baby.
The
protagonists were four of NYC’s most versatile and powerful Hard Rock/Heavy
Metal vocalists; the charismatic and powerhouse vocalist Elaine Tuttle who
portrayed the role of Princess Anna Porphyrogenita, the delightful Tommy Von
Voigt who slayed as Prince Vladimir, the majestic vocal stylings of Ron
Iglesias as Emperor Basil II, and the heavenly vocals of Christina Stavrou as
Princess Olga. “Rock of Ages” has nothing on this group. And to boot it’s all
original music!
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| Photo by Shirley Huang |
The
band was composed of Billy Chrissochos on guitar, Mike “Risko” Savvas on guitar
and tzoura (the smaller cousin of the bouzouki instrument), who enthralled the
audiences with his unique instrument,
Jose A. Navia on bass, Richard Khuzami on percussion and what is a tour
de force on drums, Mr. Tracey “Tre Boogie” Beavers, holding the entire ship
together. The production was graced with three beautiful dancers from the Dena
Stevens Shazadi Dance Project; Choreographer and Principal Dancer Dena Stevens,
Principal Dancer and show’s Associate Producer Peishan Lo, and Principal Dancer
Alicia Kubeck. The dancers marveled the audiences with sword balancing acts,
beautiful costumes and all the right moves.
Recognized
by UNESCO, “Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera,” made its smash debut at Carnegie
Hall’s Zankel Hall in May 2015 and triumphant Off Broadway debut at the famed
West Village Players Theatre in may 2016. Porphyra’s album, “Faith, Struggle,
Victory” also won the 2016 Best Rock Album in the Academia Music Awards.
Porphyra’s Rock Opera debut at Flushing Town Hall was critically hailed as
“PICK OF THE WEEK” from “It’s in Queens” popular online blog, the Queens
Tribune and Queens Gazette.
You
can learn more about Porphyra, A Grecian Rock Opera at www.Porphyrarockopera.com
and
on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PorphyraBand/,
check out our merchandise and purchase your copy of "Faith, Struggle,
Victory" and "The Starmaker's Prophecy” albums. Here is our new promo
video https://www.facebook.com/greekrussianclub/videos/299670137112177/
Porphyra
Foundation Inc, is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 and every donation and purchase
of merchandise will go towards helping this production on its way to Broadway.
Here is what the press,
local and civic leaders had to say about the show!
“The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce 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. We invite you to join us in this unique celebration of New York’s
most diverse and dynamic community!”
Taehoon Kim, President of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce.
“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. On behalf of UNESCO club of the department
of Piraeus and Islands I congratulate the work of our Director of Modern Music
in NY, Mr. Billy Chrissochos, on his mission to educate and build
Cross–Cultural bridges between the Asian and Greek communities and the greater
American public.”
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.
“Porphyra, A Grecian Rock Opera is a wonderful blend of
Greek history and modern rock music. A new experience everyone should see.”
Queens Community Board 1
District Manager Florence Koulouris.
“Only
in Flushing can you find Greek folk music, belly dancing and a full rock
orchestra performing in sync. 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.”
Peter Koo NYC Council
Member 20th District, Queens.
The
Spin on the relationship of Anna Porphyrogenitos and Prince Vladimir was well
presented by the talented music and actors performing on stage. I enjoyed all aspects of the performance
from music to costumes and movement of the theme through the various acts of
the opera; an effective way to bring alive historical themes from the past.
Perhaps youth could come to appreciate history through such performances.”
Reverend Father Paul
Palesty, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
"This was a thrilling historical journey that has never
been explored in such a unique way.”
Igor Kochan, President
Russian Youth of the USA.
“A live band playing their original rock music accompanied
by spectacular belly dancers. It is really worth it!”
World Journal. Most influential Chinese-language newspaper in North America.
"Porphyra is one of the most important cultural
endeavors undertaken by members of the Greek American community. As a history
presentation, it brings to life our Byzantine heritage, especially for our
children. The musical compositions and performances are helping put Hellenes on
New York's artistic map and the participants are an inspiration for our
children."
Constantine Sirigos,
journalist.
“Billy Chrissochos has taken some obscure Byzantine history
and transformed it into a vibrantly romantic musical experience that expands
the parameters of the rock genre in most interesting ways. The performance I
saw was flawlessly presented by talented musicians, attractive principals with
strong voices, and dancers with all the right moves. Ranging from rock and
heavy metal to tender ballads, the score beautifully captures both the
political intrigue as well as the romantic nuances of the love story PORPHYRA
has to tell. The audacity of the concept works beautifully, giving new life to
a very old love story.”
Jimmy DeMetro Director,
NYC Greek Film Festival.
“Porphyra's, A Grecian Rock Opera - Anna and Vladimir: The
love that Rocked the World” was nothing short of fantastic. Everyone in the
production was spectacular from the musicians to the singers. It was a
phenomenal Rock concert with a Hellenic Byzantine Opera twist, and a must see.
Congratulations to all!”
Lou Katsos, President,
EMBCA (East Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance).
"Most of us can remember special moments in our lives,
I can say I have experienced one of those when I attended the performance of
Porphyra's: A Grecian Rock Opera, Anna & Vladimir: The Love That Rocked The
World, on Friday June 2nd at the Flushing Town Hall. I'm happy and proud to
have been there that night. It's not everyday, or even common for a
Greek-American to be able to enjoy a magnificent and unique piece of
entertainment, and also be proud of your heritage at the same time, Bravo
Porphyra! You did it for me. I wish you continued success, and I hope to catch
your next great experience.”
Peter Giakoumis,
historian, author and Press Secretary for Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands NYC Modern Music
Chapter.
“What is there to say about the new Greek Rock Opera “Anna
and Vladimir: The Love That ROCKED the World,” of Billy Chrissochos? It is
exciting music that has fine musicians and majestic singers and a grandiose and
highly successful cast and crew. I cheer and applaud the production and
director Despina Chrissochos and Associate Producer Peishan Lo in all their
hard work in achieving this!”
Panayiotis Karousos,
world renowned opera and classical music composer.
President
of The Hellenic American Center of the Arts.
