Πέμπτη 5 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

“PROMETHEUS BOUND” BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS AT THE NATIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF GREECE



WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER, 2013. The National Archeological Museum of Greece in Athens presented for a first time in its history an opera at the “Hall of the Altar”. The opera was "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos successfully presented at the Shadow of the Statues of the largest museum of Greece and one of the most important of the world.
Dr. George Kakavas, archeologist and director of the museum gave a salute to the composer and performers of the event: “Tonight we host the opera "Prometheus Bound" by composer Panagiotis Karousos, based on Aeschylus’ tragedy in the translation of John Gryparis.
The core of Prometheus Bound is a subject of an unstoppable fighting force against its legal authority, and even at the phase of its recent prevalence.
The two persons at the beginning of the work appear with obvious differences.

On one side is the abruptness of the State, performing uncritically. The other is Hephaestus, contributing for the will and power of Zeus.
Prometheus is the personification of resistance against authorities’ power, in the discretion of all acts contrary to the humankind. Zeus decides to destroy mankind and Prometheus disagrees. Catalytic, absolute, in a good conscience rebel, purveyor on the side of humanity and the weak, acting as a leader, standing, with full knowledge of the consequences, at his side, giving generously to the humans the most valuable "gift" of Gods, The Fire of Knowledge, source of life, evolution, progress .
Accept thus the punishment silent and the inevitable suffering that has consciously chosen”.
The creator of the work Panagiotis Karousos offered the performance to the Soul of the Statues of the Museum, and said: “The statues wanted to hear the music”.
All artists did masterful performances in the fine direction of Vasilis Asimakopoulos.
Audience applauded the opera and performers to this musical evening at the museum.  
Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass
Io - Athena: Irini Konsta, soprano
Ocean - Hermes: Anastasios Stellas, tenor
Violence - Amphitrite: Maria Lyberakou, soprano
Oceanide: Viki Virvili, actor
Dance Okeanides: Priestesses theatric group
Danae Kioupouroglou, flute
Dimitris Sideris, oboe
Gulnora Tulyaganova, piano
Choreography: Viki Virvili
Production and Costume Design: Hellenic American Center of the Arts
Salutation: Dr. George Kakavas, archaeologist and director of the EMA
Presentation: Dr. Alexandra Christopoulou, archaeologist

Τετάρτη 20 Νοεμβρίου 2013

PROMETHEUS BOUND BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS AT THE NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM



The NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM in Athens
in collaboration with the Hellenic American Center of the Arts  
present Panagiotis Karousos’ opera
PROMETHEUS BOUND
Wednesday, 27 November 2013 at 18:30pm

After its historical presentation in Epidaurus the opera "Prometheus Bound" of Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos comes to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens in the “Hall of the Altar” at the Shadow of the Statues of the largest museum in Greece and one of the biggest of the world.

MINISTRY OF CULTURE OF GREECE
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
PROMETHEUS BOUND 
by P. Karousos 
Music and libretto by Panagiotis Karousos
Lyric drama based on Aeschylus tragedy

Directed by Vasilis Asimakopoulos

Participants:
Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass
Io - Athena: Irini Konsta, soprano
Ocean - Hermes: Anastasios Stellas, tenor
Violence - Amphitrite: Maria Lyberakou, soprano
Oceanide: Viki Virvili, actor
Dance Okeanides: Priestesses theatric group
Danae Kioupouroglou, flute
Dimitris Sideris, oboe
Gulnora Tulyaganova, piano
Choreography: Viki Virvili
Production and Costume Design: Hellenic American Center of the Arts
Salutation: Dr. George Kakavas, archaeologist and director of the EMA
Presentation: Dr. Alexandra Christopoulou, archaeologist

National Archaeological Museum of Athens
Patission 44, Athens
For free admission passes please call: 213 2144891 
www.namuseum.gr


A few words about the work and its creator
Prometheus Bound by Panagiotis Karousos World Premiered in Montreal, Canada in 1994 and represented in French until 2000. In 2008 presented in New York and Washington in English under the direction of maestro Grant Gilman. In Greece Prometheus presented at the Municipal Theatres of Cholargos, Argostoli, Lixouri, Ithaca, and Chalcis, at the Concert Hall "Parnassos" in the Old Parliament House, at the Theatre Veakio of Piraeus, at the Municipal Theater of Athens, at the Ancient Agora of the Acropolis archaeological site, and at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus.
Prometheus is the first work of a Greek Tetralogy named “The Hellenic Tetralogy: The Dawn of Civilization”, focusing on the flame as the Ancient Greek Spirit. Prometheus’s flame also is the mystical theme in the second work “The Olympic Flame”, the third work “Alexander the Great” represents the civilizing expansion of the spirit, and finally in the “Light of Christianity” the ancient flame transformed to the purgatory flame.
The second part of the Hellenic Tetralogy, the "Olympic Flame", was presented in 2005 with huge success at the Basilica Notre-Dame de Montreal, featuring singers from the Opera of Montreal with the Symphony Orchestra Laval-Laurentides under the direction of maestro Andre Gauthier. In 2007 Panagiotis Karousos presented the Olympic Flame in New York in English with performers from the opera of New York under the direction of maestro Grant Gilman. In 2007 the choir of the Olympic Flame was selected and presented at Hague by the Symphonic Orchestra and Choir Gunst wat'n Kunst under the direction of Maestro Rafail Pilarinos. Panagiotis Karousos presented successfully all his operas in North America, especially Alexander the Great have been presented in Montreal, Chicago, New York, North Carolina and Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has also been awarded by the Federal Government of Canada for his works Liberty Symphony, Piano Concerto and the City of Montreal for the symphonic work “Montreal Suite”.
The composer Panagiotis Karousos uses in his music compositions the Pythagorean theory of harmony of the spheres. According to the Pythagorean teaching, the sounds of celestial bodies compose a secular music, because the distances and velocities of the planets and fixed stars are governed by the same numerical reasons that producing and arranging sounds.

Κυριακή 13 Οκτωβρίου 2013

“PROMETHEUS BOUND” BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS AT THE ANCIENT AGORA OF CLASSICAL ATHENS



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013. The opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos presented successfully at the Ancient Agora of Athens during the events European Heritage Days under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports.
The Ancient Agora of Classical Athens (aka Forum of Athens in older texts) is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis and bounded on the south by the hill of the Areopagus and on the west by the hill known as the Kolonus Agoraios, also called Market Hill.
After the mythical presentation of the opera "Prometheus Bound" of Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos Epidaurus showcases the opera in the space of Ancient Republic. It was an other historical moment for Greek opera, art and music.
The lyrical work based on the tragedy "Prometheus Bound" by Aeschylus in translation of Grypari continuously represented in many important sites of Greece.
In the role of Prometheus bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos gave an outstanding performance with a mysterious and touching presence that pleased the audience.
The direction that made also by Vasilis Asimakopoulos was based on ancient tragedy, enriching prose with the singing.
The roles of Io and Ocenide performed by soprano Maria Lyberakou, the roles of Ocean and Hermes performed by tenor Anastasios Stellas, and the roles of Violence and Goddess Athena performed by soprano Marimel Chrysi.
Flutist Danae Kioupouroglou and pianist Vivi Klisoura accompanied the performers.
Production and costumes were from the Hellenic American Center of the Arts.
The agora was probably laid out in the center of the city as a public space in the 6th century BC, though Laurence Baurain-Rebillard has suggested that it dates to the 7th century. Earlier, a more primitive agora may have existed elsewhere in Athens. The final site was located at the intersection of three existing roads with the Panathenaic 
Way, the main road in Athens. It was organized by Peisistratus, who removed private houses from the agora, closed wells, and made it the center of Athenian government. He also built a drainage system, fountains and a temple to the Olympian gods. In the 5th and 4th century BC there were temples constructed to Hephaestus, Zeus and Apollo. The museum is housed in the Stoa of Attalos, and its exhibits are connected with the Athenian democracy.

THE MUNICIPALITY OF PERISTERI PRESENTED THE OPERA “PROMETHEUS BOUND” BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS



FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27 2013. In the theater "ART IN STONE" on Peristeri’s Grove presented the lyric drama "Prometheus Bound" with music and libretto by Panagiotis Karousos, based on Aeschylus’ tragedy.
Vasilis Asimakopoulos starred at the leading role of Prometheus in the tragedy "Prometheus Bound" which he also successfully directed.

Opera bass Mr. Vasilis Asimakopoulos gave an alternation of prose and singing highlighted the emotional side of the tragic hero. Prometheus after Vasilis Asimakopoulos is a symbol of resistance to all sorts of tyrannical power.
Io and Nymph Oceanide was the soprano Maria Lyberakou, Ocean and Hermes was Anastasios Stellas, and soprano Marimel Chrissi interpreted the roles of Violence and Goddess Athena.
Actress Viki Virvili having to her credit several leading roles in Ancient Greek Tragedy interpreted the role of Coryphaea, among with Ocenides Chorus.
The orchestra ensemble were Danae Kioupouroglou, flute, Dimitris Sideris, oboe and English horn and Vivi Klisoura piano.
The production and costumes were from the Hellenic American Center of the Arts.
The Opera Night at the “Cultural September 2013” of the Municipality of Peristeri, proved by the cheer audience that opera still remains a popular art even nowadays. The performance was attended by President of the Festival and Vice-Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Peristeri Mary Tsiota.

WITH THE OPERA " PROMETHEUS BOUND " BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS WAS CELEBRATED THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF SALAMIS 2013



Sunday, September 22, 2013. With pomp and circumstance celebrated the anniversary of the Battle of Salamis. The Anniversary was honored by the presence of composer Panagiotis Karousos that offered his opera "Prometheus Bound".
The opera presented at the 'Municipal Open Amphitheater of Salamis Euripides' and was the first presentation of opera in the history the amphitheater.
The atmosphere was solemn and the crowd enjoyed a mixture of ancient drama with opera arias and duets.
The institution of the Festival «Salaminia» took place every year to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Salamis.
The mayor of Salamina Mr Yiannis Tsavaris welcomed the opera and thanked the artists for their significant offering to Salaminia Festival and gave a commemorative gift from Salamis to the composer Panagiotis Karousos.

Director and leading star of the opera was bass Basilis Asimakopoulos who accepted a standing ovation from the public.
Actress Vicky Virvili performed the part of the Leading Oceanide with the female chorus of the Nymphs Okeanides choreographed by her.
Io and Nymph Oceanide was the soprano Maria Lyberakou, Ocean and Hermes was tenor Anastasios Stellas, Violence and Goddess Athena was soprano Marimel Chrissi, and at the roles of Hephaestus and Zeus was honorably the composer Panagiotis Karousos, baritone. Flutist Danae Kioupouroglou, oboist Dimitris Sideris, and pianist Vivi Klisoura accompanied the performers. All artists get a cheering applause in every single aria and duet from the crowd. Costumes were from the Hellenic American Center of the Arts, and sets were from the Municipal Theatrical Group of the City of Salamis "Euripides".

Πέμπτη 26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013

PROMETHEUS BOUND AT THE "ART IN STONE"



MUNICIPALITY OF PERISTERI PRESENT
PROMETHEUS BOUND
        BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS
              based on Aeschylus tragedy
          STARRING VASILIS ASIMAKOPOULOS
“Cultural September 2013” of Municipality of Peristeri
          FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2013 AT 20:00
THEATER "ART IN STONE"
 

Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass
Io/Nymph: Maria Lyberakou, soprano
Ocean/Hermes: Anastasios Stellas, tenor
Violence/Athena: Marimel Chrisi, soprano
Hephaestus/Zeus: Panagiotis Karousos, baritone
Danae Kioupouroglou, flute
Dimitris Sideris, oboe
Vivi Klisoura: piano
Stage Director: Vasilis Asimakopoulos 
Oceanide: Viki Virvili, actor
Production & Costumes: Hellenic American Center of the Arts

Few words about the opera “Prometheus Bound”:
Prometheus Bound by Panagiotis Karousos first premiered in Montreal, Canada in 1994 and played in French until 2000.
In 1998 presented in Los Angeles at Beverly Hills City Hall with a great success.
In 2008 represented in New York and Washington in English under the direction of maestro Grant Gilman, and American soloists from the opera of New York.
The opera impressed with the high lyricism and characterized as a divine music composition work.
In Greece Prometheus Bound presented at the Municipal Theatres of Argostoli, Lixouri, Ithaca, Cholargos, Chalkis, at the Concert Hall of the Greek Writers, in Parnassos Concert Hall, in the Old Parliament House, at the Theatre Veakio, at the Municipal Theater of Athens, at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus and at the Ancient Theatre Ekklesiasterion (Odeon) in Ancient Messene.
Also in June 2013 staged at Theatre Jenny Karezi under the supervision of renowned actor Kostas Kazakos. The music of the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos considered masterful, original, with a doric simplicity and grandeur. The Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos, was awarded by the Federal Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for his contribution to the arts.

Τετάρτη 25 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013

PROMETHEUS BOUND BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS AT THE TEMPLE OF HEPHAESTUS



PROMETHEUS BOUND 
BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS
STARRING VASILIS ASIMAKOPOULOS

European Heritage Days (EIPK) “The faces of Time”
A Greek contemporary opera presented during the eventsEuropean Heritage Days (EIPK)” under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports.
After the mythical presentation of the opera "Prometheus Bound" of Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos in Epidaurus the presentation of work will be the first Greek opera to be presented in the sacred space that Democracy was created.
A lyrical work based on Aeschylus’ tragedy “Prometheus Bound”.  
Cast :
Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass
Io / Nymph: Maria Lyberakou, soprano
Ocean / Hermes: Anastasios Stellas, tenor
Violence / Goddess Athena: Marimel Chrisi, soprano
Hephaestus / Zeus: Panagiotis Karousos, baritone
Oceanide: Viki Virvili, actor
Nymphs Oceanides: Priestesses
Vivi Klisoura: piano

Costumes: American Hellenic Center of the Arts
Stage Director: Vasilis Asimakopoulos 
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29 at 13:00pm
TEMPLE OF HEPHAESTUS – AGORAIOS KOLONOS HILL
Free Admission

Few words about the opera Prometheus Bound:
Prometheus Bound by Panagiotis Karousos first premiered in Montreal, Canada in 1994 and played in French until 2000.
In 1998 presented in Los Angeles at Beverly Hills City Hall with a great success.
In 2008 represented in New York and Washington in English under the direction of maestro Grant Gilman, and American soloists from the opera of New York.
The opera impressed with the high lyricism and characterized as a divine music composition work.
In Greece Prometheus Bound presented at the Municipal Theatres of Argostoli, Lixouri, Ithaca, Cholargos, Chalkis, at the Concert Hall of the Greek Writers, in Parnassos Concert Hall, in the Old Parliament House, at the Theatre Veakio, at the Municipal Theater of Athens, at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus and at the Ancient Theatre Ekklesiasterion (Odeon) in Ancient Messene.
Also in June 2013 staged at Theatre Jenny Karezi under the supervision of renowned actor Kostas Kazakos. The music of the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos considered masterful, original, with a doric simplicity and grandeur. The Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos, was awarded by the Federal Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for his contribution to the arts.

EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS (EHD) 2013 (27-29 September 2013)
Every year in September, the 50 signatory States to the European Cultural Convention take part in the European Heritage Days – a joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, putting new cultural assets on view and opening up historical buildings normally closed to the public.
The cultural events highlight local skills and traditions, architecture and works of art, but the broader aim is to bring citizens together in harmony even though there are differences in cultures and languages.
Each year, national and regional events are organised around a special theme. These themes vary in each country from year to year. They include such topics as:
specific forms of heritage (e.g. farmhouses, musical instruments, culinary traditions, garden architecture); specific periods in history (e.g. the Medieval heritage, the Baroque heritage); society’s approaches to heritage (e.g. heritage and citizenship, heritage and youth).
The Council of Europe and the European Commission encourage the selection of trans-national themes which can be illustrated by cross-border activities that are jointly set up by the different countries.
The theme for 2013-2014 is dedicated to Time and the general title that embraced the activities is “The faces of Time”.
The celebration will last from September 27th until September 29th 2013

Κυριακή 1 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013

PROMETHEUS BOUND BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS AT SALAMINIA FESTIVAL 2013



THE CITY OF SALAMINA PRESENTS PROMETHEUS BOUND 
BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS
STARRING VASILIS ASIMAKOPOULOS
 
Salaminia Festival 2013 
For the first time in history will be presented an opera at the " Euripidean Theatre".
To celebrate the anniversary of the battle of Salamis.
Libretto by Panagiotis Karousos based on the tragedy by Aeschylus Prometheus Bound
Cast :
Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass
Io / Nymph: Maria Lyberakou, soprano
Ocean / Hermes: Anastasios Stellas, tenor
Violence / Goddess Athena: Marimel Chrisi, soprano
Hephaestus / Zeus: Panagiotis Karousos, baritone
Oceanide: Viki Virvili, actor
Nymphs Oceanides: Priestesses
Vivi Klisoura: piano

Costumes: American Hellenic Center of the Arts. Choreography and props: Viki Virvili
Stage Director:
Vasilis Asimakopoulos 
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22 at 8:30 pm
EURIPIDEAN THEATRE OF SALAMINA

Free Admission
 
Few words about the opera Prometheus Bound:
Prometheus Bound by Panagiotis Karousos first premiered in Montreal, Canada in 1994 and played in French until 2000.
In 1998 presented in Los Angeles at Beverly Hills City Hall with a great success.
In 2008 represented in New York and Washington in English under the direction of maestro Grant Gilman, and American soloists from the opera of New York.
The opera impressed with the high lyricism and characterized as a divine music composition work.
In Greece Prometheus Bound presented at the Municipal Theatres of Argostoli, Lixouri, Ithaca, Cholargos, Chalkis, at the Concert Hall of the Greek Writers, in Parnassos Concert Hall, in the Old Parliament House, at the Theatre Veakio, at the Municipal Theater of Athens, at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus and at the Ancient Theatre Ekklesiasterion (Odeon) in Ancient Messene.
Also in June 2013 staged at Theatre Jenny Karezi under the supervision of renowned actor Kostas Kazakos. The music of the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos considered masterful, original, with a doric simplicity and grandeur. The Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos, was awarded by the Federal Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for his contribution to the arts.

Τετάρτη 28 Αυγούστου 2013

TRIUMPHAL PRESENTATION OF THE OPERA “PROMETHEUS BOUND” BY PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS AT THE ANCIENT THEATER OF MESSENE



The composer Panagiotis Karousos with all artists

Saturday, August 24, 2013. After the fabulous presentation in Epidaurus Ancient Theater the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karoussos was presented at the archaeological site of Ancient Messene with a great success.
In the leading role of Prometheus starred bass Vassilis Asimakopoulos and also directed this monumental performance.
The opera "Prometheus Bound" by P. Karoussos, presented as a symbol of resistance in Ancient Messene in Ancient Ithomi where called the place.
The City of Messina in collaboration with the American Hellenic Centre for the Arts and the Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karoussos among with the Archaeological Department of Greece worked along for this stunning show.
The presentation of the project was the first Greek opera ever composer presented at the sacred site of the ancient theater of Messene called Ekklesiastirion (Odeon).
Crowded tourists’ applauses all artists and the lyrical work based on the tragedy by Aeschylus translated by John Gryparis from ancient Greek language.  
Vasilis Asimakopoulos as Prometheus
Irini Konsta and Vasilis Asimakopoulos
Vasilis Asimakopoulos as Prometheus was divine, simultaneously austere and distanced approachable, he had a very complicated approach to the role in high standards. Asimakopoulos’ voice has a rare metallic color and interpreted the arias of Prometheus with beauty and magic.
The soprano Irini Konsta as Io was stunning, moving with ethereal beauty.
As Ocean and Hermes tenor Anastasios Stellas impressed with a beautiful voice, perfect theatrical personality and comfort in high notes. Especially as Hermes got much applause interpreting one of the most beautiful arias of opera.
M. Lyberakou, V. Asimakopoulos, A. Stellas, V. Klisoura

As the nymph Oceanide the soprano Maria Lyberakou literally riveted the audience with perfect coloratura and high notes. Also in the trio, Prometheus, Ocean, Oceanide she was unattainable by side and music interpretation.
As Violence soprano Marimel Chrisi, gave her own personality to the role with a big voice. Hephaestus and Zeus was the baritone Panagiotis Karousos, who participated honorably. Artists well accompanied on the piano by Vivi Klisoura.
The direction of Mr. Asimakopoulos was impressive and faithful to the ancient Greek tragedy and spirit.
The costumes in the archaic spirit were tunics.
Among with the special gusts were Stathis Anastasopoulos Mayor of Messene, George Davillas, Vice-Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Messene, Lina Kamarinopoulou, president NPDD "Municipal Band and Dance Group of Messene," local city councilor of Messina, Mr. Athanasakopoulos president of the village Ithomi where is the archaeological sites of Ancient Messene, and Mr. Kouvelakis, president of the cultural association "Ancient Messina."

Πέμπτη 15 Αυγούστου 2013

The Hellenic American Center for the Arts with the Municipality of Messini presents the opera PROMETHEUS BOUND by PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS



PROMETHEUS BOUND
by PANAGIOTIS KAROUSOS

EKKLESIASTERION (ODEON) ANCIENT MESSENE
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST AT 19:30

Starring
bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos as Prometheus

The opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos in Ancient Messini.
After the historical presentation of the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos at Epidaurus, the Municipality of Messini in collaboration with the Hellenic American Centre for the Arts invites you to the presentation of opera in Ekklesiasterion (Odeon) Theatre of Ancient Messene.
This presentation will be the first Greek opera ever presented at the sacred site of the ancient theater.
"Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos it’s a lyrical drama based on the tragedy by Aeschylus "Prometheus Bound" translated by John Grypari. The high lyricism and post-romantic extraordinary melodic composition of Panagiotis Karousos, acclaimed the opera as a divine music.

Prometheus Bound
Music and libretto by Panagiotis Karoussos
Cast:
Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass
Io/Athena: Irini Konsta, soprano
Ocean/Mercury Anastasios Stellas, tenor
Oceanide: Maria Lyberakou, soprano
Violence: Marimel Chrisi, soprano
Hephaestus/Zeus: Panagiotis Karousos, baritone
Danae Kioupouroglou, flute
Vivi Klisoura, piano
Stage director: Vasilis Asimakopoulos
Production and Costume Design: American Hellenic Centre for the Arts
Greetings: Stathis Anastasopoulos, Mayor of Messini
George Davillas,
Vice Mayor of Culture
Presentation: Lina Kamarinopoulou, president NPDD "Municipal Band and Dance Group Messina," City Councilor of Messini
Free Admission

A few words about the work and its creator
Prometheus Bound by Panagiotis Karousos World Premiered in Montreal, Canada in 2004 and represented in French until 2000.
In 2008 presented in New York and Washington in English under the direction of maestro Grant Gilman. In Greece Prometheus presented at the Municipal Theatres of Cholargos, Argostoli, Lixouri, Ithaca, and Chalcis, at the Concert Hall "Parnassos" in the Old Parliament House, at the Theatre Veakio of Piraeus, at the Municipal Theater of Athens, and at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus.
Prometheus is the first work of a Greek Tetralogy named “THE HELLENIC TETRALOGY: THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION”, focusing on the flame as the Ancient Greek Spirit. Prometheus’s flame is the mystical theme in the second work “The Olympic Flame”, the third work “Alexander the Great” represents the civilizing expansion of the spirit, and finally in the “Light of Christianity” the ancient flame transformed to the purgatory flame.
The second part of the Hellenic Tetralogy, the "Olympic Flame", was presented in 2005 with huge success at the Basilica Notre-Dame de Montreal, featuring singers from the Opera of Montreal with the Symphony Orchestra Laval-Laurentides under the direction of maestro Andre Gauthier. In 2007 Panagiotis Karousos presented the Olympic Flame in New York in English with performers from the opera of New York under the direction of maestro Grant Gilman. In 2007 the choir of the Olympic Flame was selected and presented at Hague by the Symphonic Orchestra and Choir Gunst wat'n Kunst under the direction of Maestro Rafail Pilarinos. Panagiotis Karousos presented successfully all his operas in North America, especially Alexander the Great have been presented in Montreal, Chicago, New York, North Carolina and Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has also been awarded by the Federal Government of Canada for his works Liberty Symphony, Piano Concerto and the City of Montreal for the symphonic work “Montreal Suite”.
The composer Panagiotis Karousos uses in his music compositions the Pythagorean theory of harmony of the spheres. According to the Pythagorean teaching, the sounds of celestial bodies compose a secular music, because the distances and velocities of the planets and fixed stars are governed by the same numerical reasons that producing and arranging sounds.


Τετάρτη 31 Ιουλίου 2013

The opera “Prometheus Bound’ by Panagiotis Karousos was the first historical presentation of an opera at the Small Theater of Ancient Epidaurus



Panagiotis Karousos at the Epidaurus

July 30, 2013. At the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus was presented with great success the masterpiece of the Modern Greek opera "Prometheus Bound" of Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos. The composer Panagiotis Karousos is the only Greek opera composer who managed to present his opera in site of Ancient Epidaurus.
The project was important in many ways.
It was the first composer that set up in the classic forms of arias and duets the tragedy of Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound.
The libretto is by the composer with some innovations on the poetic translation of Gryparis. Featured Goddess Athena and Zeus at the scene, and gives voice to Via character. The music is strongly melodic and perfectly expresses the great lyricism of Aeschylus.
Irini Konsta, Vasilis Asimakopoulos, Panagiotis Karousos
In the leading role of Prometheus Bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos gave to the role of Prometheus the correct Aeschylians tragedian, performed amazingly the difficult score of the composer.
Asimakopoulos’ voice was rich and dramatic and interpreted the melodious arias giving his soul to the literally one of the toughest roles in the tragic repertoire. Along with him the soprano Irene Konsta performed the duet Prometheus - Io with passion. Also Ms. Konsta interpreted the roles of Violence and Goddess Athena given the correct status at diametrically opposite roles.

Tenor Dinos Kalivas interpreted the roles of Oceanus and Hermes with melodious voice. The Roles of Hephaestus and Zeus were performed by the composer - baritone Panagiotis Karousos unplugging all the rage and cruelty of Zeus. The flutist Danae Kioupouroglou and pianist Vivi Kleisoura accompanied well the lyric artists.

Vasilis Asimakopoulos, Irini Konsta
The direction of Vasilis Asimakopoulos perfectly expresses the text of Aeschylus, based on the classical foundations of the ancient drama. The costumes were on the classic cloaks of ancient tragedy on the wishes of the composer. The tourists attending the performance applauded warmly the performers and excited by the exquisite acoustic of the natural sound of the voices that was the result of this important project.
At the end the composer Panagiotis Karousos thanked the attendees, presented the artists and wished to represent at this sacred place more opera performances.
It was a magical night the presentation of the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, organized by the Hellenic American Center for the Arts.

Σάββατο 27 Ιουλίου 2013

Presented at the Government House in Aegina excerpts from the works of Panagiotis Karousos "Olympic Flame" and "Prometheus Bound"



Panagiotis Karousos as King Eurystheus of Mikenes

Thursday, July 25, 2013. The 3rd Theatre Festival 2013 of Aegina Municipality held at the Aegina island, presented excerpts from the operas "Olympic Flame" and "Prometheus Bound" of Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos.
It was the first time that the Municipality of Aegina hosted works by the distinguished Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos. This collaboration with the composer enhances the island of Aegina and will continue with integrated performances of operas by Panagiotis Karousos.
The music was impressive and all artists flawless interpreted wonderfully the fine arias and duets. The glamorous costumes were in the ancient Greek spirit.
It was a wonderful evening for Aegina.
The presentation and organization done by K. E. D. A. BENEFICIARY MUNICIPALITY AEGINAS.
The Government House is located near the Cathedral, in the center of the city.
It's a very important building for modern greek history. In this building was the first government of Greece.
It was Ioannis Kapodistria's house. It's a two-storey, stony building with a wooden roof. On the first floor, the first room was the office, opposite the secretary's office and on the right was the record office room.
Today, on this floor, is the historic record office room of Aegina.
Next to the Government House, is another stony building which today is the Municipal Library of Aegina.
The Olympic Flame Panagiotis Karousos in Aegina
Opera based on Sophocles' tragedy "Trachiniae»
Performed by leading soprano Irene Konsta as Deianeira
Alcmene - Iole Katerina Economopoulou, mezzo-soprano
Hercules - Yllos: Dinos Kalivas, tenor
Macaria: Helen Bouki-Agiomyrgianaki, soprano
Eurystheus: Panagiotis Karoussos, baritone
Vivi Klisoura, piano
Director: Panagiotis Karousos
Assistant Director: Catherine Economopoulou
Costumes: Greek-American Center of Arts