HISTORICAL ARCHIVE: THE "VERDI OF GREECE" IN CHICAGO AND THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE OPERA "ALEXANDER THE GREAT"

 HISTORICAL ARCHIVE: THE "VERDI OF GREECE" IN CHICAGO AND THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE OPERA "ALEXANDER THE GREAT"

CHICAGO – MAY 2008. The world premiere of the monumental opera "Alexander the Great" by the prominent Greek composer Panagiotis Karousos was crowned with absolute artistic and national triumph. Presented on May 17, 2008, in the heart of the Greek-American community, the production captured the attention of both American and Greek political leaders, as well as the media, who hailed the creator as the "Verdi of Greece."

The "Greek Verdi" and the Voice of the Diaspora

Music critics received the symphonic and lyrical work of Panagiotis Karousos with enthusiastic acclaim. His epic and romantic writing style led the press to award him the title of the "Verdi of Greece," recognizing him as a composer who elevates the grandeur of Hellenism on the global stage.

A pivotal role in promoting the performance was played by the historic radio interview the composer granted to Paula Rekoumis on the leading diaspora program The Chicago Greek Hours (WEEF 1430 AM), which paved the way for the work's warm reception by the Illinois public.

High-Level Official Representation from Greece and the USA

The premiere was a major political and cultural milestone, attracting prominent dignitaries:

• From Greece: The then Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports, Giorgos Orfanos, and Member of Parliament Marios Salmas traveled specifically for the performance.
• From the USA: The Illinois State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias, a close associate and member of the campaign staff of the then-presidential candidate and later US President, Barack Obama, attended the event.

The State officially honored the composer, with Alexi Giannoulias stating in writing: "Congratulations to Mr. Panayioti Karousos for lending his considerable musical talents to commemorating Alexander through this great work of art."

The Connection to Barack Obama and the Poem "Underground"

During the events in Chicago, two youth poems written by Barack Obama, which had been previously published in a university journal, were handed to Panagiotis Karousos. Inspired by these texts, the Greek composer achieved a global artistic innovation by setting the poem "Underground" to music. This surrealist, youthful poem by the future president uniquely bridged Greek musical creation with modern American history.

Cinematic Success in Chicago

The composer's presence in the United States was also marked by his entry into the seventh art. Filmmaker Jenna Constantine selected the music of Panagiotis Karousos to score her compelling cinematic documentary "If Aphrodite Had Arms" (2007). The film, which addresses the tragic invasion and division of Cyprus, was screened at numerous international film festivals, receiving outstanding reviews, notably for its musical soundtrack.