NEW YORK. Saturday, April 5, 2008 – A historic moment for Greek-Americans unfolded at Athens Square Park in Astoria during the unveiling ceremony of the bronze bust of Aristotle. The event, which gathered a large crowd of Greek-Americans and officials, was marked by the captivating presence of the distinguished Greek-American composer, Panagiotis Karousos.
Details about the Artwork and the Ceremony
- Sculptor: The bust was crafted by the Greek artist Georgios V. Tsaras.
- Donor: The artwork is a donation from the people of Chalkidiki and the organization Athens Square, Inc. to the City of New York.
- Location: The park is located at the intersection of 30th Avenue and 30th Street in Astoria, Queens.
- Attendees: The ceremony was attended by representatives of the New York City municipal government, the then Prefect of Chalkidiki Vasilis Vasilakis, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, as well as prominent members of the Greek-American community.
This monument was added alongside the park's other works of ancient Greek culture, such as the statues of Socrates and the Goddess Athena. With this addition, Aristotle joined the other classical statues in the square (Socrates, Athena, and later Sophocles), which were designed to honor the strong presence and cultural heritage of the Greek-American community in Astoria. The same sculptor, Georgios Tsaras, has also crafted the emblematic full-body statue of Aristotle that adorns the courtyard of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Thrills of Emotion with "Macedonia Xakousti"
Mr. Karousos, invited to provide the musical accompaniment for the ceremony, delivered a stunning performance to the audience. In the presence of Greek and American government officials, the composer performed "Macedonia Xakousti" (Famous Macedonia). The energy and passion of his performance sent waves of emotion through Athens Square, drawing warm applause from the attendees.
Mr. Karousos, invited to provide the musical accompaniment for the ceremony, delivered a stunning performance to the audience. In the presence of Greek and American government officials, the composer performed "Macedonia Xakousti" (Famous Macedonia). The energy and passion of his performance sent waves of emotion through Athens Square, drawing warm applause from the attendees.
His appearance was so impressive that it caught the attention of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who rushed to congratulate him personally on his great success.
From the Stathakeion to the Grand Parade of Manhattan
This success followed the composer's artistic recognition in New York. A few days earlier, as part of the celebrations for the national anniversary of March 25, 1821, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York presented Mr. Karousos's opera "Prometheus" at the Stathakeion Cultural Center. The work, performed in English with soloists from the New York City Opera and the Astoria Symphony Orchestra, received rave reviews from the local press.
This success followed the composer's artistic recognition in New York. A few days earlier, as part of the celebrations for the national anniversary of March 25, 1821, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York presented Mr. Karousos's opera "Prometheus" at the Stathakeion Cultural Center. The work, performed in English with soloists from the New York City Opera and the Astoria Symphony Orchestra, received rave reviews from the local press.
Immediately after his appearance at Athens Square Park, the organizers of the Grand Parade on 5th Avenue in Manhattan invited Panagiotis Karousos to participate as a special guest. The composer honored the parade of Hellenism, repeating his impressive performance of "Macedonia Xakousti" and "Saranta Palikaria", cheered on by thousands of spectators in the heart of New York.
Panagiotis Karousos at The Pierre Hotel of 5th Avenue New York
Panagiotis Karousos after his performance for Aristoteles statue - Macedonia Song, with Archbishop Demetrios of USA, in Athens Square Park
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