By Helen Panarites
Special to The National Herald
A concert version of the Opera Prometheus by Greek-Canadian composer Panayoti Karousos sung in English recently took place at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, Maryland, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Hellenic Society Prometheus.
The protection and mission of the Prometheans Society is a social and cultural organization that plays a significant role with considerable visibility and community-wide events promoting Hellenic ideals.
Lectures, poetry readings and Greek films feature discussions by invited speakers. Panelists have discussed the Greece and the European Common Market, Hellenic Letters Day Celebration, spokesperson Apostolos Karpozilos, Professor of Medieval Greek Philology, University of Ioannina, Fellow at Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies, discussed how Byzantium maintained the traditions and expertise of classical civilization.
Welcoming remarks were made by Prometheus President Lefteris Karmiris, Board member Dr. Demetrios Meletiou introduction to the opera.
The neo-classical Prometheus opera is the first part of composer Karousos’ Trilogy and is based on Aeschylus' Tragedy Prometheus Bound and the ancient myth of man’s punishment by God for defying Him. Prometheus challenged Zeus' omnipotence and stole fire to give to mortals. For this act and for claiming to have taught the arts of civilization, the enraged Zeus bound Prometheus to the historic rock to suffer eternally.
Grant Gilman conducted the District of Columbia Symphony. Together with composer Panayoti Karousos they brought together a talented group of artists and musicians assembled for the performance. It was an evening for the Hellenic Society Prometheus to meet the Opera Prometheus as performed on stage. A reception followed.
All Greek Orthodox communities in the area are represented in the Hellenic Society Prometheus. The Society’s board has the support and is in close contact with the diplomatic and consular authorities representing Greece and Cyprus. Events are open to the general public and are also attended by politicians and other dignitaries from Federal and State government. Proceeds benefit worthy causes in the Greek Community.
FROM LEFT: Elspeth Davis (Via), Mary Mackenzie (Io), Panayoti Karousos composer, Grant Gilman conductor, Robert Maril (Prometheus) and Nathan Baer (Zeus) after their performance.
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