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.

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.

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

Opera of Panagiotis Karousos "Prometheus Bound" starring Vasilis Asimakopoulos

Opera of Panagiotis Karousos "Prometheus Bound" at Ithaca's cultural center 16/06/2013

Sunday, June 16 at the Ithaca Municipal Theatre staged with great success the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Greek-Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos.
Over 60 years had to present opera on the Ithaca island.

The masterpiece of Greek opera "Prometheus Bound" by the great Cephalonian composer Panagiotis Karousos interpreted by tow of the greatest lyric artist Vasilis Asimakopoulos and Irene Konsta.
The UNESCO Club of Kefalonia and Ithaca in cooperation with the Cultural Organization of the Municipality of Ithaca "FIMIOS" presented for the first time ever after the 1953 earthquake an opera in Ithaca.

The "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos was presented in Montreal, Canada in Washington D.C. and in New York of United States of America and considered as a masterpiece of modern Greek opera. It was a memorable performance based on the tragedy Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus translated by John Gryparis.

The coefficients of the opera in Ithaca were some of the best voices of Greece and the Greek National Opera.
The great and tragic role of Prometheus performed by celebrated bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos who triumphed and literally conquered Ithaca with his great talent.

The soprano Helen Bouki-Agiomyrgianaki in the role of Io gave all her emotion.

The roles of the Goddess Athena and Violence performed by soprano Irene Konsta who charmed the audience with her presence and her beautiful voice.
The work was recently presented at the Third Programme of ERT (Greek Radio and Television Studio C) and proclaimed a divine music composition. An hymn to Aeschylus and to Ancient Greek Tragedy.

At the roles of Oceanus and Hermes tenor Christos Delizonas impressed with a strong voice and musicality.
At the piano Vivi Klisoura accompanied amazingly the soloists.
The direction of the protagonist Vasilis Asimakopoulos was successful bringing out the complex lyrical work of Aeschylus and the emotional music of Panagiotis Karousos.
ithacorama.com
source: http://ithacorama.com/en/journal/eventsithacagreece/item/236

Amazing Prometheus was the Greek bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos.

Vasilis Asimakopoulos as Prometheus

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 presented at the Municipal Theatre of Chalkis "Papadimitriou", the opera Prometheus Bound by Panagiotis Karousos.
The work based on the tragedy of Aeschylus translated by John Grypari as evidenced by the music of Panagiotis Karoussou shows a great innovation lifting Greek culture over a period of deep economic and political crisis.

It is a symbol of resistance in an impaired power.
The music of Karousos heavy soaked easy melodies on the ear of the listener and is enjoyable.

Vasilis Asimakopoulos directed the tragedy and performed the difficult leading part.
His stage direction was complicated and symbolic with a protagonist performance over the known standard we've seen from trite performances of ancient tragedies.
The other players were at the highest level of voice and nicely interpreted their roles.

Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos bass.
Io: Helen Panagiotopoulou soprano

It was a show that we want to see again soon.
Prometheus: Vasilis Asimakopoulos bass.
Io: Helen Panagiotopoulou soprano
Ocean / Hermes Christos Delizonas, tenor
Music at the piano: Vivi Klisoura
Stathis Mavrommatis, saxophone
Direction: Vasilis Asimakopoulos
Sets - Costumes: American Hellenic Centre for the Arts

Presidential Proclamation -- Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2013

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF
GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Each year, America celebrates Greek Independence Day to strengthen the bonds between the birthplace of democracy and the world's oldest republic. We recognize the enduring contributions of Greek Americans, woven into the fabric of our national life. And we reflect on the ancient Hellenic principles that inspired our Founders to vest the powers of government in the hands of the people.
In both America and Greece, we are inheritors to great republics, entrusted to safeguard the ideals that make representative government work. Our peoples have learned that democracy flourishes when we respect our differences, hold fast to the principles that unite us, and move forward with common purpose. It is a legacy lived by generations of Greek Americans, who for centuries have helped write proud chapters in our country's history and continue to enrich the character of our Nation.
Today, we congratulate Greece, a valued NATO ally, as it commemorates the 192nd anniversary of its independence, and we pledge our continued solidarity as the country works to rebuild its economy. In the face of hardship, America stands with the people of Greece, confident they can meet the challenges of the 21st century while upholding their ancient ideals.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2013, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Greek Independence Day Parade

Panagiotis Karousos with Archbishop Demetrios

Mar 27, 2013

Protocol 38/13
March 25, 2013
Greek Independence Day Parade

To the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in the tri-state area
Beloved Omogeneia,
As brothers and sisters in Christ we anticipate with excitement and joy once again the inspiring celebration of Greek Independence Day through our participation in the annual parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.  This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, April 7, and I strongly encourage and urge all of our parishes and organizations to participate fully and enthusiastically in this very important event.
Our parade is a unique witness of both our faith and our Hellenic heritage. As we march together, we will commemorate the struggle of our forefathers and ancestors who made great sacrifices in order to establish freedom in our country after four centuries under foreign occupation. Faith in God, commitment to His will, and awareness of His great power and wisdom inspired our ancestors to stand for liberty, justice, human dignity, and life.  Certainly, these were longings of many generations who suffered under occupation and oppression; but in 1821 these blessings of freedom began to become a reality for the people of Greece.  On this day when we remember their offering, we will affirm the power of faith in God and offer an inspiring witness of this faith and of our cherished legacy and inheritance as Hellenes.
As we vigorously prepare for our parade and celebration may we also be mindful of how this event can inspire and guide our youth and children.  Through our observance of Greek Independence Day and a Parade full of power and enthusiasm, we have a blessed opportunity to teach them the significance of our Greek Orthodox heritage and the vital role our faith has had in shaping our Orthodox-Hellenic identity.  Let no one be left behind.  Let all of us be present at the Parade of April 7 and proclaim with strong voices our adherence to the eternal and universal values of Hellenism, like freedom and justice, and our faith in the rejuvenating power of Orthodoxy.
With paternal love in Christ,
†DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America