Eastern Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA)

Eastern Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA) www.embca.com presents

"December 27, 537 AD: Aghia Sophia – Its History, Architecture and Cultural Contributions."

Under the Auspices of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus & Islands

We honor and remember the anniversary of the inauguration of Haghia Sophia by having a panel discussion which will examine the architectural, cultural, historical and geo-political impact that Aghia Sophia has had. This is the first in a Byzantine Series of future EMBCA events.

After the introduction by EMBCA's president Mr. Ilias Katsos, the event started with live music by Mike "Risko" Savvas a gifted guitarist and Tzoura player (with Porphyra) who captivated the audience with his dexterous Helleno- Byzantine inspired tunes that fit perfectly with the evening’s theme.

Then recognized national and international architect John Fotiadis EMBCA's V.P. (the Moderator for the evening) started the program with a succinct and brilliant presentation of Aghia Sophia’s awe inspiring architecture.

He introduced and was followed by a spectacular panel of presenters which included author and journalist Alexander Billinis ( author of "The Eagle Has Two Faces: Journeys Through Byzantine Europe" and "Hidden Mosaics: An Aegean Tale") who captured Aghia Sophia’s multi-national significance Constantine "Dean" Sirigos a noted Journalist and Commentator on International Affairs who brought out highly insightful and not well known technological aspects of the Cathedral, and Billy Chrissochos a composer, historical consultant and producer of the Rock Opera "Porphyra, A Grecian Rock Opera" who brought in unique and modern Byzantine musical opera ways of looking at the Byzantine period and this international treasure.

This event was held in association with the New York Chapter of the Hellenic American Institute (AHI), AHEPA Delphi Chapter 25 of Manhattan and the Club for UNESCO of Piraeus & Islands and we thank them for their support.

Porphyra will be represented by Billy Chrissochos, Despina Chrissochos and Mike "Risko" Savvas. There was a live performance by Mr. Savvas on the tzoura and guitar presenting music from Porphyra's new album, "The Starmaker's Prophecy." www.porphyraband.com.

The Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands is a proud participant of this important event and awarded the distinguished organizers and panel. Despina Afentouli, Press Office Director for the CLUB for UNESCO for Piraeus & Islands, presented an HONORARY AWARD yesterday for Contributions to Culture relating to the event.

Our UNESCO New York Chapter has presented the following highly acclaimed productions under the direction of Billy Chrissochos; The first Greek opera at Lincoln Center, the “Olympic Flame” by Panagiotis Karousos, and Billy Chrissochos’ own “Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera. Anna and Vladimir: the love that ROCKED the world,” which debuted at Carnegie Hall and Off Broadway at the Theatre Players. Both works have been produced in collaboration with the Hellenic American Center of the Arts.

Mr. Ioannis Maronitis, President of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Member of the Board of the World Federation of Associations and Club Centres for UNESCO, responsible for Europe and North America.

Billy Chrissochos, Director of Modern Music of the New York Chapter of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands.

Panagiotis Karousos, Director of Opera and Classical Music of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands.

Greek opera star Jenny Drivala awarded the Prize "UNESCO Maria Callas 2016" of the Club for UNESCO of Piraeus & Islands

Friday, December 2, 2016. In the City Hall of Paleo Faliro, Athens, Greece, held the award ceremony «UNESCO Maria Callas 2016" of the Club for UNESCO of Piraeus & Islands to award the world famous soprano Jenny Drivala.

The great artist of the opera interpreted the aria Com'e bello from the opera "Lucrezia Borgia" by Gaetano Donizetti, the aria Bel Raggio lusinghier from the opera "Semiramide" by Gioachino Rossini and the aria, Col sorriso from the opera "The pirate "by Vincenzo Bellini, and was applauded by the audience. The soprano well accompanied on the piano by fine pianist Frixos Mortzos.

Her velvet voice gave all aspects of the Italian bel canto in which she specialized and triumphed in major opera houses around the world.

Also interpreted with bass Vasilis Asimakopulos the Amina / Rodolfo duet from the opera  ‘The Sleepwalker" by Vincenzo Bellini.

For the great soprano Jenny Drivala performed remarkable lyrical artists. The soprano Irini Konsta amazingly interpreted the aria Dich Teure Halle from the opera "Tannhäuser " by Richard Wagner, the talented tenor Theodore Birakos beautifully interpreted the aria of Mercury (Hermes) from the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos, and bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos sung with soprano Irini Konsta the dramatic duet Prometheus and Io from the opera"Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos.

The program ended triumphantly with the famous duet Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici from the opera "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi, which involved all the artists on stage led by Jenny Drivala. Artists accompanied by pianist Maria Giavroumi.

It was a high-level opera gala in honor of Maria Callas, who was born as today, by the Club for UNESCO of Piraeus & Islands, along with the award «UNESCO Maria Callas 2016" to great protagonist of the National Opera of Greece soprano Jenny Drivala.

The presentation did Panagiotis Karousos, composer and director of the Opera and Classical Music Department for the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands.

For Jenny Drivala spoke soprano Dimitra Kamitsi, the reporter Elda Georgakopoulou and Fotini Androulaki of Volta magazine.

The awarding of the Prize Maria Callas 2016 to Jenny Drivala and to honorary accolades artists did the Group's delegation of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands, Dr. Anastasios Koutsoukos, Education Director, the Dean Roula Kavakioti and Paul Nisloglou, Honorary President of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands who conveyed the message of the Chairman for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Member of the Executive Council of the Clubs World Federation of Associations and UNESCO Centres (WFUCA) for Europe and North America Mr. Ioannis Maronitis.

Dr. Anastasios Koutsoukos thanked the City of Palaio Faliro for cooperation and allocation of the Town Hall room, Dionysis Hatzidakis, Mayor of Palaio Faliro, Konstantinos Nikolaidis, Deputy Mayor of the Cultural Organization of Palaio Faliro, Michael Triantafyllou, Coordinator of the Multiplex Hall Paleo Faliro, and Rena Venardos, Secretary of Culture and Sport Centre of Paleo Faliro Municipality.

The event was coordinated by Hellenic American Center of the Arts and UNESCO.

"December 27, 537 AD: Aghia Sophia – Its History, Architecture and Cultural Contributions" Under the Auspices of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus & Islands

 

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

"Solomon, I have surpassed thee!"

- Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus Augustus (AKA Justinian I), upon first entering and seeing his completed patriarchal cathedral.

Greetings: Mr. Ioannis Maronitis, President of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Member of the Board of the World Federation of Associations and Club Centres for UNESCO, responsible for Europe and North America.

Billy Chrissochos, Director of Modern Music of the New York Chapter of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands.

Panagiotis Karousos, Director of Opera and Classical Music of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands.

Dear Friends and Colleagues –

We are very excited to invite you to our upcoming event on Aghia Sophia on Tuesday, December 13th at 6pm at the 3 West Club.

This December marks the One Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Ninth (1,479th) anniversary of its inauguration by the Emperor Justinian I. Born out of the fires and unrest of the Nika uprising in Constantinople, this magnificent structure was inaugurated just 5 years and 10 months after construction commenced. The 20th Century historian and Philhellene Robert Byron, maintained that the greatness of Byzantium lay in what he described as "the Triple Fusion": that of a Roman body, a Greek mind, and a mystical oriental soul. The same can be said for Aghia Sophia, for it was soon after its inauguration, that this building was perceived far and wide as a unique and crowning achievement of The Eastern Roman Empire.

Aghia Sophia over its long history, has been an Orthodox Patriarchal Cathedral, Catholic Church, Mosque and Museum. More than any other building which has survived from late antiquity, it symbolizes the crossing and meeting of religions, cultures, empires, civilizations and regional hegemons. 1,500 years after its dedication, it has transcended its original function as cathedral, and transformed into both a celebrated and contested symbol emblematic of the history of the Eastern Mediterranean.

We thought it fitting to honor and remember the anniversary of this inauguration by having a panel discussion which will examine the architectural, cultural, historical and geo-political impact that Aghia Sophia has had.

Our evening will commence with an introduction by EMBCA President and Founder, Lou Katsos. John Fotiadis, Vice President of EMBCA, and an Architect with a keen interest in history, will then moderate and participate in a panel consisting of author Alexander Billinis, journalist and commentator Constantine “Dean” Sirigos, and composer Billy Chrissochos. The panelists will give brief presentations and then participate in an open discussion.

This event is being held in association with the New York Chapter of the Hellenic American Institute (AHI) and AHEPA Delphi Chapter 25 of Manhattan. 

We hope you will join us for what promises to be a very stimulating evening!

Best regards - EMBCA
Lou Katsos, John Fotiadis, Ahmed Hassaballa, Nick Machairas

Porphyra will be represented by Billy Chrissochos, Despina Chrissochos and Mike "Risko" Savvas. There will be a live performance by Mr. Savvas on the tzoura presenting music from Porphyra's new album. Also, as a special treat the audience will hear an exclusive track from the band's new album "The Starmaker's Prophecy," called St. Basil's Hymn (a rocked out version of the Kalanta). 

The Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands is a proud participant of this important event and will award the distinguish organizers and panel.

Our UNESCO New York Chapter has presented the following highly acclaimed productions under the direction of Billy Chrissochos; The first Greek opera at Lincoln Center, the “Olympic Flame” by Panagiotis Karousos, and Billy Chrissochos’ own “Porphyra, a Grecian Rock Opera. Anna and Vladimir: the love that ROCKED the world,” which debuted at Carnegie Hall and Off Broadway at the Theatre Players. Both works have been produced in collaboration with the Hellenic American Center of the Arts.

Mr. Ioannis Maronitis, President of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Member of the Board of the World Federation of Associations and Club Centres for UNESCO, responsible for Europe and North America.

"Chord of the Angels with guitars ..." CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2016

THE CULTURAL AND SPORTS ORGANIZATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY GALATSIOU AND THE CLUB FOR UNESCO OF PIRAEUS AND ISLANDS PRESENT

"Chord of the Angels with guitars ..."

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2016

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2016, 21:00

Cultural Center "Kamini" of the Galatsi Municipality

Rethymnou 36 and Ch. Kapsalis 14, Streets, Galatsi, Athens, Greece

 

Band Assoi of Salvador

Angelos Georgakis - Bass, Voice

Pericles Bitsopoulos - Guitar, Voice

Ada Seraidari - voice

Costas Staikos - Saxophones, vocals

Vangelis Korakas - Drums

Vocals: Irene Konsta, soprano

Presentation: Panagiotis Karousos, composer

Free entrance

Greeting: Ioannis Maronitis, president of the Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and Member of the World Federation of Clubs, Associations and Centres UNESCO (WFUCA) for Europe and North America.

Mayor of Galatsi Mr. George Markopoulos

Manos Eleftheriou, Vice Mayor of Galatsi

Yota Avgerinopoulou, Special Advisor of the Mayor of Galatsi

 

Program:

Kind of Swing! Full House Rumba! The frantic Assoi tou Salvador not stop anywhere! Catch rebetiko, the jazz, modern achievements and Spanish songs ... and change the lights !! Unique energy quintet in unrestrained rhythmic shuffling Swing, Rumba, Reggae, Ska, Funk, Mambo ... The Rebetiko meets Alcohol Prohibition! Zambetas meets Bob Marley! Attic in Rio De Janeiro !! And original material! And known hits! The most Jaz the most Asexual, the most cheerful band of the city, plays everything and all styles: Assoi tou Salvador!!

A musical program brightened with Christmas songs and melodies that we all loved and sing. Participates the glamorous soprano Irini Konsta with the "Hymn to Christ" and "Religious Freedom" from the Oratorio "The Light of Christianity" of the international renowned Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos.

 Links:

LIKE! (fb page): Assoi tou Salvador  

SUBSCRIBE! (youtube): Salvador Loui

SEARCH (youtube): Assoi tou Salvador

SITE: www.louisalvador.com

Assoi tou Salvador: 

Salvador Lou – Guitar, Voice

Angelos Georgakis - Bass, Voice

Pericles Bitsopoulos - Guitar, Voice

Ada Seraidari - voice

Costas Staikos - Saxophones, vocals

Vangelis Korakas - Drums 

 Videos:

http://youtu.be/Paa9RIs9t2E (Το αρζάν, official vide clip)

https://youtu.be/Sjc_4vjlKNs (Αν θυμηθείς τ'όνειρο μου, studio)

https://youtu.be/XooX6nDQ_Qk (Σκάνδαλο, Μένουμε Ελλάδα)

http://youtu.be/uk1oeaQUe4c (Η γκαρσόνα, στο Ράδιο Αρβύλα)

http://youtu.be/S4BLbFyf6lc (Μόλις μπουκάρω, στο Half Note)

http://youtu.be/luTRFDdUtAE (Η Πιτσιρίκα, Μεσ στην καλή χαρά)

The Club for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands

Hellenic American Center of the Arts

«THE UNESCO MARIA CALLAS AWARD 2016»

CLUB FOR UNESCO OF PIRAEUS AND ISLANDS

WILL AWARD RENOWNED SOPRANO JENNY DRIVALA

«THE UNESCO MARIA CALLAS AWARD 2016»

Friday, December 2^nd 2016, 4p.m.

City Hall of Palaio Faliro

51, Terpsichoris & Artemidos Streets

Free Entrance

Starring:

Jenny Drivala, soprano - Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass

Irene Konsta, soprano - Vanessa Kalkanis, soprano

Theodore Birakos, tenor - Maria Giavroumi, piano

Program:

Arias and duets from the operas:

"La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi, " La sonnambula" by Vincenzo Bellini,

"Prometheus Bound" and "Olympic Flame" by Panagiotis Karousos, etc. 

Greetings: Ioannis Maronitis – President of Club for Unesco of the Departments of Piraeus and Islands, and Vice President of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations (WFUCA) for Europe and North America.

Mr. Dionysis Chatzidakis, Mayor of Palaio Faliro Municipality

Konstantinos Nikolaidis, Vice Mayor for Culture for Paleo Faliro Municipality

Michael Triantafyllou, Coordinator of Multiplex Hall of Paleo Faliro City Hall

Irini Venardou, Secretary of the Center of Culture and Sport of Palaio Faliro

Presentation: Panagiotis Karousos, Director for opera and classical music for the Club for Unesco of the Departments of Piraeus and Islands. 

The Club for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands has the honor to present an Opera Gala in order to mark the anniversary of Maria Callas (2 December 1923).

The Club for UNESCO of Piraeus & Islands commemorates the great soprano Maria Callas, awarded the internationally renowned soprano Jenny Drivala, and presenting works of opera composer Panagiotis Karousos, in a program brightened with arias that Maria Callas sung in the largest opera houses of the world, performed by great young lyric artists, Vasilis Asimakopoulos, bass, Irene Konsta, soprano, Vanessa Kalkanis, soprano, Theodore Birakos, tenor, accompanied by pianist Maria Giavroumi.

Maria Callas, (Greek: Μαρία Κάλλας; December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977), was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century.

Critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic gifts. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina.

Jenny Drivala was born in Kalamata-Greece. She completed her musical studies (piano-voice) at the University for the Arts of Bremen-Germany. Winner of the 1st Prize of the "V.Bellini" International Singing Competition in Italy and of the Special Prize "M.Callas" of the same Competition, she debuted as Lucia in the National Opera of Greece in Athens and at the Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari-Italy and as Amina in "La Sonnambula" at the Capitole in Toulouse-France.1n this same role, few years later, she debuted at the La Scala Opera House in Milan-Italy,under the baton of G.-A.Gavazzeni.

Shortly after Lucia, followed the debut as Violetta in "La Traviata" again in Athens. A role that has brought her in several major Opera Houses around the world.

Apart of her permanent collaboration with the National Opera of Greece, she has appeared as a guest in the following countries:

ITALY:in Milan La Scala, Rome Teatro del Opera, Bologna Comunale, Catania Teatro Bellini, Spoleto Festival del due Mondi, Florence Magglo Fiorentino, Napoil San Carlo, Venice La Fenice, Bari Petruzzelli and others, collaborating with conductors such as, Riccardo Chailly, Nello Santi, G.A. Gavazzeni, Daniel Oren, Donato Renzetti, Michel Plasson, Alfredo Zedda and producers as P.L.Pizzi, G.C.Menotti, L.Wertmueller, P.L.Samaritani, Jean Pierre Ponnelle, Yuri Liubimov and others.

FRANCE: Paris Chatelet and Champs Elysees, Toulouse Capitole, Bordeaux, Nice, Monte Carlo, Festival of Carpentras, Montpellier

AUSTRIA: Vienna State Opera, Volksoper, Innsbruck Festival

GERMANY: Hamburg, Dusseldorf

SWITZERLAND:Zuich, Basel, Lausanne, St. Gallen

GR.BRITAIN:London ENO, Philarmonia at the Winchester Cathedral, Clerkenwell Festival

U.S. of America: New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Detroit Opera House

AUSTRALIA: The Victoria State Opera in Melbourne

SOUTH AFRICA:PACT Pretoria, CAPAB Cape Town

Jenny Drivala 

Recordings:

"Songs I Love"- London 1995 Sommrecords

"The Crucifixion"- Byzantine Opera by Y. Boufides Athens 1996

"Christmas 2000" - Athens 2000

"Antigone" - Opera by M.Theodorakis

"Brentano Lieder - Daphne "- by R.Strauss

"Aria" - Athens (2006) - Arias by Vellini, Verdi, Meyerbeer, Mozard

Videos :

"Armide" by Gluck (title role) - Austrian Television

Cinema :

"Maiina" by Werner Schroeter

"Poussieres d'amour" by Werner Schroeter
drivala.com