Greek composer's works come to China for the first time
A special concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis tours three Chinese cities from July 29 to Aug 2. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, a special concert featuring his lyrical works toured three Chinese cities from July 29 to Aug 2, marking the first time that the esteemed composer's works were performed in China.
The tour included Shanghai and Beijing and was held to honor Theodorakis' wish to have his works performed in China, a country he never got a chance to visit, before he died in 2021.
The concert featured renowned Greek singer Tania Tsanaklidou, vocalist and musician Maria Papageorgiou, and six other Greek musicians, who performed songs written by Theodorakis. To help audiences better understand his music, song lyrics were translated into Chinese and projected onto screens.
The two women performed the illustrious composer's songs, with arrangements by Papageorgiou, following her creative partnership with Theodorakis on the album Correspondence. A portion of the performance honored Nobel Prize-winning Greek poets George Seferis and Odysseus Elytis, who inspired Theodorakis.
A special concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis tours three Chinese cities from July 29 to Aug 2. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
After the performance at the National Museum of China in Beijing, singer Tsanaklidou said, "Listening to Mikis Theodorakis' works can unite us. We can regain the feeling that we are a group of people, rather than individuals going through life alone. Mikis' songs are written for people to sing with their friends, comrades and fellow citizens."
The concert also made a stop in Nanchang, Jiangxi province.
Born in 1925, Theodorakis was a renowned Greek composer and political activist celebrated for his significant contributions to music and his role in Greece's cultural and political history. Known for his film scores, including the iconic music for Zorba the Greek, Theodorakis' compositions often blend traditional Greek music with classical and contemporary styles, creating a unique and powerful sound.