THE EPIC OPERA “ALEXANDER THE GREAT” OF PANAYOTI KAROUSOS

SUNDAY, JUNE 28th 2009

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York Presents:

THE EPIC OPERA “ALEXANDER THE GREAT” OF PANAYOTI KAROUSOS

The long anticipated epic of Greek-Canadian neo-classical composer Panayoti Karousos is finally coming to New York. The story of the legendary Greek hero, Alexander the Great, his famous parents, King Phillip II of Macedonia and Queen Olympias of Epirus will finally come to life through the musical power of opera. Performed by the Astoria Symphony under the baton of conductor Grant Gilman, all the famous events of this Greek era will come alive with the larger than life personalities of Aristotle, Isokrates and Demosthenes. During the production, events and battles of Alexander’s extraordinary battle against the Persians will unfold. There are the grand scenes of the crowning of Alexander as Pharaoh in Egypt, the battles of Gaugamela, the Indian campaigns, the royal weddings at Susa and finally the death of the Great Macedonian general.

This presentation of visionary composer Panayoti Karousos is destined to be a new opera classic. The full opera is anticipated to debut next year in Carnagie Hall. (www.karousosonline.com)

On Sunday June 28th we were privileged to have played again with the Astoria Symphony for the second year in a row. Congrats to the maestro and good friend Grant Gilman for orchestrating our new epic “the Odyssey”. Special thanks go also to our good friend, composer Panayoti Karousos, whose “Alexander the Great” opera gave us the opportunity to play again with the symphony. There were so many people involved like Peter Giakoumis and the Alexander the Great Living History Society, the Greek Warriors and the Hellenic Federation. We also want to acknowledge our photographers Mark Getman and Kelan Putbrese and videographers Barry Koopersmith and Michael Giakumelos. We will be posting various clips up on Youtube.

Click image to enlarge.