SUNDAY, JUNE 28th 2009

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York Inc 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. Parts and highlights of the opera will be presented at the Stathakion Center in Astoria, Queens as a preview, for the full opera is anticipated to debut next year in Carnegie Hall. (www.karousosonline.com )

The opera will be performed by the Astoria Symphony and conducted by Grant Gilman: It will also feature special guests, Phoenix Reign, who will perform their two epics, The Odyssey and The Legend of Alexander with the symphony. Stage costumes and re-enactors will be provided courtesy of Peter Giakoumis and The Alexander The Great Living History Society.

Event will be co-hosted by Byzantine Crown Productions with a special multimedia presentation featuring Greek artist, Iannis Nikou. Mr. Nikou’s Alexander the Great paintings will be gracing the concert program. (www.iannisnikou.gr )

Sunday, June 28th 2009

6:30PM

Stathakion Center
22-51 29th Street
Astoria, NY 11105

718-204-6500

http://www.hellenicsocieties.org