Natassa Bofiliou: Singing Mikis Theodorakis at the Herodeion

Natassa Bofiliou will present a fresh interpretation of Mikis Theodorakis’ work on October 14th at the Herodeion, as part of a tribute to the great composer organized by radio station Melodia 99.2.

With deep respect and love for Greece’s iconic composer, Bofiliou will perform some of his most significant works in her own unique style, featuring new arrangements by her close collaborator, Themis Karamouratidis.

The two artists shared their thoughts on this special musical evening:

“What does Mikis mean to us?
He is two open arms reaching toward the sky.
The blood unjustly spilled that nourished this land through the years.
The eagle-shaped mountains, the geraniums of Drapetsona, the fields, Panderma, the underground tavern, the women of Auschwitz, the train that departs at 8, the hidden shore, the blossoming almond trees, the bread on the table, and the southerly winds of the people.
He is Romiosyni, the light of the world, the soil of our ancestors and our own, and all the beautiful things that will someday be ours.
He is Velouchiotis’ rifle, the wall of Kaisariani, Magda Fyssa’s defiance, Makronisos, Andreas on the rooftop.
He is the struggle for the daily wage, the tear of the woman from Karystos, the raised fist toward the sky, the unemployment line, the refugee’s boat, the migrant’s displacement, the unpaid bill, Belogiannis’ carnation.

He is the injustice we want to overturn, the inequality we want to erase, the submission we want to reject, the fear we want to banish.
He is our steps in the daily march of life—sometimes strong and steady, sometimes heavy.
This is what Mikis represents for us today.
This is how we hear his songs, along with everything mentioned above. Never on their own.
So that hope may grow, and the mind may bloom in the fields, in the blossoming gardens. A great composer—an unyielding fighter for life—an ever-restless creator.”

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