Greek Music Concert at the Basilica of Havana

In homage to the esteemed composer Mikis Theodorakis, the Basilica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís will host a captivating Greek music concert on Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m.

Helson Hernández, the curator and artistic director of the show, emphasizes the prevalence of traditional songs that have withstood the test of time, representing iconic melodies from the Hellenic country, with a deliberate focus on the works of contemporary composers.

Cuban artists will bring this intriguing program to life, featuring vocal and instrumental pieces by composers such as Manolis Kalomiris, Nikos Skalkottas, and Spiros Deligiannopoulos. The repertoire will also include a selection from Theodorakis’s extensive body of work, notably the soundtrack of the film Zorba the Greek, offering a special tribute to a man revered as an icon of Mediterranean culture.

Mikis Theodorakis, a Greek composer and intellectual with a close affinity for Cuba, was not only renowned for his musical contributions but also for his active political engagement. His lifelong passion for music began in childhood, and even before formal lessons or learning to play an instrument, he commenced his journey as a composer.

The Concierto Griego is not only a musical event but also part of the celebration of Francophonie Day, observed annually on March 20, commemorating the French language as a unifying element across more than 80 member countries. Greece, a member of the Francophonie for two decades, marks the occasion by considering the inclusion of George Moustaki’s famous song, Le métèque.

Furthermore, this concert aligns with the festivities for Greece’s National Day on March 25, commemorating the commencement of the nation’s struggle for independence in 1821.

The presentation is made possible through the sponsorship of the General Secretariat of the Greek Diaspora and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cuban radio station CMBF, Radio Musical Nacional, and the Historian’s Office of the City of Havana. Their collaborative support underscores the significance of cultural exchange and international cooperation, fostering a celebration of the rich cultural heritage shared between Greece and Cuba.

Photo: https://www.latercera.com/

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez