THE EPIC OPERA “ALEXANDER THE GREAT” OF PANAYOTI KAROUSOS

The long anticipated epic of Greek-Canadian neo-classical composer Panayoti Karousos opens with the famous enthronement scene of Alexander the Great and introduces his famous parents, King Phillip II of Macedonia and Queen Olympias of Epirus. 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 Orchestra and soloists 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 )

Music Festival 2009 live at the Stathakion Center is brought to you by

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York Inc

22-51 29^th St

Astoria, NY 11105

http://www.hellenicsocieties.org