Athens Academica Orchestra, Eleni Sdogkou

Hymns and Prayers for Peace

Jules Massenet: Le dernier sommeil de la vierge for String Orchestra

Max Reger: Maria Wiegenlied for String Orchestra

John Tavener: Depart in Peace (in Greek language)

Leonard Cohen: Hallelujah (arr. A. Baltas)

Spirituals Suite (arr. V. Stylianou) for solo Cello, Piano and String Orchestra

Nikos Zoudiaris: Bosphorus for strings and piano

Mikis Theodorakis: The bread is on the table for Baritone and Strings

Mikis Theodorakis: Sleep my angel for Soprano and Strings

Mikis Theodorakis: I open the door at night for Baritone and Strings

Alkis Baltas: Hymn and Prayer for Peace for Soprano, Baritone and Strings* 

World Premiere 

The first section of this evening’s concert, entitled ‘Two Pieces for the Virgin Mary’, will consist of two pieces for string orchestra: Le dernier sommeil de la vierge by Jules Massenet (1842-1912) and Mariä Wiegenlied by Max Reger (1873-1916). Le dernier sommeil de la vierge [The Last Sleep of the Virgin] is a piece from the oratorio La Vierge. Legende Sacrée en Quatre Scènes [The Virgin. Sacred Legend in Four Scenes] that Massenet composed between 1877 and 1878 on a text in French by Charles Grandmougin. The piece is taken from the fourth scene of the oratorio, the theme of which is the story of the Virgin Mary’s life from the Annunciation to her death. It was first performed, together with the complete oratorio, on 22 May 1880 at the Opéra national de Paris. Also related to sleep and the Virgin is Mariä Wiegenlied [Mary’s Lullaby] is a traditional Christmas piece for solo voice and orchestra composed by Reger on a text by Martin Boelitz and published in 1912. The text, divided into three stanzas, evokes a sweet and motherly lullaby sung by Mary while cradling the baby Jesus to put him to sleep. The piece was published as the fifty-second piece in Regier’s collection Schlichte Weisen Op. 76. Another chapter of this concert is entitled ‘Two Hallelujahs’, in which the pieces ...Depart in Peace... by John Tavener (1944-2013) and a transcription for orchestra by Alkis Baltas of Leonard Cohen’s celebrated Hallelujah (1934-2016) will be performed. Tavener’s ...Depart in Peace... is a composition that embodies the spiritual minimalism characteristic of the British composer, who, known for his deep engagement with Eastern Orthodox Christianity, has often referred to religious texts and traditions for his works. This song, sung in Greek, reflects a meditative and transcendental quality, with the use of the tampura (or bouzouki) adding a distinctly resonant timbre, evoking an ancient and contemplative atmosphere. Hallelujah is an iconic 1984 song written and performed by Leonard Cohen, of which numerous ‘covers’ have been made in a wide variety of styles and genres. This arrangement by Alkis Baltas for soprano, baritone and strings transforms the song into a poignant and lyrical dialogue. Solon Michaelides (1905-1979), an important Cypriot composer, is known for his works often steeped in elements of Greek and Cypriot folk music. The Prayer of the Humble One is a reflective and moving piece for baritone and string orchestra on a text by Zacharias Papantoniou. Mikis Theodorakis (1925-2021) is one of the most important Greek composers, widely known for his soundtracks and political activism. Sleep my angel for soprano and strings is a tender lullaby. Another touching work by Theodorakis, I open the door at night is composed for baritone and strings. This piece explores themes of longing and introspection, with the baritone voice offering expressive and narrative passages. The string accompaniment provides a rich harmonic background, enhancing the emotional depth of the text. Greek composer and conductor Alkis Baltas (1948) is the founder of the Sacred Music Festival and we are honored that he is coming back in Patmos. His Hymn and prayer for Peace is work for soprano, baritone, piano and string orchestra, especially composed for this concert and here presented as a World Premiere.