PASCHA CONCERT: "THE GREAT HOURS" (UPDATE)
"The Great Hours" is the title of a modern oratorio composed by Andreas Katsigiannis, a production of Pemptousia for the Institute "Agios Maximos the Graekos" (Wiki) (official website). The title is a reference to the liturgy that is celebrated on Holy Friday morning. The work was performed on 29 September 2022 at the Herodion Theater at the foot of the Athens Acropolis that was filled to capacity on the occasion.
June 8, 2023 Institute "Agios Maximos the Graekos: "Great Hours" | Concert at Herodeion - Athens | Official Music Video.
The work is described as a multidimensional musical work performed by the Athens State Orchestra under the direction of the conductor Stathis Soulis.
The moving performances of singers Glykeria, Dimitris Bassis, Eleanna Varela and the five time Emmy award winning American musician and actor, Jonathan Jackson, together with 100 choristers from three different choirs, created one of the most devout moments experienced below the 'sacred rock' of the Acropolis.
The great protagonist, Nikitas Tsakiroglou, in the role of the narrator, connected the multi-faceted musical trilogy of the composer in a unique way.
Two albums, "The Place of Silence" (Tis Siopis o Topos) and "Full of Grace" (Keharitomeni), from the trilogy of the composer Andreas Katsigiannis, premiered at this concert.
In "The Place of Silence" – Mount Athos – the presence of the Light is constantly experienced throughout "The Great Hours".
The hours become greater still when the eternal Mother of Light, through "Full of Grace" transmits her Light to those who seek it.
The performance, as a devout prayer to the All Holy Virgin, was heard like the rustling of the wind under the canopy of the virtuous Athonite sky all the way to the Athenian heavens.
The two albums "Tis Siopis o Topos" and "Keharitomeni" are released on CD and vinyl and on all digital platforms.
Texts by Alexandros Foteinos
Lyrics: Alexandros Foteinos, Lina Nikolakopoulou, Elli Fotaki
The participating choirs :
"Chorus Vivendi", conductor Giannis Vryzakis
Choir "Melodoi", conductor Georgios Ziakas
Choir of the University of Thessaly, conductor Nikos Chiotoglou \
Estudiantina Nea Ionias - Solo musicians:
Alexandros Arkadopoulos, wind
Stefanos Dorparakis, qanun
Markos Arlan Oscar, keyboards
Philipps Retsios, piano
Apostolos Valaroutsos, guitars
Nikos Mermigas, lafta, laouto
Takis Vassiliou, percussion
Following the outstanding history of the famous musicians and orchestras, a new Estudiantina was founded in 1999 by a group of 20 young musicians. The “moving spirit” and artistic director of this band is Andreas Katsigiannis, the composor of "The Great Hours". Estudiantina is a pioneering orchestra in the contemporary social environment.
It does not just imitate previous models of orchestras but adopts new elements, creating and suggesting new musical patterns aiming at attracting larger audiences to the genuine Greek music.
More than 250 concerts have been given since 1999 both in Greece and abroad (the United States, Romania, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Cyprus), at well-known concert halls, together with some of the greatest Greek singers and musicians such as Yannis Kotsiras, Giorgos Dalaras, Maria Farantouri, Glykeria, Eleni Vitali, Dimitris Basis and many others.
Orchestrations: Dimitris Mathiopoulos, Dimitrios Siambos, Apostolos Tsiarkas, Andreas Katsigiannis
Sound design and engineering: Giorgos Kariotis
Directors: Marios Retsilas, Panagiotis Podaropoulos
Television direction and montage: Nikolas Economides
Production: Pemptousia
Update May 15, 2024
On April 28, 2024 Jonathan Jackson gave an interview on Ancient Faith Radio giving us some more background on his motives, experiences and his life in Hollywood in general. Some details are rather surprising. It is a miracle such an environment has produced a talent like Jonathan.
April 29, 2024 Ancient Faith Radio: Everyday Orthodox - Meet Jonathan Jackson, from Unsung Hero!
"The Harrowing of Hell" is a poetic retelling of Christ's descent into Hades after his death and before the Resurrection to rescue the souls of the righteous who had died before this event changed the cosmic nature of the creation. This epic poem, written by Jonathan Jackson, brings to life the untold chapter of the Greatest Story ever told (more).
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