(MUSIC VIDEO) XARCHAKOS' 'JOURNEY TO THE LIGHT' CONTINUES

In September we reported on a special event at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio near Athens (link). The inauguration of the new lighting of the temple took place during a concert directed by world renowned composer and conductor, Stavros Xarchakos (IMDb). We are very happy to be able to report that the event was the first in a series of concerts scheduled at various archeological sites around Greece under the title "Journey to the Light". The venue of the second concert on Oct. 12 was the Temple of Afaia on the island of Aigina in the Saronic Gulf (link) featuring singers Yannis Kotsiras and Iro Saia.

July 26, 2019 Edna Rimon: Της αμύνης τα παιδιά (Tis Amynis Ta Paidia) with Yannis Kotsiras and Iro Saia in Jerusalem on July 25, 2019. (Lyrics).

Archeological sites are not only significant in showing the ancient roots of Greek culture and its uninterrupted continuation into the present and the future (video), but they also highlight what Stavros Xarchakos calls this "Journey to the Light". 

It emphasizes the unique nature of Greek music which we earlier explained in "The Cosmic Story", "not simply relating a narrative, but a means to convey reality, wisdom and morality. It is rooted in the ancient myths about the gods and heroes and is present to this day in songs, prose and poetry and yes, in the liturgy" (more in "Eternal Hellenism: The Cosmic Story"). 

Next stop on the "Journey to the Light" is the Acropolis Museum (link) on November 11.

Fourth stop is the archeological site of Philippi in eastern Macedonia (link). Originally named Krenides, it was occupied by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great; it witnessed the battle that established the Roman Empire and was visited by Saint Paul, during his second missionary journey, known for the New Testament Epistle to the Philippians, written around 61-63AD. 

The next venue is the Ancient Theatre of Delphi (link), situated within the Temple of the Pythian Apollo. The site is directly connected to the cult of Apollo. It hosted the singing and instrumental music contests of the Pythian Games.

Next stop is the archeological site of ancient Messene located on the Peloponnese. Messene is possibly the most underrated archeological site in the whole of Greece (link). This ancient city was, unlike most others, untouched by the later settlements and has thus been very well preserved.

The final venue on this tour is the theater of Aischyleia at the archaeological site of Elefsina, a suburban town, 21 km northwest of Athens that was founded in 2000 BC and was the location of one of the most famous cults in ancient Greece, the Eleusinian Mysteries. (link). 

Exact dates and itinerary of concerts at the various sites have not yet been released, but the tour is thought to extend well into 2025. 

The series of concerts is being sponsored by Metlen Energy & Metals previously known as Mytilineos Energy & Metals, an international industrial and energy company, listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. The company is active in markets on all five continents, in 40 countries.

Interview with Stavros Xarchakos with Μελωδία 99.2 (in Greek) in July 2023 (link). 

Our Xarchakos Concerts playlist on YouTube has now become publically listed. Watch it here. 

- More music videos, Stavros Xarchakos, Greece -