Gifts from our Parents: to our Parents

John Psathas (Laureate) joins the Greek Orthodox Church COmmunity of Auckland, and its friends, to present a special concert which showcases music from the Orthodox world.

An Invitation to a special occasion of music, faith, love, and remembrance.This concert includes both sacred and secular music. Some originates from the most ancient sources and some has been composed as recently as this year and is from many of the countries of what we might call the Orthodox World, all of which are represented today in Auckland.

While most of the programme's music originates from Greece or Greek sources, Russia, Romania, and Georgia are also represented. These are the lands of our heroic ancestors, and the musical, cultural and spiritual heritage that they left us are the Gifts from our Parents.

The music of the new world features New Zealand's own John Psathas - a co-sponsor of this event - who has contributed two of his own chamber pieces for trio, both based on ancient Greek themes from his ancestral homeland. The musical and cultural things we have been able to achieve, inspired by the gifts to the world and sacrifices of our immigrant ancestors are the Gifts to our Parents.

Together, they combine to form a body of art, culture, achievement, and faith that gives meaning to our lives, and inspires us to continue to build on it further.

The Musical Programme
Instrumental:
- The New Zealand Trio, one Auckland's finest classical trios will perform compositions by John Psathas;
- To Fos ("The Light") of Auckland's Greek community will perform some of their own compositions;
- Greek Nights, Auckland's own authentic Greek ensemble; see www.greeknights.co.nz.
- Alina Abraham, Rumanian pianist;
- Vladimir Shapkin, Russian violinist.

Choral:
- the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church Choir, under the direction of Andriy Pikhtin; and
- Alaverdi Georgian Male Trio ;

Vocal:
Some of Auckland's favourite folk and classical soloists, and Orthodox Christian cantors, including:
- Christina Daglas,
- Mary and Nick Greanias,
- Cristina Ionda,
- Theodore Despotakis and Kosta Evangelidakis.

All proceeds will go to the Holy Trinty Greek Orthodox Church Stewardship and Carity Fund.