To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its foundation, the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS), in collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and the Pan-Macedonian Association presents the musical concert “Alexander the Great: Pioneering Multiculturalism”.
The concert will take place on Wednesday, October 26 at 8 pm in one of the world’s finest music halls, the Melbourne Recital Centre or “Elizabeth Murdoch Hall”. The hall is renowned for its architectural style and acoustic perfection.
The music has been written specifically for this concert by the well-known Melbournian composer Christos Ioannidis. Some of Christos’ most popular compositions include the “Free Besieged”, “Massa Confusa”, “Syphonia Polyethnic” and “Southern Landscape”.
The current piece sweeps a great narrative arc, celebrating Alexander the Great’s life and achievements in promoting the Hellenic ideals within a vast multicultural empire. An important theme of the concert is Alexander’s role in pioneering multiculturalism and nurturing an intermingling of Greek civilization, language and traditions with those of Asia.
The music will be performed by the Camerata Chamber Orchestra, consisting of 23 musicians who are managed by one of Australia’s leading conductors and music educators, Douglas Heywood OAM.
In 1995 Douglas was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to music education and community music and in 2013 he was named Hobson’s Bay Australia Day Citizen of the Year for “making an outstanding contribution to the artistic and cultural life of the city and services to the community of Hobsons Bay”.
The soloists, nationally renowned baritone Adrian McEniery and the multi award-winning soprano Lauren Savrasov (Oldham), will be joined by the 52-member Camerata Chorus.
A complimentary program will be distributed to all guests. This program will include lyrics to the songs and excerpts from the poetry that will be recited during the performance in both Greek and English.
This is a unique opportunity to commemorate a great historical figure and to celebrate his vision of multiculturalism and harmony, a vision that is more relevant than ever to our own contemporary society.
