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       |             THE MONTREAL GREEK TIMES GOPHER NEWS SERVICE             |
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                                      July 2025                                
       
       Montreal honors 100 years since the birth of Mikis Theodorakis
       
 (GIF) article photo
       
       By Dominique Speri
       
       
       Local Journalism Initiative reporter, The Montreal Greek Times
       
       A series of cultural events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the
       birth of legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis is taking place in
       Montreal this summer. The initiative is led by the Hellenic Congress of
       Quebec, in collaboration with the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal
       and various local Greek associations.
       
       At the heart of the tribute are two concerts presented by the
       Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM), featuring symphonic works
       by Mikis Theodorakis. The events aim to highlight the composer’s
       lesser-known classical repertoire and his enduring impact on
       global music and culture.
       
       The first concert is scheduled for August 13 at the Olympic Park
       esplanade, adjacent to Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. This open-air
       performance will be free to the public and is expected to attract a
       diverse audience. Special arrangements have been made for a group of
       young Greek Canadians to attend, with transportation provided by the
       community. The orchestra’s conductor, Maestro Rafael Payare, has
       expressed interest in meeting with the students to share insights into
       the world of classical music and orchestral performance.
       
       The second concert will be held on August 16 at the Maison symphonique,
       located within Place des Arts. This formal performance will feature
       music by both Beethoven and Mikis Theodorakis. The concert was made
       possible through the efforts of renowned restaurateur Costas Spiliadis,
       who initiated discussions with the orchestra and purchased 350 tickets
       to be distributed free of charge to the Greek community through cultural
       organizations and associations.
       
       Mr. Spiliadis’ generous contribution was acknowledged by organizers, who
       emphasized the importance of making high-quality cultural experiences
       accessible to the Greek diaspora. While most of the donated tickets have
       already been allocated, a limited number remain available. Additional
       tickets can also be purchased through the OSM box office, including
       affordable seats in the upper balcony, which still offer exceptional
       acoustics due to the hall’s architectural design.
       
       Sotiris Antypas, president of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec,
       expressed gratitude for Mr. Spiliadis’ support and noted the
       strong response from community organizations. Numerous
       associations have already claimed tickets for their members,
       ensuring a robust Greek presence at the events.
       
       In addition to the August concerts, the Hellenic Congress is planning a
       third musical event for late fall or winter of 2025. This tribute will
       focus on Theodorakis’ iconic songs, well known among Greeks worldwide.
       The event will feature local music groups and performers from the
       community, providing a platform to showcase homegrown talent while
       celebrating the composer’s rich cultural legacy.
       
       Dimitris Katsaounis, representing the Hellenic Community of Greater
       Montreal, underlined the importance of collective participation in such
       tributes and affirmed the Community’s ongoing commitment to supporting
       initiatives that honor influential figures in Hellenic culture. He
       highlighted the Community's vast network of institutions, schools, and
       associations that form the backbone of Greek life in Montreal, a city
       home to more than 80,000 individuals of Greek descent.
       
       Born in 1925 and passing in 2021, Mikis Theodorakis remains one
       of the most significant figures in modern Greek history. His vast
       body of work spans classical compositions, oratorios, film
       scores, and popular songs that have shaped the cultural identity
       of Greece and resonated worldwide.
       
       The upcoming concerts in Montreal not only pay tribute to his artistic
       genius but also provide an opportunity for the Greek Canadian community
       to remember, celebrate, and pass on his legacy to future generations.
       
       For ticket information, interested individuals are encouraged to contact
       their local Greek associations or visit the Orchestre symphonique de
       Montréal’s official website.
       
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