Kombos Collective celebrates the centennial birthday of composer and activist Mikis Theodorakis (July 29, 1925 – September 2, 2021) with a replay streamed concert of his music. Original broadcast: Sunday, January 28, 2024 // St. Mary Magdalen Church // 2005 Berryman St, Berkeley, California.

While best known internationally for his film scores (“Zorba the Greek” and “Z”), Theodorakis was a symbol of resistance throughout his life. The concert features original arrangements of “The Ballad of Mauthausen,” considered one of the greatest musical works about the Holocaust, as well as selections of “Canto General,” Theodorakis’ epic folk oratorio set to the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Music of Resistance features the premiere of “Chariot of Dragons” based on themes of resistance with original music by Costas Dafnis and poetry by Berkeley Councilmember Terry Taplin.
 
ARTISTS:
Berkeley Community Chamber Singers
Kombos Collective
Ellie Falaris Ganelin, director & flute
Costas Dafnis, music director, composer & arranger
Melinda Martinez Becker, mezzo soprano
Mike Smith, guitar
Byron Hogan, cello
Mary-Victoria Voutsas, piano
Sage Baggott, percussion

Supported in part by a Civic Arts Grant from the City of Berkeley and from the Wattis Foundation