The Beggar’s Opera was written 300 years ago and is widely regarded as the world’s first musical comedy. It is a satirical and provocative tale written in 1728 and set in 18th-century London. Highwaymen, robbers, beggars, prostitutes and pimps, are all part of a cynical and decadent world, and sing popular tunes that have since become timeless songs. With the creation of “The Beggar's Opera”, poet and dramatist John Gay had created a new theater genre with satirical references to capitalist greed and social injustice; all of which shares some notable similarities with Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.
Gay’s script is filled with vitriolic attacks on corrupt society, portraying outlaws in a savagely bold way, with razor sharp observation and genuine wit, harmonically fitted around 60 ballads and tunes, of which became the greatest hits of the 18th century. The Beggar’s Opera, composed by Johann-Christoph Pepusch, features impressive choreographies, and music by the Baroque musical ensemble “Les Arts Florissants”, conducted by inspired conductor William Christie and directed by Robert Carsen. The talented cast of 16 dancers, actors and musicians will undoubtedly amaze the audience for only two performances at Alexandra Trianti Hall at the Athens Concert Hall on November 1 and 2, 2018 at 8 PM.
From September 14th to January 5th 2019, the Benaki Museum Pireos St. Annexe will host a retrospective exhibition by the great painter and carver Yannis Moralis (1916-2009). Curated by Nikolaos Paissios, and in associate with the Ghika Gallery, the exhibition features the entire works of the pioneering artist, as well as a variety of parallel events, including educational activities, speeches, etc. The works presented are from various galleries and museums, as well as from private collections; they consist of paintings, sculptures, architectural commissions, book illustrations and record covers that uniquely depict Morali’s artistic creation and bring known and unknown aspects of his personality to light.
Yannis Moralis had a love of art from a very young age. At 15 years old he left from Preveza to Athens and studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts, he later studied at École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and attended fresco and mosaic classes at École des Arts et Métiers. In 1939 Moralis returned to Greece and he formed the “Armos” art group, together with other great Greek artists including Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, Yannis Tsarouchis, Nikos Nikolaou and Nikos Engonopoulos. He cooperated in creating theatrical sets for the Greek Art Theater Karolos Koun, as well as the National Theater of Greece, and in 1957 he was elected as a professor at the Athens School of Fine Arts. The island of Aegina was his favorite place and where he created many of his works, of which love and death were the primary subjects. It was here that Moralis explored Constructivism and Bauhaus art.
Described by The Guardian as the “perfect opera”, Jenůfa has been chosen by the Greek National Opera to open its 2018-19 artistic season. This famous Czech opera will be conducted by Lukas Karytinos, and presented for the first time in Greece on October 14th.
This three-act opera is based on one of Leoš Janáček’s texts, which is also based upon Gabriela Preissová’s play “Her Stepdaughter” (1890). The story unfolds with the beautiful Jenůfa, who is expecting a child with the miller Steva, rejecting Steva’s younger half-brother Laca because he too was courting her. Blindly in love with Jenůfa, as an act of revenge, Laca cuts her face with a knife. Now deprived of her beauty, Steva ceases to desire her and instead gets engaged to the mayor’s daughter. Jenůfa’s step-mother asks of Laca to legally acknowledge the baby, but he refuses to do so, and as such she kills the newborn baby, and lies to Jenůfa saying that the child died during labor. Laca and Jenůfa later get married, and on their wedding day the baby’s dead body is discovered, which results in a confession from the stepmother. Jenůfa ultimately forgives her stepmother, and despite everything that has happened, Laca and Jenůfa stay together.
The authentic musicality of the Czech language influenced Janáček’s compositional style and allowed him to create a new musical language that marries folk-traditional characteristics with cosmopolitan elements. The opera was first introduced in 1904 and was later translated into German; the original music of the opera was restored by Charles Mackerras and John Tyrrell and was released in 1996. The first-ever premiere of Jenůfa in Greece is based on this version, and will be presented by the Greek National Opera.
Seven performances of Jenůfa in Athens will be directed by German director Nicola Raab – one of Europe’s most prominent opera directors; set and costume design are by the internationally acclaimed George Souglides, and music will be performed by the Greek National Opera’s orchestra.
The great Spanish diva Luz Casal, described as the “greatest Mediterranean voice for love songs”, will make a single appearance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on September 20. This unique musical performance has been exclusively prepared for her Athenian audience.
A Career That Started In Spain & Became International
Luz Casal was born on November 11, 1958 in the Spanish countryside and her musical career began when she formed part of a group called Los Fannys. In the 1980s, Casal was an important figure in Spanish pop music, which gave way to her international fame, especially among audiences in France. In 1987 she enjoyed great success when two of her songs were part of the soundtrack to Pedro Almodovar’s acclaimed film “High Heels”. In 2007, having overcome serious health issues, Casal dynamically returned to the scene earning her critical acclaim and awards.
The Absolute Diva At Odeon Of Herodes Atticus
Accompanied by an impressive orchestra of remarkable musicians, including drums, guitar, piano, and bass, Liz Casal will perform legendary rock ballads, popular songs from the famous film “High Heels” as well as hits from another great diva - French songstress Dalida. Everyone will be there!
Accommodation Sponsor: Athenaeum InterContinental
