LIMASSOL, CY: The Cypriot audience had the chance to enjoy the beautiful music of renowned film and T.V. composer Costas Cacoyannis live in two unique concerts - entitled Kites - with the TrakArt Pops Orchestra, conducted by Aris Antoniades. The concerts took place on November 16th at the Strovolos Municipal Theater (Nicosia), and on November 18th at the Pattihio Municipal Limassol Theater (Limassol). Both concerts were sold-out.
The program consisted of songs written by Cacoyannis and his long-time collaborator, and exceptional lyricist, Pampos Kouzalis (many of which were title songs for popular Greek/Cypriot T.V. shows), as well as instrumental works. Aris Antoniades was entrusted with arranging and orchestrating Cacoyannis' music for the TrakArt Pops Orchestra.
When asked about his experience after the concert, Aris enthusiastically said, "... it was, truly, a great privilege to work with such an amazing musician (Cacoyannis) ... I feel especially honored to have been given the chance to orchestrate his magical music for our orchestra". Aris also thanked (on-stage) his two assistant orchestrators, Alexandros Darna and Marios Mylonas for their invaluable help with this project.
In addition to the TrakArt Pops Orchestra, a guest folklore ensemble appeared on stage, which consisted of Costas Cacoyannis playing violin, recorders, flute, and piano; George Spyrou playing the lute and the bouzouki; Andreas Davison and Pampos Kouzalis playing traditional percussion.
"... it was, truly, a great privilege to work with such an amazing musician (Cacoyannis) ... I feel especially honored to have been given the chance to orchestrate his magical music for our orchestra" - Aris Antoniades
Most of Cacoyannis' and Kouzalis' songs were performed by four remarkable young singers - Mariam Venizelou, Andrea Markou, Andrea Neocleous, and Georgia Neocleous - who captivated the audience with their mesmerizing performances. They were joined on stage by veteran singers, and close family members of Costas, Irene Cacoyanni, Nicos Mylonas, and Eugenios Mylonas.
The concert's sound was designed by Andreas Georgallis, while the lighting was designed by Marios Papadopoulos. The poster and printed programs were designed by Natalie Pavlidou.
The concerts were produced by the TrakArt Cultural Development Foundation, Melina Schini, and Marios Papadopoulos (Papadopoulos & Schinis Productions). The director and members of the TrakArt Orchestra wish to thank the producers, the foundation, and the entire production office team for their support.
TrakArt Pops Orchestra
Aris Antoniades, Artistic Director and Conductor
Giorgos Hadjigeorgiou, Violin I
Konstantina Maimari, Violin II
Konstantinos Christou, Viola
Marios Stylianou, Violoncello
Konstantinos Makaritis, Flute
Stamatis Solonos, Oboe
Giannis Koudounas, Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Andreas Theocharous, Trombone
Maria Kramvi, Percussion
Antonis Polycarpou, Piano
Byron Athinodorou, Guitar, Lute, & Euphonium
Nicholas Tryphonos, El./Ac. Bass
Sotiris Yiatrou, Drums
Konstantinos Makaritis, Orchestra Contractor
ABOUT COSTAS CACOYANNIS
Referred to by the BBC as a "one-man orchestra," Cacoyannis holds diplomas in piano, flute, violin, and teaching and has a degree in Electrical Engineering. After winning a Fulbright scholarship, he went to the United States for studies in music theory, film scoring, and composition at the Eastman School of Music.
His music has been performed in major theatres and halls around the world including the Kremlin Palace, the Acropolis Herodion, the Bloomsbury and Her Majesty’s Theatre in London's West End, the Haus der Kulturen in Germany, and the Megaron Mousikis in Athens.
It seems that Cacoyannis was always destined for musical greatness. He is a relative of the great Michael Cacoyannis, director of major Hollywood movies such as ‘Zorba the Greek’ and ‘The Trojan Women', with whom he has collaborated as a composer, describing Michael as his closest friend and mentor.
Cacoyannis has written works for Nana Mouskouri, George Dalaras, Alkistis Protopsalti, Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Michalis Hadjiyannis, Yannis Kotsiras, Kalliopi Vetta, Alexia, Johnny Logan, and choreographer Dimitris Papaioannou.
He has composed the music for 3 ballets, 15 theatrical productions, 15 TV series, 8 motion pictures, and 20 albums. In 2008 he was elected as musical director and composer for the Junior Eurovision song contest.