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Velas Tours
an incoming tour operator based in Greece with 34 years experience in both, tours and holidays
velastours.com
an incoming tour operator based in Greece with 34 years experience in both, tours and holidays
velastours.com
FIRST AMERICAN TOUR OF MIXED CHORUS OF NAFPAKTOS A RESOUNDING SUCCESSThe members of the Mixed Chorus of Nafpaktos have returned to their home city in Central Greece, basking in the great success of their first American tour. More than 1500 people attended the three American concerts in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Whitestone (NY). On Saturday evening, October 27th, in Philadelphia, the Chorus presented their first concert in Drexel Universitys Mandell Theater, the universitys premier theater for the performing arts. An enthusiastic overflow crowd applauded, cheered, and sang along with the Chorus. Following the concert, a reception of Greek wines and food specialties was enjoyed by more than 500 people. On Sunday afternoon, October 28th, a second performance was presented in Harrisburg (PA) at The Forum, a stunning art deco-style theater situated in the State Capitol Complex. This performance coincided with the Greek- American communitys commemoration of Oxi Day; appropriately, the Chorus performed a special song extolling freedom and love of . A bountiful reception of foods and wines followed the concert. The final concert of the Mixed Chorus of Nafpaktos American tour was presented on Tuesday evening, October 30th, at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone, New York. The Mayor of the City of Nafpaktos, Thanassis Papathanassis, arrived from Greece especially to attend this event. The concert and reception were held in the parish hall, organized by Socrates Skiadas, George Katsigiannis, and a committee from the Holy Cross parish. More than 500 people attended this event. Each 90-minute concert included works of leading 20th Century Greek composers, most notably Mikis Theodorakis, who sent his best wishes and endorsement of the Mixed Chorus concerts. (Biennially since 2001, the Chorus has staged an international competition in Nafpaktos. It is titled, CHORUS FESTIVAL OF NAFPAKTOS – MIKIS THEODORAKIS and is dedicated to the world-famous composer.) During the formal first half of each concert, the Chorus opened with three songs from Theodorakis and concluded with a selection of Greek melodies performed by pianist/accompanist Zizi Korkonzelou, During the short intermission, the stage was reset to resemble a Greek taverna. The informal second half of the program featured popular Greek melodies as well as selections of Rembetika,. Audiences delighted in singing along with the Chorus. The First American Tour of the Chorus of Nafpaktos was organized by Ted N. Skiadas of Coatesville, PA, and his Concert Planning Committee: Dr. Peter C. Patukas, Pavlos J. Kotrotsios, the Publisher of the Hellenic News of America and Peter N. Skiadas. (Brothers Ted and Peter Skiadas and their cousin Dr. Patukas, were born and raised in the Nafpaktos region.) For many months, the inspired Committee planned every aspect of the concerts -- from the venues and receptions to the publicity and the printing of a 120-page Commemorative Program. Additionally, they organized all transportation, housing, and meals for the Chorus members as well as excursions to Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City, and Atlantic City – plus numerous shopping expeditions! To show their gratitude, Chorus President, George Varelas, presented Ted Skiadas with a volume of that was personally signed by Mikis Theodorakis. The Concert Planning Committee presented commemorative plaques to Mr. Varelas and Maestro Kabakchiev; a bouquet of fresh flowers was presented to Ms. Korkonzelou. Profits from the concerts are being donated to the following: Plant Your Roots in Greece Foundation and other organizations established to help replant the forests and olive groves destroyed by recent wildfires in Greece Mixed Chorus of Nafpaktos Piano Fund, Nafpaktos, Greece Greek Studies Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA Center for Hellenic Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona, NJ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA The Concert Planning Committee acknowledges and thanks all sponsors, advertisers, committee workers, tour guides, and hosts who helped make this First American Tour of the Mixed Chorus of Nafpaktos a great success!
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