Stamford AHEPA Presents
"The Music of Stavros Xarhakos" with Soprano Julie Ziavras

Sunday, June 19, 2:30 p.m. (rescheduled from May 14)

Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06905


The Stamford AHEPA to present a musical program dedicated to the music of the well-known Greek composer Stavros Xarchakos with soprano Julie Ziavras. Xarhakos has composed more than 45 albums and CDs, many which have became phenomenal hits in Greece, and have joined the ranks of great popular art. With memorable melodies and lyrics, the songs are about realism and social justice and the importance of dignity in the face of sorrow and grief. He is influenced by the music of the Asia Minor and the themes of the lower working classes of the Athens-Piraeus area of the 1930s. Xarhakos has written that, “Folk music is one of the basic, essential sources of the Greek tradition in song….” He has scored approximately 40 films and countless television and theater productions and various symphonic scores. One of his most popular creations is the music for the 1983 Costas Ferris film, "Rembetiko", highlights of which are to be presented in this program along with song selections from other rembetiko songwriters such as Tsitanis.



Julie Ziavras will be joined by an ensemble of musicians led by the composer/arranger Spiros Exaras, who will also play classical guitar. Soprano Julie Ziavras has been featured as both a folk and classical singer in concert, radio and television in the U.S. and abroad. She holds both Bachelor and Master's degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and has coached with Metropolitan Opera conductors including George Schick and Alberta Masiello. A New York Times reviewer described her as "an estimable vocalist with a silvery voice…cradling her guitar…she held the spotlight alone".

James Cotter of the Times Herald Record said that "Soprano Julie Ziavras masters the most difficult instrument, wowing her Montgomery listeners with her warm and compelling voice, appealing presence and wide range of repertoire… pour(ing) her full energy into each number with virtuosity and verve." For more information about Ziavras' performances, see her website at the URL: http://www.kenandjulie.com.
The ensemble performing with Ziavras includes Kostas Psarros, bouzouki, Petro Hadjopoulos, piano, Steve Vavagiakis, percussion and Catherine Bent, cello. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the musical program begins at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets are $25 (advance purchase), $30 (at the door), $10 students. Wine and cheese wine included. Call Nickolas Nikas for more information: 203-637-8615 or niketes@yahoo.com.


The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community. For more information, visit the organization's newly redesigned website at http://www.ahepa.org.

HCS maintains an extensive archives of AHEPA articles and press releases which readers are invited to browse under the AHEPA Family Releases section of the site archives at http://www.helleniccomserve.com/contents.html.


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