Concert: Let's Go for a Walk to the Greek Moon: Twenty Years since the Death of Composer Manos Hadjidakis

Manos Hadjidakis -- A New Generation of Musicians Pay Tribute to the Composer
Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
April 18, 2015, 8:00pm
$5-25
Link to Concert Information

A concert generously sponsored by the Modern Greek Program — University of Michigan

The Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis (1925 - 1994) is beloved worldwide for his compositions, which range from classical music to folk music to film music. His most famous composition, 1960’s Never On A Sunday, was composed for the film of the same title, and garnered him an Academy Award for Best Original Song. That song would go on to be his most famous, and would become the definitive sound of Greek music to an international audience for generations to come. But he wrote prolifically, both in Greece and in America, where he lived 1966 to 1972.

Hadjidakis was deeply influenced by the American culture he loved — the cities, the life, the music, the artists. In turn, American musicians performed, adapted, and popularized his music through movies, musicals, concerts, and records. Today, twenty years after his death, a new generation is re-discovering his work, approaching it in innovative and exciting ways. This special concert will present the new Hadjidakis of the 21st century, who is still inviting us all to go with him "for a walk on the moon.”

Composer, pianist, and improvising musician Michael Malis spearheads this concert in a program that will provide new adaptations of some of Hadjidakis’ best known compositions, as well as some of his lesser-known gems. Malis, who is of Greek-American descent, brings a unique perspective to this music. The program will be diverse, featuring a range of instrumentations, from solo piano to chamber ensembles. Malis will be joined by special guests, including flutist Ellie Falaris Ganelin, the founder of the Greek Chamber Music Project, as well as cellist Abby Alwin, an improvising musician with a deep affinity for Greek music. More special guests to be announced.

Also featured on the program is Ann Arbor’s own OrnämatiK, a “Balkan funk band” featuring popular area musicians. Well known for their legendary festive performances around Ann Arbor, Southeastern Michigan, and across the Midwest, OrnämatiK consistently delights dancers and audiences alike.