Haris Alexiou at Pops Goes Hellenic in Boston

Boston (Massachusetts), USA – On June 7, the world-famous Boston Pops Orchestra, led by Keith Lockhart, will perform well known Greek songs, as well as entire concert of contemporary Greek music. The evening is being produced by Elia, a newly formed group from the United States and Greece, which is dedicated to preserving Greek culture. Elia, which in Greek means Olive, is a commonly recognized symbol of Greek culture. “Because we are so assimilated in American culture, if we are not the keepers of our faith and heritage, in 50 years it will be gone,” said Cathy Sakellaris, Co-Chair of the event. “If you think big, big things will happen.” It is hoped by Elia that events like Pops Goes Hellenic will give future generations a strong sense of pride in their rich culture and heritage.

The evening will open with a video featuring Greeks from around the world, speaking about heritage, culture and philanthropy. Among those included are: Cumberland Farms CEO & Chairman Lily H. Bentas, Sam Kounaves, head of the Tufts Mars Project, Underwater Archeologist Dr. Brendan Foley, and Christine Kondoleon, the George D. and Margo Behrakis Senior Curator of Greek and Roman Art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, among others.

The first half of the Pops Goes Hellenic concert will be dedicated to orchestral music by contemporary Greek composers such as Manos Hatzidakis, Mikis Theodorakis, Stavros Xarhajos, Vangelis Papathanasiou, and others. The second half of the concert will be solely dedicated to international singing sensation Haris Alexiou, who will perform with the Boston Pops and a smaller group of Greek musicians playing traditional Greek instruments. Haris Alexiou first appeared in the Greek musical scene in the early ‘70s. Her charismatic voice, combined with a unique way of performing and a strong presence, led her to the top, where she remains today. 

In addition to the renowned Boston Pops Orchestra, America’s beloved maestro, Keith Lockhart and the Greek singing sensation, Haris Alexiou, there will be a variety of special guests in attendance during the evening, including: Noted cookbook author Diane Kochilas, Archbishop Demetrios of America, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, Ambassador Alexandros Millias, Massachusetts Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, and Massachusetts Congresswoman Nikki Tsongas, among others. The evening will be MC’d by actor Frank Dicopoulos and local news anchor Maria Stephanos.

The goal of this event is to begin to build a stronger Greek-American community committed to working together to benefit a variety of Hellenic causes, to create a philanthropic mindset needed to support our cultural identity for future generations and to educate all Americans about the richness of Greek culture.

To purchase tickets go to: www.popsgoeshellenic.com or call toll free: 1-866-935-7677.

Boston Symphony Hall
5:30 p.m. Pre-Concert Reception featuring famous Greek Cookbook Author, Diane Kochilas
7:30 p.m. Pops Goes Hellenic Program
10:30 p.m. Post Concert Reception

Admission to Pre and Post Concert Receptions is for Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Sterling, Parea and Agapi Sponsors only.