Opera stars at Pallas in charity gala
An opera gala scheduled to take place next week reunites an orchestra with a landmark Athenian theater. The Athens State Orchestra returns to the recently refurbished Pallas Theater (now part of the CityLink complex) for a night of glorious arias and good causes on Tuesday, February 27. The event, whose proceeds will benefit charity organization I Agapi (Love), features three exceptional musicians, soprano Elena Kelessidi, tenor Julian Gavin and maestro John Apeitos. Fresh from her recent appearances at the Greek National Opera’s «Orphee et Eurydice,» world-renowned Kelessidi is back in Greece – for a short while at least. A diaspora Greek, Kelessidi grew up in Kazakhstan, attending the Almaty Conservatory. Following political unrest in the country, she moved to Athens before landing in London’s Covent Garden. She has appeared in major theaters around the globe and is scheduled to appear in an Athens Festival production of «Carmen» this summer. A prominent conductor, pianist and cellist, John Apeitos was born in Melbourne. Following his studies at the University of Melbourne, the artist moved to Europe, studying in Italy, the Czech Republic and Greece, before moving to the United States. A specialist in the opera field, Apeitos taught at the University of Notre Dame. Australia-born Julian Gavin graduated from the University of Melbourne followed by postgraduate studies in conducting at the Victorian College of the Arts and the National Opera Studio in London. Covering a wide repertoire, the tenor has appeared with major orchestras around the world and has recorded various albums. The event’s exclusive sponsor is the Lavrentiadis group of companies. Pallas Theater, 5 Voukourestiou, tel 210.321.3100. For credit card reservations call 211.108.6050. Tickets set at 15, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 75 euros. The performance starts at 8.30 p.m.
