The orchestra’s season, dedicated to the dance dimension of music, included in its concert program the 3 Archaic Dances by Periklis Koukos, from the opera Persians, and the 5 Greek Dances by Nikos Skalkottas.

The concert will also feature Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 (soloist: Baiba Skride) and Symphony No. 38 ‘Prague’. The musical direction is by the internationally renowned conductor, Konstantinos Karydis.

In the 3 Archaic Dances (I. Parodos-Pyrrhichios II. Dithyrambikon III. Epiklesis), the demanding piano part will be performed by the maestro, conducting the orchestra from the piano.

PERIKLIS KOUKOS
Three Archaic Dances

The Three Archaic Dances constitute significant parts, mainly Choral, in Aeschylus’ tragedy, Persians, which the composer is adapting as an opera.

The First, Parodos-Pyrrhichios, is the entrance of the chorus in ancient theater and its evolution into one of the oldest war dances.

The Second, Dithyrambikon, is the tragedian’s call to the judges to award him the crown of Victory in the theatrical-poetic contests.

The last, Epiklesis, holds a pivotal role in the tragedy and consists of a series of ritual hymns and dance movements performed around the Monument-Tomb of Darius.

The Chorus calls upon the God of the Underworld, Aidoneus, to bring their King to the upper world to prophesy to them about the Persian campaign in Greece.

The Parts:

I. Parodos-Pyrrhichios
Largo-Allegro Vivace

II. Dithyrambikon
Allegro

III. Epiklesis
Grave misterioso-Andante tranquillo-Presto energico