PRESS RELEASE

MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO GREECE AND THE ATHENS 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES

Under the Auspices of the Ministry of Culture of Greece, The Hellenic Society Prometheas, organized on Sunday, May 23, 2004 7:30 p.m. a moving musical tribute to Greece and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, to celebrate the return of the Olympic Games to their ancient birthplace and the city of their revival in 1896.

With music on Greek themes, composed by Greek born Dinos Constantinides, members of Washington’s diplomatic community, fans of classical music, Greek Americans and members of the community at large, were moved by the exceptional quality of Mr. Constantinides’ music and the wonderful performance of the 14-member ensemble from Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Sinfonietta, that also accompanied the accomplished Greek mezzo soprano Angelica Cathariou.  The Verdehr Trio, frequent performers in the DC area and of the music of Dinos Constantinides, also gave a stellar performance, particularly enjoyed by the audience, evident by the extensive applause.

The tribute, held at George Washington’s Lisner Auditorium, began with greetings by Ambassador Eleftherios Anghelopoulos, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Greek Embassy in Washington, who briefly informed the audience about Greece’s preparations for the Olympics and invited everyone to a safe and successful Olympic Games this coming August.    

At the end of the program Mr. Lefteris Karmiris, president of the Hellenic Society Prometheas thanked Mr. Dinos Constantinides for his contribution to this event. During his tenure as president, Mr. Karmiris has made Prometheas an integral part of the Greek cultural scene in Washington, and for the past 25 years has brought the community closer to Greek culture by organizing varied and interesting cultural events.

June 7, 2004