By Dorie Klissas, Special to the Hellenic News of America
With a concert to kick off a weekend of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), tenor Mario Frangoulis will perform live at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 8 p.m. A crossover artist with a career spanning more than 35 years, Frangoulis will enchant the audience with multi-genre songs in five different languages: Italian, Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Greek. The Warner Theatre, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, will host the event, adding to the historical significance of the celebration.
Frangoulis is known for his unique blend of classical and contemporary music, combining opera with pop, folk, and soul. He has performed with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Sarah Brightman, Justin Hayward, and Plácido Domingo. The concert promises to be a memorable experience for everyone, not just opera enthusiasts.
“I don’t want people to think this is going to be just a classical or very operatic kind of serious concert. It’s going to be a great concert for everyone, and we are also supporting AHI, which is very important because it is their golden jubilee,” Frangoulis says.
The upcoming concert will feature Greek songs by Manos Hadjidakis and Mikis Theodorakis, two of Greece’s greatest composers. “These songs are connected to great poetry, with some of the most amazing writers of songs being Nobel Prize winners like Odysseus Elytis and George Seferis,” he adds.
Frangoulis is honored to be performing at the AHI 50th anniversary gala weekend, which includes the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner on Saturday, April 13, 2024. “AHI supports the relationship between Greece, America, and Cyprus, especially important as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus,” he says.
Frangoulis carries with him a deep appreciation for his Greek heritage and the struggles his country has faced. As a child, he remembers when the Greek army colonels led a coup d’état in Athens where he lived. “When the tanks rolled past our windows, you could hear the people screaming and shouting as the Greeks were fighting in the streets against the dictatorship.”
“Greece is a small country and even though it is amazing in its mind and its heart, soul and music, we need allies, we need people who are close to us, who can support us, and we can support them of course,” says Frangoulis.
The memories of his childhood during tumultuous times have undoubtedly shaped his perspective on the importance of solidarity and support among nations. His upcoming concert, celebrating 35 years on stage, will not only showcase his talent but also reflect his journey and the values he holds dear.
Frangoulis will collaborate with Maestro Stathis Soulis, leading the Warner Theatre Studio Orchestra, and will feature a special guest, up-and-coming soprano Theresa Carlomagno. “Theresa played Aldagisa in the opera Norma with me last summer at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, for which she received many good reviews for her stunning voice and captivating stage presence.”
From his early life in Rhodesia, to his upbringing in Athens, followed by a scholarship to London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and culminating in his acclaimed performances on prestigious stages worldwide, Frangoulis’s story is one of perseverance and passion. “I worked very hard, and I made sure from my very first audition that I was prepared for what was expected of me.”
His dedication to his craft and disciplined approach ensures that he consistently delivers memorable performances. “I always try to have great lyrics and songs where there is a definite message to put across to the audiences, so I think the audiences will really love the concert because there is a lot of fun, movement, and a great many styles of music,” says Frangoulis.
Overall, the concert promises to be a captivating experience, blending various musical styles and conveying poignant messages, all while celebrating his remarkable journey in the world of music.
To purchase tickets to AHI’s 50th anniversary concert headlined by Mario Frangoulis or the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner, go to https://americanhellenicinstitute.org/upcoming-events.
Producing the Friday, April 12th concert is Emmy award-winning George Veras, an Emmy Award winner, is producing AHI’s anniversary concert and Nick Larigakis is the President & Chief Executive officer of the AHI.
