"The collaboration of culture and social sensitivity
brings nothing but solidarity and progress!'
Athina Gianopoulou, AELIA president
Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra’s opera gala for AELIA succesfully took place on Thursday, 16
th of November at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
T.S.S.O. was conducted by Zoi Tsokanou, while the internationally acclaimed Greek lyrical singers Eleni Calenos (soprano) and Antigone Papoulkas (mezzo soprano), who participated in the gala, left the audience enthusiastic. The event was hosted by Katerina Lehou.
The evening began with a moving video about AELIA’s actions and the awarding of the winners for the Photography Contest “Breast Cancer: Prevention is Life’s Umbrella”. These were followed by a greeting speech from AELIA’s president Mrs. Athina Gianopoulou, who called the orchestra onstage, talking warmly about the importance and the significance of its participation in AELIA’s actions.
At the end of the concert the audience stood up, applauding excitedly to the rhythm of Offenbach’s Can-Can, as the hall was flooded by pink ballons.
Zoi Tsokanou stated after the concert: “I would like to thank all the participants for this wonderful collaboration; AELIA, T.S.S.O.’s musicians and our two wonderful soloists. With this very high standard concert we contributed to people’s awareness of a very delicate and important issue such as breast cancer. We, as T.S.S.O., would like through our actions and our music to sensitize and motivate our fellow citizens into such actions, ones with social sensibilities.”
Antigoni Papoulkas stated in turn: “After having the pleasure and privilege, during the previews days, of singing "Les nuits d'été" and ‘Carmen’ concertante in honor of Maria Callas, this concert was something very special to me. The collaboration with maestro Zoi Tsokanou made me feel fantastic, as a person as well as an artist. As a woman and artist, I feel grateful to be part of AELIA’s campaign.”
Finally, Athina Gianopoulou stated: “The T.S.S.O.’s contribution to AELIA will be unforgettable. For the unique, of high aesthetics and morals presentation, but mainly for the understanding and the support of our cause against Breast Cancer. The collaboration of culture and social sensitivity brings nothing but solidarity and progress! Our thanks are accompanied by the promise and the commitment for more musical journeys in the future!”
