The Pancyprian Association of America Cultural Division presented the Annual Christmas Concert “Kalanta” with Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis and the Pancyprian Choir of NY soloists and chorus at St. Catherine and St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Astoria on December 18. It was the first live concert since 2019 for the Choir with Stratis on piano and featured a delightful program of festive songs of the season to bring holiday cheer to the community.
The concert began with soloist Demetris Michael singing the traditional Cypriot Kalanta, followed by the traditional kalanta of the Greek islands, Kalisperizo Fernontas, performed by soloist Ariadne Panagopoulou and the entire Choir. The well-known Greek Christmas Kalanta was next, followed by the Greek version of Joy to the World.
Stratis gave the welcoming remarks, noting the safety measures that were in place to allow the return to live performance during these difficult times and after last year’s virtual concert. The safety of the performers and audience members alike was the priority, along with sharing the true spirit of Christmas through music.
Pancyprian Choir Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis addressed the audience at the Christmas Concert Kalanta on Dec. 18. Photo: Ioannis Koutalis
The soloists once again enchanted the audience as Panagopoulou performed a moving Ave Maria with the Choir, the Christmas hymns featured the impressive skills of Michael and George Georgiadis, and Elate me pisti (O Come All Ye Faithful) was sung dynamically by Panagopoulou, Michael, Louis Panayiotou, and Demetris Bonaros. Kampanes tis Lefterias (Bells of Freedom) Stratis’ Greek version of the Carol of the Bells envisions the church bells ringing once again in the occupied areas of Cyprus and in Asia Minor and Pontus and received enthusiastic applause.
The Christmas favorites we all know and love, including Silent Night, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas were also performed to the delight of the audience who were welcome to sing along. They expressed their appreciation with a standing ovation, something that meant a great deal to Stratis and all the Choir members who had last performed for a live audience at the 2019 Christmas concert.
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Carytijerina
