A musical tribute at the Greek Embassy in Brussels

[AMNA]

The Embassy of Greece in Belgium and the Greek Community of Brussels honored composers Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis on the 100th anniversary of their birth, along with Austrian composer Udo Jürgens, creator of the iconic song “Griechischer Wein” (“Greek Wine”) with lyrics by German philhellene Michael Kunze.

At the event on Monday, Greek Ambassador Sofia Grammata recounted the song’s origins, noting it was written with affection for the Greek diaspora and became an anthem of homesickness for Greek immigrants. The president of the Greek Community, Philippos Kotsaridis, also addressed the audience.

The musical program featured soprano Anna Mathioudaki and pianist Anna Alvizou, performing works by the three composers. The Greek Choir of Brussels sang two a cappella pieces by Hatzidakis and Theodorakis, while the Lyceum of Greek Women in Brussels presented traditional dances inspired by rhythms that shaped the composers’ art.

Ambassador Grammata also thanked Professor Robert Laffineur, outgoing honorary consul of Greece in Liege, for his long-standing promotion of Greek culture in Wallonia.