North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Orpheus HellenicFolklore Society

Celebrating 20 Years of Music, Song & Dance

Saturday, April 25, 2009

North Shore Center for the Performing ArtsSkokie, Illinois

FeaturingFolk dances and songs performed by the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society

and with special guests, Anna Mavrou and John Peppes

Songs performed by the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society and the Chicago Hellenic Choir, under the direction of Eftihia Papageorgiou

Music by the Orpheus Music Ensemble under the musical direction of George Lawler and Eve Monzingo

and with special guest musicians, Beth Cohen, Panayotis League and Jim Stoynoff

Production Manager: Stephanie AcostaVideo Highlights: Alexander Kapotas

Please note: Approximate running time of 2 hours with one brief intermission

NO VIDEO TAPING OR PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWEDThis performance will be professionally recorded and available for purchase through www.ohfs.org

Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society

Celebrating 20 Years of Music, Song & Dance

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Welcome to the 20th year anniversary celebration of the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society (OHFS). How does one summarize what the past 20 years represent, not only for OHFS, but for the Greek-American community at large? It represents the successful fulfillment of a commitment to create a quality cultural program that would serve both Greek and non-Greek communities, in an uncompromising manner, and at the same time, take advantage of its resources. “If you build it, they will come” may be a cliché, but it holds true, as the efforts of OHFS have had a long-term vision, far beyond the first challenging years of its existence.

The cultural traditions of Hellenic dances, songs and music have offered OHFS an invaluable depth and variety with which to organize and instruct the Greek-American youth. It is immensely gratifying for the younger generation to embrace and find these traditions to be “cool”. All we have had to do from our end was to provide them with the opportunity and the appropriate environment for this type of cultural discovery. Thus, even in today’s digital age, it is still “cool” to dance, sing and play music that originated a couple of centuries ago, in a land that many of us still identify through history books, the experiences of relatives, and occasional summer trips to Greece.

Along the way, we are truly grateful for the support and the numerous partnerships that have developed. Some notable examples include: His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, who has observed and encouraged us since our

first steps, the General Consulate of Greece with its many representatives over the last 20 years, and have extended their warm support far beyond their official duties; Mr. Chris Tomaras, who through his various roles over the years, has always kept his door open to our numerous requests; the late Mrs. Dina Sianis, a rare example of a woman with enormous spirit and inspirational strength; the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center; The Greek-American Nursing Home; the Greek Town Association; the Greek Star newspaper; and the Greek Circle magazine.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all those who have believed, shared and fueled the vision of OHFS for the past 20 years. We are thankful for all the grandparents, parents, and relatives who continue to encourage and motivate their children to be a part of the traditions that are a part of their Hellenic heritage. We are grateful to the dedicated instructors, who share their time and effort, in trying to impart all aspects of the cultural traditions that are a part of OHFS’s vision. Most of all, we are grateful to all the young faces, who continue to inspire and surprise us every year, with their enthusiasm, growth and infectious smiles!

Our challenge today, 20 years later, is to sustain and expand our program over the next 20 years and beyond. We are determined, with your continued support and encouragement, to continue our mission, and ensure that OHFS remains a worthy representative of the Greek and non-Greek communities.

Welcome Video

Opening Act As Arhisoun Oi Horoi

Orpheus Recollections Video Past and present members

World Cup Opening Ceremonies, 1994 Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Dances from the Mainland

Dances: Kalamatianos, Tsamikos

Orpheus Youth Group Video Recollections of past and present members

Orpheus Youth Group I:Dances from Thrace and Chios Xenitemeno Mou Pouli: folk song about emigrating

to foreign lands Dance: Xysyrtos (Thrace)

Dendro Eicha Stin Avli Mou: folk love song Dance: Dentritsi (Thrace) ‘Do Sta Lianohortaroudia: folk song Dance: Zonaradikos (Thrace)

Dance: Pyrgousikos (Chios)

Orpheus On-Stage Video Reflections of past concerts and performances

part IOrpheus Youth Group III:Dances from Macedonia Dance: Zaramo (Florina)

Dance: Leventikos (Florina)

Dance: Kori Eleni Performed by women on festive occasions

Dance: Pousnitsa (Edessa, Veroia) Performed by men in Central Macedonia

Folk Music Improvisations Beth Cohen, violin

Panayotis League, laouto and tsabouna

Orpheus Youth Group II:Dances from Thrace Dance: Baedouska

Dance: Tsestos - Anatoliki Roumelia (Northern Thrace)

Feto to Kalokairaki: folk song Dance: Koulouriastos (Asvestades)

Dance: Sihtir Havasi (Asvestades) Dance signifying the end of a celebration

Orpheus in Greece Video

Orpheus Youth Groups I, II, III T’ Ithela Kai S’ Agapousa: folk love song performed

in village streets prior to the wedding ceremony Dance: Endeka (Macedonia)

Intermission

Choral Memories Video

Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society with the Chicago Hellenic ChoirFeaturing compositions by Manos Hatzidakis, Stavros Kouyoumtzis, and Stavros Xarhakos.

Part One: The Vision Odos Oneiron Thalassaki To Pelago Einai Vathi

Part Two: The Voyage Filtisenio Karavaki Lavrio Yia Sou Hara Sou Venetia

Part Three: The Memory Pou Einai Ta Chronia, Oraia Chronia

Orpheus Music Group Video

Orpheus Music Ensemble Mes’ Tou Aigaiou Ta Nisia: traditional island song (Dodecanese)

Plataniotiko Nero: traditional island song (Samos)

part II

Orpheus Dance Troupe: Songs and Dances from the Island of KalymnosFeaturing Guest Performers: Anna Mavrou and John Peppes

Tis Mihanis to Forema: SongTraditionally performed by sponge divers during festive occasions, the title of the song refers to the diving suits they wore. The melody is also known as Barba Thodoris or Mes Sta Petrota. ThymariotikosDance performed by men along with the song, Mia Melahrini. The name of the dance originates from the word thymari, the thyme-bush plant found in the mountainous areas of Kalymnos. It begins with a clockwise movement, using a Syrto-style step, and then reverses to the right with a Kalamatiano step. It is performed using the accompaniment of the violin or the tsabouna (island bagpipe).

Many of the folk traditions from the island of Kalymnos revolve around the sponge-diving industry and culture that arose as a result of it.The following songs and dances reflect and incorporate these traditions.

PeismatikaA teasing, improvisational, exchange between a man and a woman, using the local dialect, and accompanied, in this performance, by the tsabouna. It is performed during many festive occasions. Depending on the skills of the participants, this type of verbal exchange may last a long time. This particular version begins in a friendly tone, becomes more hostile in nature over time, until the end where, again a more conciliatory, tender tone is used. The couple’s verbal exchange is observed by the friends of the man and woman.

KarsilamasDance performed by couples. The origin of this dance in Kalymnos can be traced to a particular family of musicians. The change in rhythm in the dance occurred accidentally and still remains today. As a result, dancers adjust their steps to the rhythm changes within the song.

Moiroloi: Mourning songAs sailors return to Kalymnos from their long journey, the mournful ringing of the church bells indicates that one of them has passed away. Only the clothes of the dead sailor are returned to the widow, who mourns the loss of her husband.

Mihanikos“Mihanikos” in Kalymnos is the name given to the sponge diver who used the skafandro (metal diving helmet) to search for sponges. During the early days, a skantalopetra (large stone) was used to help them during their dives. These men risked their lives and were often paralyzed, due to piasimo (the “bends”), which is a depth-decompression sickness. The dance is performed by men and is a Syrtos dance. The lead dancer imitates the movements of a paralyzed sponge diver who, holding onto a cane, attempts to dance.

IssosA slow, line dance that is performed in this case with the song Giala. Only the mprostelatis, or kavos (leader) may improvise. The front three dancers may execute the dance variations while the rest of the line follows with the “sta tria” step. The dance is performed either with the violin/laouto or the tsabouna.

SoustaOne of the most characteristic dances of Kalymnos, and always follows Issos. Sousta involves a springing motion which matches the vibrant tempo of the dance. The leading couples of the dance may improvise in front, while the remainder of the line continues the dance with the basic step. There are a few versions of the Sousta dance in Kalymnos. It is also very popular in the other Dodecanese islands, where it is performed with slightly different variations.

Ntirlanta (Kai Teza Oloi)Several versions of this song, composed by Captain Pandelis Ginis, have been found. It was performed by workers in the olive oil presses or in the boats during the processing of the sponges. North Africa, one of the destinations of the Kalymnian sailors, is where the term “Ntirlanta” is thought to have originated. Since the 1950s, the song has been performed by couples using a quick dance step. The song is considered a tsimarisma, where the song’s verses are sung by one singer and the remaining participants follow with the repetition of certain words or phrases.

Closing Act: video

Finale: As Kratisoun Oi Horoi

Beth Cohen plays the violin, various lyras from Greece, and the Turkish yayli (bowed) tanbur, performing Greek music with Ziyiá, Demetrios Tashie, and others. She has also studied and played with violin and lyra players in Greece and has performed with many ensembles, on TV, radio, and in festivals in Greece, Turkey, Hungary, the U.S., and Canada. She teaches at the Balkan Music and Dance Camps, the World Music and Dance Camp, at universities, and in her studio in Boston. Beth is very familiar with the Orpheus Dance Troupe since, as part of the Ziyiá band, has accompanied the Troupe in past performances at various dance conference as well as the FDF competition in California. She is considered one of the top folk violin players in North America.

George Lawler is an accomplished percussionist and drum maker. He learned the art of Arabic, North African and Balkan percussion from his Tunisian teacher, Nagib Bahri. George has performed in several countries with his Middle East/Balkan ensemble, Lamajamal, and has toured the U.S. and appeared on the Conan O’Brien Show with the marching band, Mucca Pazza. George has also toured the U.S. with the rock festival tour “Warped”. In Chicago, George plays Greek folk percussion with clarinetist and local legend, Jim Stoynoff. He also plays various instruments with such bands as, The Occidental Brothers Dance Band International, the Chinese surf group, Red Chamber, and the DJ group, Bombay Beatbox. George has performed on over 40 recordings of rock, jazz, reggae, Arabic, and Balkan music going back to the 1980s. He produces and records in his home studio as well. George teaches private lessons on percussion, drum kit and guitar. George holds a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Illinois.

profiles

Panayotis (Paddy) League spent much of his childhood in Tarpon Springs, Florida, a town rich in the music and folklore brought over by immigrants from the Dodecanese islands. He is one of the few musicians to specialize in the idiomatic violin, laouto, and tsabouna (bagpipe) music of the island of Kalymnos, as well as the violin and laouto repertoire of western Crete. Panayotis has performed in hundreds of concerts at festivals and theatres all over Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Brazil, Canada, and the U.S., and has been featured in over 50 recordings. He is also a professional translator and language instructor, and teaches Modern Greek Studies and Modern Greek Language at Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Anna Mavrou, a native of the island of Kalymnos in the Dodecanese, was exposed to native Greek dance and music from a very young age. A pharmacist by profession, Ms. Mavrou now resides in Kalamata, Messinia. She is an active member of the dance groups of the regional Lykeion and participates in performances within Greece and in other countries. She teaches dance to various young and adult groups, and instructs Aegean dances at the Lykeion of Kalamata, as well as at international seminars and conferences. During the Orpheus Dance Troupe’s trip to Kalamata in the summer of 2007, Ms. Mavrou, along with other Lykeion instructors, conducted a series of workshops for its members. In addition, Ms. Mavrou visited Chicago last May, where she shared her vast knowledge of dance traditions with the Orpheus instructors and members during a series of workshop sessions.

Eve Monzingo is a talented multi-instrumentalist specializing in folk music of the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Eve has performed throughout Europe with the Chicago Klezmer Ensemble, Die Naye Kaplye, Mucca Pazza, and Lamajamal. Her composition credits include numerous 1st and 2nd prizes and her compositions are featured on the recordings “Sweet Home Bukovina” by the Chicago Klezmer Ensemble (1996) and “Trumpets” by the Amsterdam based klezmer group, DiFidl-Kapelye (2006). Eve received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Roosevelt University, and has taught group ensembles and workshops at the Old Town School of Music, KlezKanada in Montreal, the University of Chicago and Roosevelt University. She currently teaches private lessons from her home in Chicago.

Eftihia Papageorgiou is the Director of the Skokie-based Odeion School of Music, founded in 2006 and the Chicago Hellenic Choir, established in 2004. Since 1992, Ms. Papageorgiou has been providing individual instruction in piano and voice to youth and adults. Ms. Papageorgiou first began pursuing her passion for performing as a youth touring in Greece, Turkey, and several European countries. She subsequently became a familiar face as a performer and music educator in the Chicago metropolitan area, where over the past 16 years she has been performing, providing individual instruction in piano and voice, directing choirs and musicals, and coaching vocalists and vocal ensembles. Ms. Papageorgiou has been the vocal instructor for the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society since 2004. She led the Orpheus choral group to a first-place finish in the national Folk Dance and Choral Festival in San Diego, California.

John Peppes was born in Athens, Greece and came to America at a young age. He was raised in Tarpon Springs, Florida—a community populated largely by individuals of Kalymnian descent and began dancing at the age of six. He credits much of his influence to such people as, Dr. Mary Coros, the late Paul Ginis, John Lulias, Joe Graziosi, George Mavropoulos, Ted Petrides and Athan Karras. He moved to Michigan after college and continued his passion. Today he is the founder and Director of KYKLOS Hellenic Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, educate, and preserve the Greek heritage and culture through music, song, and dance.

Jim Stoynoff is a native Chicagoan who began studying the clarinet in 1962. Since that time he has specialized in the research, preservation and performance of Greek Folk Music, with particular emphasis on the regional folk clarinet styles of Epiros, Macedonia, Central Greece and Turkey. Jim has performed regularly at major functions and has appeared with various groups throughout the U.S. He gives lectures/performances and authors articles on the Balkan clarinet for various publications. Since 1986 he has appeared annually at various events sponsored by the Chicago Cultural Center, and performs with the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra. He recently made two appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, for the opening of the Chicago World Music Festival. Jim has designed and is co-curetted the Hellenic Museum & Cultural Center’s exhibit Road to Rembetika (June 06 through January 07), and is building HMCC’s archive and permanent exhibit of instruments and discography for its new facilities.

Guest Musicians Beth Cohen, violin, Boston, MA Lamajamal Band: Gary Kalar, guitar

Ronnie Malley, oud Joey Spilberg, bass

Panayotis League, laouto, tsabouna, Boston, MA Nikos Papathanasiou, piano, mandola Jim Stoynoff, clarinet

Brass Band Angelo Angelos, trumpet Anthony Anton, clarinet Alexander Benziger, trumpet George Foutris, saxophone Apostole Grosso, daouli Theodore Mavrakis, clarinet Alex Petrus, saxophone

Traditional Band Angelo Angelos, violin Demetri Avgerinos, bouzouki John Avgerinos, baglamas Yiannis Christacos, bouzouki Danielle Economy, violin Theodore Mavrakis, clarinet Izaki Metropoulos, violin Adam Papadolias, violin Ian Pappas, toubeleki Vasiliki Radaios, clarinet Stephane Stratton, guitar

Vocals Christina Grosso Nina Katsinis Presvytera Stefanie Malamis Nicole Mitroussias

chicago hellenic choir Hope Grigoropoulos Katerina Grigoropoulos Natalie Katsinis Nina Katsinis Vasiliki Kouchoukos-Grosso Roula Mareskes Steve Mavrikos Georgia Metropoulos Vicki Mourikes Pantelis Panthis Estelle Pappas Juliette Pirpiris Kathy Vogdanos

instructors

orpheus music group

Orpheus Dance Troupe Kostas Economou, Yannis Economou, Marianna Gudmundsson

Orpheus Youth Dance Group Group I: Kostas Economou, Ethel Angelos, Catherine Grosso,

Christina Grosso, Eleni Pantelias

Group II: Marianna Gudmundsson, Alexander Benziger,Nina Katsinis, Presvytera Stefanie Malamis

Group III: Yannis Economou, Louisa Dimopoulos,Vasiliki Kouchoukos-Grosso, Niki Rigas

Orpheus Music Group George Lawler, Eve Monzingo

Orpheus Choral Eftihia Papageorgiou

ADULT GROUP Ethel Angelos Alexander Benziger Yannis Christacos Pauline Cruz Zacharias Demertzis Louisa Dimopoulos Kostas Economou Yannis Economou Nikki Foutris Mary Gerontakis Catherine Grosso Christina Grosso Marianna Gudmundsson Tasos Hristakos Christina Kakavas Kodric Alexander Karahalios Dean Karahalios Natalie Katsinis Nina Katsinis Vasiliki Kouchoukos-Grosso Georgia Makris Presvytera Stefanie Malamis Georgia Metropoulos Nicole Mitroussias Pantelis Pandis Adam Papadolias Nikos Papathanasiou Eleni Pantelias Marinos Philis Katerina Rallis Niki Rigas Peter Stergios Demetrios Thanopoulos Effie Tsaltas Eleutheria Vasilopoulos

Guest Artists Anna Mavrou, Lykeion Ton Ellinidon, Kalamata, Greece John Peppes, Kyklos Dance Troupe, Detroit, MI

YOUTH GROUP II George Alimissis Maria Anagnostopoulos Andrew Angelos Spiro Angelos John Anton Maria Anton Maria Beniaris Demitra Burikas Theofanis Burikas Konstantina Chaniotakis Fotis Christacos Athan Cruz Aristotelis Giannetos Alexandra Hristakos Elias Joseph Peter Kosmas Anthony Kossowski Maria Kossowski Alex Koudakis Anna Laskaris George Mavrakis Foula Mitsiopoulos Anastasia Mourikes Matthew Nicholson Stephanie Nikolas Dimitri Polymenakos Andriana Revis Pinelopi Revis Costa Sampras John Tryfonopoulos Spiro Tsirikolias Philip Wachowski Panagiotis Zervas

YOUTH GROUP III Pamela Alimissis Antonios Anagnostopoulos Thanasi Anagnostopoulos Angelo Angelos Anthony Anton Paige Arvanitis Demetri Avgerinos John Avgerinos Elpida Benziger Zoe Cruz Mary Elli Demertzis Konstandinos Denekos Demi Dimopoulos Stefanos Dolomas Katerina Economou Jillian Economy Eleni Eliopoulos Ellena Foutris Athanasia Giannetos Apostole Grosso Aristidis Harris Anastasia Karahalios Theodore Mavrakis Izaki Metropoulos Aliki Mitsiopoulos Dimitra Mourikes Andrea Nicholson Valerie Nikolas Estelle A. Pappas Ian Peter Pappas Vasiliki Radaios Angelica Revis Samantha Robbins Vickie Stathopoulos Antonia Stroponiatis Stavroula Therios

YOUTH GROUP I Demetra Danos Penelope Danos Geena Eliades Pamela Haralambopoulos Yianni Hios Emily Kafkes George Kaldis Demetri Katsiavelos Christina Kokoris Alexa Laskaris Christina Laskaris Ross Melonides Astero Metropoulos Paige Mitroussias Kosta Plevritis John Polymenakos George Stroponiatis Dean Tasiopoulos Elizabeth Tsirikolias Panagiota Tsoukatos Theodore Vadevoulis Alexis Vaselopulos Chris Vaselopulos Alexander Vlahandreas Zachary Vlahandreas Christina Wachowski Graham Weygandt

orpheus dance group

Orpheus thanks the following:

Pauline Cruz, ExhibitChristina Economou, Tickets Louis Foutris, Exhibit Nikki Foutris, Exhibit Hellenic Link-MidwestHellenic Museum and Cultural CenterLynn Kafkes, Memorabilia Christina Kakavas Kodric, Exhibit, Graphic Design Kiki Kakavas-Kouchoukos, Exhibit Alexander Kapotas, Exhibit, Video Gina Mitrousias, Memorabilia The Sianis Family, ExhibitEffie Tsaltas, Media, Tickets

contributorsPLATINUMSpecial Service Area #16 (SSA) Greektown

GOLDGreek Circle MagazineMr. Chris Tomaras, Pan-Hellenic Scholarship Foundation

SILVERinfocomm printThe Mavrakis Family George I. Skarpathiotis, M.D.

BRONZEThe Gus G. Alpogianis FamilyArtopolis Bakery and CaféYiayia Stella CarlisCharlie’s Charhouse Mr. and Mrs. Vasilios GiannopoulosGreek American Restaurant AssociationMr. and Mrs. Anthony Grosso and Family Odeion School of Music Dr. George Sianis, Health Care One

FRIENDSDr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos Brillakis Domestic and Imported Foods www.BouzoukiDVD.comThe Damianides FamilyDapper’s East RestaurantMrs. Voula Drougas-PopovichFranksville RestaurantMr. and Mrs. Louis Gineras Glenview Dental AssociatesGoodie’s RestaurantJimmy’s RestaurantLamajamal BandMr. and Mrs. Peter Kouchoukos and Family Meli Café & Juice BarOlympia Express Travel ServicesPapagalino Pastry Shop & CaféPandora’s Gifts and BasketsPita Inn Mediterranean CuisineGeorge Poulopoulos, Advertising SpecialtiesRoula Alakiotou ArchitectsSKB Hair SalonSpartan BrothersSt. Nicholas Church Philoptohos Society Barbara Siargos, DDS, MS, Willow Lake OrthodonticsTaste of Greece 2009 - Greek Town, Chicago

sponsors

Yannis Economou, President/Principal InstructorConstantine Economou, Principal InstructorMarianna Damianides-Gudmundsson, Vice President/Artistic DirectorVassiliki Kouchoukos-Grosso, Youth Group Coordinator/Youth Instructor Christina Economou, Board MemberPinelopi Georgakopoulos, Board MemberAlexander J. Kapotas, Board MemberAggeliki Thanopoulos, TreasurerEffie Tsaltas, Editor Lyra Newsletter, Costume Collection Coordinator

Established in May of 1989, the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society is a non-profit, 501(c )3, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to perpetuate the rich history and traditions of Greek folk dances, songs, and music. The Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society fulfills its mission by educating its members and audiences through dance and music performances, workshops, lectures, publications, and its website.

board of directors

606 Greendale Road Glenview, Illinois 60025

847.657.0958

www.ohfs.org