Melbourne’s audience welcomed the production of the “Ballad of the dead brother” and his Greatest Hits at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Friday

Many came to enjoy the work of Mikis Theodorakis with internationally acclaimed George Ellis at the podium leading the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra while singer Dimitris Basis filled the stage with his presence.

The Board of the GCM attended to watch Dimitris Basis marvellous performance and the remarkable work of Mikis Theodorakis.

Τhe president of the GCM Mr Bill Papastergiadis, OAM said “There are no words to describe the remarkable artistic talent of Mikis Theodorakis and his intensely deep love of Greece. His work and legacy are astonishing and the GCM feels honoured to be hosting an event of this calibre performed by the talented Dimitris Basis “.

Cultural Programs Chair for the GCM Leo Vlahakis said: "It's been a long while, but it’s been worth the wait. The prodigiously talented Dimitris Basis has returned to Melbourne to perform the work of the one and only, legend of music-not just in the Greek landscape but the world over-Mikis Theodorakis. The “Ballad of The Dead Brother” was composed sixty years ago and remains a masterpiece and there is nobody better suited to perform for us than Dimitris Basis. It gives the Greek Community of Melbourne enormous pleasure to be hosting such a special event that we enjoyed enormously"”

Mikis Theodorakis in the past has shared his thoughts for his play: “The ballad of the dead brother” is one of my most important work and the one where I always identify with, in every aspect of my life. During these difficult times of the Civil war, Greece was sunk in tears and blood in this never-ending challenge”

Mikis Theodorakis composed a dramatic synthesis based on The Dead Brother's Song named The Ballad of the Dead Brother which referred to the Greek Civil War and the then oppressive political situation in Greece. The legacy of Mikis Theodorakis in Greece and beyond is found not only in his struggle for freedom, even in the face of personal torture and exile, it is in his flawless coupling of art with the voice of the people. What could be a more pertinent example than his perhaps most famous composition: the dance melody for Michael Cacoyannis’ legendary film Zorba the Greek, which has become an unofficial Greek national anthem. The significance of this melody for the people of Greece echoes the power of Verdi’s Va pensiero, and the melody that first inspired Theodorakis to become a composer, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.

The resounding cheers in the end seemed like they would not stop, and the crowd was talking about this incredible night, long after the concert finished.