
“Bridges”: Evanthia Reboutsika at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
“…for the streets and our hearts to witness a peaceful flood of humanity”
(lyrics by Agathi Dimitrouka from the song “The Light of Peace”)
A powerful message of unity resonated at Evanthia Reboutsika’s concert on Friday, October 4, at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Despite challenging circumstances, the audience gathered to applaud the artists, who gave their best with special guests Yasmin Levy, Mira Awad, and Christina Poulitsi.
The concert began with chants from the three religions represented by the performers’ heritage. Evanthia Reboutsika, Christina Poulitsi, Mira Awad, and Yasmin Levy deeply moved the audience when they sang “The Light of Peace” by Agathi Dimitrouka:
“The sorrow of people
and the grief of places
instead of uniting us
they exile us, they kill us,
as if destiny chases us.
Now war and terror
rule as law and order,
they rob hopes,
drown homelands in blood,
leaving the earth dry and barren.”
A highlight of the evening was when the performers sang “Alexandria” in their respective languages. Lyrics in these three Mediterranean tongues celebrated the sea that unites, rather than divides, nations. At the end, the performers embraced on stage, bringing chills to the audience. The song “Prayer” by Gabriel Negrin was another stirring moment as each singer performed it in her native language:
“Wake me silently from my solitude,
within colors of a golden desert.
Steal the anger from my soul,
run with me in breath and spirit.
A light of hope
I seek in prayer.
The time has come
for us to walk together.
Forget the past that defines us
When homelands and skies separate us.”
Evanthia Reboutsika and her distinguished guests were complemented by talented musicians: Andreas Symvoulopoulos (piano), Panos Dimitrakopoulos & Eleana Pitsikaki (kanun), Thanos Stavridis (accordion), Petros Varthakouris (double bass), Christos Kalkanis (clarinet), Dimitris Staridas (trombone), Yiannis Oikonomidis (trumpet), Vassilis Ketetzoglou (guitar), Petros Kourtis (percussion), Efthymios Kretsis (percussion), Apostolis Samaras (percussion), Giorgos Fasoulis (percussion). Nikos Vekyris ensured flawless sound, while Giorgos Charalambous crafted the impressive lighting.
A heartfelt thanks to Agathi Dimitrouka, Gabriel Negrin, Ronny Bouchaba, and Yiannis Melachrinoudis for the beautiful lyrics that graced the concert’s songs with love.
Despite strict security measures imposed by the police just two days before the event and the organizers’ request for early arrival, heavy screening caused significant delays at the entrance. However, this did not deter the audience, who warmly applauded “Bridges” and the message of unity brought through music.
Photos: Christina Karagianni