at the Olympia Theater
COMPLETED
“Bread Made from Ashes”
An enchanting journey through the traditions of the Mediterranean
Ergon Ensemble
Works by: John Tavener and Osvaldo Golijov
The Ergon Ensemble, under the musical direction of Markellos Chrysikopoulos, presents “Maria Callas” on Tuesday, April 7, at the Olympia Theater, a program of profound spiritual and cultural exploration, bringing into dialogue two iconic works of contemporary music: John Tavener’s *Kyrie Eleison* and *Ayre* by the Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov. At the center of the program are the unique voices of Savvina Giannatou and Maria Kostraki.
Tavener’s *Kyrie Eleison*, inspired by the Orthodox liturgical tradition and Eastern mysticism, functions as a musical prayer. Through simple, ritualistic structures and sounds reminiscent of Byzantine chant, the work explores the transcendence of the self, the transformation of humanity, and the journey toward union with the Divine. The music, recorded by Björk in 2001, is not directed at the artist herself, but creates a space for meditation and inner healing for the listener.
Golijov’s *Ayre* is a cycle of eleven songs, commissioned by Carnegie Hall, that draws on material from the Mediterranean and, in particular, southern Spain. Byzantine melodies, Sephardic lullabies, Arabic, Jewish, and Christian texts coexist in a musical narrative that highlights the coexistence of these three cultures prior to the Reconquista. Ayre celebrates music as a common language and as proof that different faiths and identities form a single human family.
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