(Video) “Koukouzelis By Candlelight” concert of the ‘Melisma Ensemble’ in Sydney
On the 7th of May 2023, Sydney received a taste of 14th c. Constantinople and the musical genious of perhaps the most legendary Church musician of all time, St John Koukouzelis, at the musical event hosted at the Parish of the Resurrection of Christ, in the suburb of Kogarah, Sydney
Under the light of candles, the Sydney-based Melisma Ensemble presented Koukouzelis’ 45 minute masterpiece «Εξομολογήσομαί Σοι Κύριε» in Plagal Second Mode under the direction of Dimitri Koubaroulis. Compositions like this were chanted in the so called “asmatic rite” services. These were characterised by more elaborate chanted pieces and fewer readings and recitations compared to today’s services.
The concert was opened with a talk by Mr. Dimitri Koubaroulis on the life of St John Koukouzelis and details about the historical and artistic value of the presented composition.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia concluded the event with kind words of praise for the performance, conveying the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and highlighting the importance of the Byzantine Music tradition for the Greek Orthodox Church and for singing in general.
The Melisma Ensemble expresses their gratitude to His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia and the Parish of the Resurrection of Christ at Kogarah, the production team and to everyone who joined them on a truly melismatic Byzantine evening.
View here the official video the performance:
Learn more about the “Melisma” on the website: melismaensemble.com and on the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088601895164 .
