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‘Apogevmatini’ – Daily Newspapaper Let’s talk about that evening, the Mimis Plessas’ concert at the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, at the opening show of the Athens Festival 50th Anniversary. This is not the first time I congratulate Mimis Plessas for the way he organizes his concerts at the Theatre of Herodes Atticus. Once more, congratulations! Not only for his works (countless and great), but also because he chooses Mrs. Elli Rouben, who is admittedly one of the few women that know how to organize such a significant evening. A Premiere, then, at the Theatre of Herodes Atticus as well as a triumph of our national Mimis. What an orchestra! Not even Von Carajan conducted such a large orchestra. Mimis’ musicians were so many that reached the VIP seats. Both giant screens showed him and his associates, zoomed in, while the lighting created an excellent atmosphere. In other words, we are not just talking about organization. We are talking about first class stage direction. When he appeared in the centre, after the music announcements, a dark silhouette with a thousand spotlights in the background, people screamed. With love. Yes, pure love. A love, born out of admiration and gratitude for all the years of delight he has offered us. And Mimis sat at the piano and played jazz. Amazingly. While we were watching his hands on the screens. More jazz followed and other songs, and Mimis himself conducted his great orchestra. His associates are numerous. Vassilis Saleas enchanted everyone playing his clarinet. Young people sang, such as Spiros Klissas, Konstantinos Tsahouridis, Evi Kapatai. Singers of the Greek National Opera performed as well, such as Vasiliki Karayianni and Antonis Koroneos… But, most of the applause was for Zoe Kouroukli. Intermission: And then, for the second part, a very smart change of stage-set. The orchestra’s seats were covered and the evening gained a more folk- merry character, which peaked with Alkistis Protopsalti singing Mimis’ most popular songs. That’s when the audience really cheered. There was not an empty seat. While Alkistis Protopsalti was singing songs, whose lyrics were written by Lefteris, the audience was able to hear every word clearly, thanks to her excellent articulation. Listening to the lyrics clearly, made me realize once more how great Lefteris is. Powerful, meaningful, simple, honest words, daggers to our hearts. Words able to create images. As well as dreams. As well as truths! And I was thinking of some new, important lyric-writers that desperately look for original rhymes, supposedly surprising. Artificial, fake, presumptuous songs, without a hint of true emotion. Oh Lefteris! New writers… cannot beat you… May 28th, 2005
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