2021-2022 Season

2021 Christmas Concert

The 2021 Christmas Concert marked the return of the Cathedral Choir in its first “post-pandemic” public performance: “The Sounds of Christmas!”

Concert highlights included the world premiere of “Κατεπλάγη Ιωσήφ,” composed by Dawn Helene and orchestrated by Hilary Baboukis, as well as “Σήμερον γεννάται εκ Παρθένου,” “Λύτρωσιν απέστειλε,” the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel, “One Small Child” and “Little Drummer Boy” featuring the Cathedral Youth Choir, and some of the most famous songs and hymns of Christmas, such as “O Come all ye Faithful” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” in both English and Greek arrangements. As always, there was a sing-along portion of the program in which all were invited to sing.

The concert was under the baton of Maestro Costas Tsourakis, the Greek-American baritone and newly appointed director. For the first time in its history, the concert also featured the Cathedral Youth Choir, which was started by Maestro Tsourakis in September 2021 to teach the Cathedral youth community about music and the hymns of the church.

The annual Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Cathedral has become a staple in the New York holiday concert scene, continuing a tradition that began with the first Cathedral Christmas Concert under the baton of the late maestro Dr. Dino Anagnost in 1976.

A virtual concert version of “The Sounds of Christmas” also premiered on December 23nd; highlights may be viewed here.

2022 Cabaret

Members of the Cathedral Choir and Youth Choir serenaded the audience with popular songs, Broadway showtunes, Greek songs, opera and more, including music by Berlin, Bernstein, Bizet, Gershwin, Puccini, Theodorakis. The evening was hosted by Maestro Costas Tsourakis and included food, drinks, and a 50/50 raffle, all in support of the newly-formed Cathedral Youth Choir.

2022 Lenten Concert

The Cathedral Choir was thrilled to present a Lenten program: “The Sounds of Lent.” Concert highlights included newly orchestrated settings of the powerful “Hymn of Kassiani” by Nikolaos Mantzaros, the poetic hymn “Αγνή Παρθένε Δέσποινα” by St. Nektarios of Aegina, the world premiere of Dawn Helene’s arrangement of “Σήμερον κρεμάται,” orchestrated by Hilary Baboukis, the choral finale of the symphony “Levendia” by Manolis Kalomiris, and selections from Mozart’s “Requiem.” The concert also featured the beautiful “Song of Athene” by John Tavener and Lenten hymns sung by the Cathedral Choir and Youth Choir, accompanied by the Cathedral Orchestra. Notable soloists included Karolina Pilou of the Metropolitan Opera, Alyson Spina, and Eva Raffaele. The concert was also made available through YouTube for virtual attendees.

The concert was under the baton of Maestro Costas Tsourakis, the Greek-American baritone, and for the first time in its history, featured the Cathedral Youth Choir, which was started by Maestro Tsourakis in September 2021 to teach the Cathedral youth community about music and the hymns of the church.

Tribute to Theodorakis

The Archdiocesan Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Maestro Costas Tsourakis, presented an evening of some of Theodorakis’ most beloved songs, sung by members of the Choir and Youth Choir and joined by the Archdiocesan Cathedral Greek Orchestra. The event featured renowned author and Theodorakis collaborator Gail Holst-Warhaft, whose introductions highlighted the influence of Theodorakis’ poetry on his music. Featured songs included selections from The Mauthausen Trilogy, Axion Esti, and works featuring the composer’s own poetry.

Featured performers included:
Costas Tsourakis, Director
Alexandra Skendrou, Soprano
Kristina Kaye, Soprano
Hilary Baboukis, Mezzo-Soprano
John Koch, Tenor
Kostas Psarros, Bouzouki
Megan Gould, Violin
Steve Vavagiakis, Percussion
Dawn Helene, Keyboard

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