Tens of thousands of spectators enjoyed a spectacular evening of music at the packed out OAKA during Anna Vissi’s grand concert, with a highlight being the performance by the internationally renowned Greek Australian guitarist Orianthi.
The Olympic Stadium was filled with music, energy and emotion as Anna Vissi put on a spectacular show lasting around three hours, taking the audience on a journey through her long and distinguished career.
The popular singer took to the stage shortly after 9pm, set against a striking circular structure and wearing a black-and-white jumpsuit, sparking excitement amongst the thousands of spectators who had packed the stadium.
The concert began with “Αιγαίο”, followed by some of her greatest hits, such as “Αγάπη Υπερβολική” and “Σε περίπτωση που”.
The big surprise of the evening: Orianthi
A special highlight of the concert was the appearance of Orianthi, the internationally renowned Greek Australian guitarist, who was the big surprise Anna Vissi had promised her fans.
Orianthi’s appearance at OAKA was a special moment, as she is an artist with a distinguished international career in rock music and collaborations with leading names on the global music scene.
Orianthi, an artist of Greek background that was raised in Australia, Orianthi has enjoyed a remarkable international career as a guitarist and singer-songwriter.
She became more widely known through her collaboration with Michael Jackson, whilst she has also collaborated and performed with leading rock artists.
Her appearance at Anna Vissi’s concert at the Olympic Stadium Orianthi has carved out a unique place for herself on the international music scene, whilst her connection to her Greek heritage makes her appearance in Athens all the more special for the Greek diaspora in Australia.
Orianthi has carved out a unique place for herself on the international music scene, whilst her connection to her Greek heritage makes her appearance in Athens all the more special for the Greek diaspora in Australia.
From Michael Jackson to OAKA
Orianthi started out in Australia and went on to perform on some of the world’s biggest stages. Her collaboration with Michael Jackson was one of the key milestones in her career, and she subsequently worked with leading names on the international rock scene.
Her skill on the electric guitar and her distinctive stage presence have made her internationally recognised.
Her appearance alongside Anna Vissi at OAKA was, therefore, not merely another concert appearance, but a meeting of two different musical journeys that came together on stage.
DJ Argy set the pace before Vissi took to the stage
The evening’s music had begun several hours earlier. The doors of the OAKA opened at 5pm, while the pre-show began at around 8pm began with the internationally renowned Greek DJ and producer Argy (Argyris Theofilis).
Argy took it upon himself to get the audience ready for Anna Vissi’s big performance, while the two artists had collaborated over the summer on the duet “Όλο πιο πάνω”.
Moving tribute to Giorgos Mazonakis
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came shortly after midnight when Anna Vissi paid tribute to Giorgos Mazonakis.
Visibly moved, she spoke about the singer’s career and the love the audience had shown him. His image appeared on the OAKA screens, whilst the stadium erupted in applause.
“This man was born to stand out, to be loved and to speak to all our hearts,” said Anna Vissi.
She then invited the audience to sing “Κάθε βράδυ του Σαββάτου” with her, while also dedicating her own song “Το Τρένο” to him, which, as she said, had particularly moved him.
A night to remember
With a program packed with big hits, spectacular stage sets, powerful performances and special surprises, Anna Vissi treated the audience at OAKA to an evening full of music and emotion.
And among the standout moments was undoubtedly the appearance of Orianthi, the guitarist who has enjoyed an impressive journey from Australia to the biggest international music stages.
For the Greek community in Australia, Orianthi’s appearance in Athens held an additional symbolic significance: a Greek Australian returning to her country of origin and taking to the stage at one of Greece’s largest venues, in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
