This year, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the family of Mikis Theodorakis come together to commemorate the “century of Miki,” marking 100 years since the birth of Greece’s iconic composer. This centennial tribute underscores not only his artistic genius but also his profound influence on Greek cultural identity and social consciousness.
The culmination of these commemorations will be a grand tribute concert titled “My whole life is near you”, scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. at the historic Panathinaiko Stadium (Kallimarmaro). This event promises to be a powerful celebration of Theodorakis’s vast artistic oeuvre, featuring renowned performers who will interpret his compositions, accompanied by speeches highlighting his lifelong struggles and contributions.
Notably, Dimitris Koutsoumbas, General Secretary of the KKE’s Central Committee, will deliver a speech emphasizing Theodorakis’s role as a cultural titan whose work transcended mere music to become a voice of resistance, hope, and national identity.
A Cultural and Political Icon
Koutsoumbas, reflecting on Theodorakis’s legacy, described him as an artist whose melodies embodied the collective soul of the Greek people—”a sea in his mind and a pergola of heaven.” His music, infused with the deepest emotions—joy, love, anger, hope, sacrifice, and faith—became a vessel for expressing the collective struggles and aspirations of Greece.
From the “May Day” of 1936 to the heroism of the EAM resistance during the Occupation, from prison and exile to the streets of post-war Athens, Theodorakis’s compositions became the soundtrack of resistance and hope. His work captured the pulse of historical moments, serving as a seismograph of popular consciousness, resonating through generations and social movements.
Music as Resistance and Reflection of Social Struggles
Theodorakis famously stated that his entire life and inspiration lived within the concept of resistance. Perissos notes that his work encapsulates the fluctuating moods of popular movements, reflecting the social upheavals and political developments of the 20th century. His compositions served as a musical chronicle of Greece’s turbulent history—of struggle, exile, and perseverance.
His dedication to the ideals of social justice and freedom was lifelong. Despite persecution, imprisonment, and exile, Theodorakis persisted in his creative and political endeavors, viewing his music as an experiential expression of collective yearning for emancipation. In a poignant letter in 2020, he expressed his desire to depart this world as a committed communist, emphasizing that his most profound years were spent under the banner of the KKE—a testament to the inseparability of his political convictions and artistic identity.
A Digital Archive and Public Engagement
To honor his legacy, the official website [https://mikis100.kke.gr](https://mikis100.kke.gr) has been launched, offering a rich archive of photographs, podcasts, videos, and thematic programmes. A dedicated section for children presents illustrated stories by Konstantinos Rouggeris and a tribute ebook from the magazine *Red Aerostat*, illuminating key moments of Theodorakis’s life.
Social media channels actively share daily audiovisual glimpses into his work, contribution, and struggles under the hashtag #mikis100, fostering a collective digital remembrance.
A Cultural Event of National Significance
The concert will feature an ensemble of distinguished Greek musicians, including Giorgos Dalaras, Maria Farantouri, Alkistis Protopsaltis, Manolis Mitsias, and others, performing compositions that have become symbols of Greek resilience and cultural identity.
This event is not merely a tribute to a composer but a reaffirmation of the enduring power of art as a vehicle of resistance, unity, and national pride. It underscores Mikis Theodorakis’s role as a seismograph of popular consciousness—his melodies echoing the dreams, struggles, and hopes of the Greek people, and beyond.
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