The Newsletter for friends and members of OHFS inside Vol. 13, Issue No. 1, Summer 2007 this issue…

Destination: Kalamata 1-2

Youth Group End of Year Program 3-4

Spotlight 4-5

Orpheus Participates Destination Kalamata: Orpheus Takes in Choral Concert 5 Greece by Storm... Again! OHFS Youth Musicians 6

Teen Odysseys 7 Question: Where can one go to swim in lime green attire, enjoying everything the blue waters of the Mediterranean, Kalamata and the surrounding towns enjoy a tasty honey and sesame pasteli have to offer. Future Performances 8 and frolic among the olive trees? The last time Orpheus made the journey Answer: The beautiful city of Kalamata, to Greece was in 1997. That summer, Greece! the troupe participated in the 51st Pan- Macedonian Convention of the U.S. and Kalamata is home to some of the most Canada. A few months later, Orpheus stunning beaches, magnificent scenery, returned to Greece, representing the and centuries old traditions and history. U.S. at the First Festival of Greek Artists Soon it will be filled with almost two Abroad at the annual Athens Festival. hundred Orpheans and their families, Highlights from these trips included vis- 606 Greendale Rd. proudly wearing their specially designed iting various museums and archeological Glenview, IL 60025 847.657.0958 Continued on page 2 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.ohfs.org

Tax-exempt Not-for-profit Organization

Yannis Economou 847.657.0958 Director/President

Kostas Economou 847.729.3406 Instructor

Marianna Gudmundsson 847.967.5103 Artistic Director/Vice President

Bessie Kouchoukos-Grosso 773.286.5132 Youth Group Coordinator Near Kalamata lie the ruins of the ancient city of Ithomi (Messini) which have proven to be one of the most significant archeological sites in Greece. This view of the stadium is one of the many projects underway.

Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society Lyra - Summer 2007 Continued from page 1 Ksenitia”. Yannis Economou observes, sites, a reception at the Governor’s “The collaboration for the trip to mansion in Thessaloniki, and the Greece comes at a good time as it will rare opportunity to perform at the enhance our presentations there… Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater. Eftihia has added many interesting elements to the folk songs that we are This summer, Orpheus looks forward presenting during our program.” to surpassing those experiences as many of its members and their fami- Of course hard work merits some lies make their way back to Greece. much deserved play time, and there This time the destination will be are plenty of adventures waiting for Kalamata, the capital city of Messinia, Orpheus members and their families. located in the southern part of the The city of Kalamata offers endless Peloponnese. “Kalamata was chosen opportunities for shopping, dining, The crystal clear beach in the village of Stoupa, as the destination for our trip because a hopping night life and some guar- in Messinian Mani is one of many award winning many of our members are from that anteed fun in the sun. The excur- beaches in the area. Kalamata and the Peloponnese. This sion agenda includes visits to natu- offers the opportunity for many of ral wonder sites, archaeological sites Principal Instructor Kostas Economou our members to participate and for and, of course, fabulous beaches. comments on the significance of this their relatives to attend the perfor- trip: “Going to perform in Greece is mances”, says Orpheus president Ancient Messini, near the town of like ‘completing the cycle’ of what Yannis Economou. The itinerary Mavrommati, is another important Orpheus’ mission and goal is. All of us includes performances in the town archeological discovery as Spartans, feel a special pride that we will have of Finikounda, ancient Messini and Athenians and Romans left their the chance to showcase Hellenic tra- at the famous Kastro Amphitheater mark on this fallen city. In addition ditions in our homeland.” He contin- in Kalamata, as well as dance work- to the theater, stadium, agora and ues, “Hopefully it will instill in all of shops with the Kalamata Branch of the Arcadian Double Gate, scientists us a sense of pride, achievement, and the Lykeion Dance Group. tell us there is still much more to camaraderie. It will bring us closer to Messini. It is an archaeological work our traditions and customs, and pro- in progress, as excavators are still vide us with strength to continue with uncovering sculptures, inscriptions the same zeal in the years to come.” and pottery, learning more and more about the lives of our ancestors. Performing in Greece means some- thing different to all involved. Arguably, A few hours drive into Mani, the the most resonant theme is the sense Diros Caves are a stunning and geo- of immense pride the performers logically significant natural wonder. and their families are experiencing. The Paleolithic and Neolithic arti- Youth Group Coordinator VA Grosso facts found in the caves led scien- and her family will be performing in tists to believe the caves were one Finikounda, near her mother’s home The porous limestone mountains of the southern of the earliest inhabited places in town of Lahanatha. Like many of our Peloponnese formed the spectacular caves of Diros, which are filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Greece. The awesome, endless rows ancestors, Bessie’s mother left Greece of stalagmites and stalactites adorn- decades ago and made the long, dif- Orpheus is excited to have choral ing the caves in the underground ficult journey to Chicago in search of a instructor Eftihia Papageorgiou and waterways are something few people better life for her and her family. Now members of her Chicago Hellenic get to experience. history comes “full circle” as Bessie Choir joining us on this trip. For and her family will be back perform- over two years, Orpheus has been Also in Mani, along the foothills of ing in the region her mother once working with Eftihia, practicing and Taygetos Mountain are the beaches called home. “I am going to dance like presenting a variety of tradition- of Stoupa. Known for sandy beaches never before and be proud of who I al and modern Greek songs, add- and clear waters, Stoupa is a favor- am and proud of everyone coming. ing another dimension to the dance ite destination for natives and for- Meet me in Kalamata on July 23rd and troupe. Under Eftihia’s direction, the eigners alike. Besides swimming, don’t forget your fousta, shoes, and of troupe will perform selections such visitors can go boating, fishing, hik- course your bathing suit…I don’t think as “Thalassaki Mou”, “Ston Afro Tis ing, shopping, or simply dine and Kalamata will ever forget us!” r Thalassas”, “Gerakina” and Orpheus’ relax with friends while enjoying the signature piece, “Tora Pou Pas Stin incredible sunset.

2 Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society augment the adult group in com- Orpheus Youth Group: munity performances, presented a Thracian suite including Sygathistos Passing on the Torch of Tradition and Culture Syrtos, Mantilatos, Koulouriastos, and Sihtir Havasi. With the quick tempos and energetic leaders in each of these dances, the audience responded with equal enthusiasm and pride.

Throughout the event, youth mem- bers reflected on their own personal discovery of Greek music and dance traditions (speeches may be found at ohfs.org in their entirety.) From the first Palamakia danced, to the more complicated Pentozalis, Connie dis- covered that Greek dance not only allows self-expression, but also strengthens her bond to the Greek community. Connie has danced and Members of the Orpheus Youth group pose for a group picture at the conclusion of the End of the Year Celebration. performed with the youth for the past 5 years and is graduating to the The Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Youth from three levels of experience adult group. Society’s end of the year youth event performed dances from Chios, Thraki, demonstrated once again that tra- and Northern Greece. Opening the Another five-year veteran and gradu- ditions of Greek song and dance celebration, accompanied by Izaki ate, Zacharias, stated, “I suddenly are flourishing in the Chicagoland on violin and Paul on toumbeleki, realized that I had left the minors area. As guest speaker Dr. Angelyn the youngest group danced and sang and joined the pros. I realized that K. Balodimas-Bartolomei, associate “Ksenitemeno mou Pouli,” an immi- there is more to Greek dancing than professor in the School of Education gration-themed folk song. Next, they Kalamatiano.” Performing for oth- at North Park University, vividly traveled to the eastern Aegean, stop- ers is one thing, but Zach reflected described the historical background ping by the island of Chios, known for on his love of Greek dance for its of Greek dance through the ages, she its epic poets. Youth members skill- own exhilaration. He shared, “I will noted “…dancing is divine in nature fully demonstrated their knowledge never forget the first Vasilopita party and is the gift of the gods…given to of Greece’s geography as each dance where my friends and I danced some select mortals, who in turn was introduced. Keeping the history together for hours, not for an audi- taught their dancing to fellow men and dances alive and well, mem- ence, but for ourselves.” and women”. Indeed, these gifts have bers performed Pyrgousikos from been passed down through all levels Chios and Thracian dances Xysyrtos, Katerina expressed gratitude toward of OHFS’ youth group. Dentritsi, and Mantilatos. her instructors and friends for shar- ing themselves and their culture. One of the highlights at this year’s Following the fresh talents of the She will also be joining the adult performance was the use of live youngest dancers, the intermediate group and shared, “I am ecstatic music played by youth members. group brought family and friends to begin the adult group, knowing Using the toumbeleki and violins, back to Northern Greece, perform- that it will be just as wonderful as Paul Grosso, Izaki Metropoulos, ing dances from Macedonia, Epiros, the youth group. It has been a large and Katerina Economou performed and Thraki. Raikos, Dimitroula, and stepping stone in my life, and I will “Mes tou Aigaiou ta Nisia” (Issios Kori Eleni challenged performers never forget what I’ve learned and from Kalymnos) and “Ksekina Mia with rare time signatures and step who I’ve met.” Psaropoula,” a Kalamatiano in the variations from Macedonia, as did island style syrto. This new element of Karsilamas, a dance performed in Finally, although Alexander has been live music, along with choral instruc- couples, from Thrace, and Zagorisios, performing in the community for tion, will continue to be developed a popular dance from Epiros. some time, this year he achieved a within the youth group, thus propa- level of dance skill and expression gating yet another cultural tradition Proud to introduce the highest level that moved him to the front of the valued by the ancient Greeks. of youth accomplishment, 27 youth, robust Orpheus Tsamiko. He devel- including 10 graduates who already Continued on page 4

Lyra - Summer 2007 3 Continued from page 3 oped not only an individual style, but also a greater connection to his Orpheus friends. The assertion of an identity that is both unique and cul- tural, is the odyssey of every young Greek-American, whether the dancer joins the line at the end, the middle, or performs tsalimia at the front.

Similar to the Orpheus youth reflec- tions, Dr. Balodimas-Bartolomei’s professional observations of both Greek and non-Greek cultures described dance as a celebration which allows one to express their feelings and traditions. She noted that “…it is good for both the body and mind (the same thing that our Greek philosophers believed); chil- Dr. George Sianis presented the “Dina Sianis Merit Awards” to three youth students, dren need to learn ethnic dances so Eleni Pantelias, Alexander Benziger and Zachary Demertzis. Also pictured, Yannis Economou (left) they won’t forget our culture; they will and Bessie Grosso (right). learn who they are and where they came from.” She further emphasized Awards”. This was the second year Troupe. Members of the Sianis family that their “participation ensures that awards were given to several gradu- attended the event and Dr. George our beautiful Greek dancing and tra- ating youth members that exhibited Sianis presented the awards and con- ditions will continue to be passed on an extraordinary sense of dedication gratulated the recipients as well as all to other generations.” Indeed, this during their years with the youth of the youth members. is the torch of tradition and culture group. The awards honor the late that is being passed on to each youth Mrs. Dina Sianis who was a cher- The Orpheus Youth Group conclud- member while they are a part of the ished and enthusiastic supporter of ed the 2006-07 year with another Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society. Hellenic culture, especially in the folk successful event and demonstrated arts and crafts. She was involved in their great potential for the future The event concluded with the pre- many causes, but one of her favor- as guardians of Hellenic culture. sentation of the “Dina Sianis Merit ites was assisting the Orpheus Dance Congratulations! r

spotlight Hometown: on Orpheus Glenview, IL Parents/Family From: My mother was born and raised in Zimbabwe, dancer… though her parents came from Athens, Greece, and my father and his family are from Tripoli, Greece. Time Dancing with Orpheus: I’ve been dancing with Orpheus for about 4 years. Thoughts on Dancing: I believe that dancing is an expression of a person’s innermost thoughts. It is a way for people to convey through movement what they cannot convey through words. Orpheus is a very unique group where we are given the opportunity to express our deep love and respect for our culture and country through a variety Nina Katsinis of dances. It is a very gratifying feeling.

4 Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society performs its repertoire at two annual Orpheus joins the Chicago Hellenic Choir recitals, a winter and spring recital, during which the different groups per- in Spring Recital form both individually and jointly.

For the second year in a row, mem- having Hellenic roots seem to pro- The opportunity for both groups to bers of Orpheus performed with vide new and challenging situations sing together again will present itself the Chicago Hellenic Choir dur- which always prove to be worthwhile this summer in Greece. Over 80 mem- ing their Spring Recital at Northside no matter how difficult. One thing is bers with their families from both College Preparatory High School in certain: it’s never too early or too late Orpheus and the Chicago Hellenic Chicago. Under the direction of Eftihia to appreciate the gifts of the Muses! Choir will embark on a weeklong tour Papageorgiou, members sang popular of Messinia. The Spring Recital served works of Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Ms. Papageorgiou established the as a good practice run for the pro- Hatzidakis, two of Greece’s greatest Chicago Hellenic Choir in 2004. It is a gram in Greece. Both folk and modern modern composers whose works are program offered by the Odeion School songs have been added to the already considered classics in Greece. The of Music. The Chicago Hellenic Choir impressive program, which is sure to repertoire included “Tora Pou Pas Stin consists of a junior group, a youth please everyone. r Ksenitia” (Now that you Leave for a group, and an adult group. The choir Foreign Land), “Odos Oneiron” (Street of Dreams), and other famous con- temporary pieces. The acoustics of the beautiful auditorium were remarkable and the audience was appreciative.

During the intense practices for the recital, some of the singers seemed more familiar with the Greek lan- guage than others. Due to regional dialects, even “old-country” veterans came across a few expressions they had never heard before. Beginning Greek singers tried, through many repetitions, to begin lyrics with “ks” and “ts” sounds, which are virtual- ly unheard of at the beginning of English words. For some members, Choral director Eftihia Papageorgiou (center) with Sophia, Marianna, Felicia and Bessie.

Favorite Dance: Favorite Greek Dish: I really cannot choose one dance because I love Spanakopita them all, but if I had to choose I would have to pick Ikariotikos because it is such a lively dance. Favorite Place in Greece: Since I have never visited Greece, I cannot choose a Most Vivid OHFS Memory: favorite place just yet. This will be my first summer My most vivid memory with Orpheus was when the in Greece and I am very excited because I have heard group participated in the Folk Dance Festival in San wonderful things about how beautiful Greece really is! Diego, California in February of 2006. While we were backstage waiting to enter for our performance, we Hobbies/Sports/Other Interests: put our hands together in a huddle and whispered I enjoy singing, playing the piano, and volleyball ‘good luck’ to each another. Although this moment Nobody knows I: does not involve any singing or dancing, it has been Love playing volleyball instilled in me because of the immense amount of love and support I felt from the group at that moment. Best childhood memory: This same feeling is always present in the Orpheus My favorite childhood memory would have to be going group and it is what makes dancing here such an to my grandma’s house after Easter every year and enjoyable experience. having the whole family together. r

Lyra - Summer 2007 5 Youth Group Musicians Take the Stage Teen Odysseys

If voice is the soul of music, its heart on the violin. He also studies American The definition of "odyssey" given in the is musical accompaniment. This fiddle and Western classical violin; he dictionary is "an intellectual or spiritual year musicians have begun giving a has been practicing “Swinging Fiddles” wandering or quest." Many Orpheans live vibe to Orpheus youth perfor- and Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” His trills will be doing just that this summer as mances. Under the direction of adult and ornamentation add maturity and they journey to Kalamata to visit their members and other volunteers skilled depth to his performance. His favorite parents’ homes to strengthen their with instruments, the youth group pieces are from the Greek islands roots by practicing the Greek language musicians have been practicing a because of their flow and speed. Izaki and participating in folk dances and variety of Greek folk songs and dances says, “I really liked how it sounded. songs. Several sets of teenage siblings in order to convey an authentic This year I started listening to that are among these travelers. experience not only to the audience really fast Greek music.” He also digs but the dancers as well. They have been deep into the strings for Pentozalis studying especially hard these last few and a Sousta from Rhodos. weeks since they will complement the series of performances in Greece Christina, sixteen has been playing this summer. The ensemble consists the violin since she was 4. She also of Katerina, Christina and Izaki on plays the piano and sings. Christina the violin while Paul keeps the beat says, "It's fun to try different songs you on the toumbeleki. thought you couldn’t play" such as the theme to Star Wars and Cretan music. Katerina is eleven years old and has been studying violin for seven years. Christina's brother Paul, fourteen, Her father, Yiannis, is one of the lead plays toumbeleki, bouzouki, and dance instructors of Orpheus. Her violin. This trip to Kalamata is in father’s family is from Thessaloniki and essence a return “home” for Paul since Athens while her mother’s family is most of his maternal family is from Jamie and Connie. from Cuba. She speaks English, Greek Messinia. Paul’s mother Bessie is also and Spanish. Katerina visits Greece a dance teacher for Orpheus. This is Connie and Jamie’s family is from the every year, where she spends time on Paul’s seventh journey to Greece. village Kerasea just outside Tripolis. the islands of Paros and Thasos. They learned Greek at the Athena Having live musical accompaniment Greek School and from their parents. Izaki is also eleven and has been not only provides a new appreciation The sisters look forward to seeing playing since he was five. His yiayia of the culture, it also makes the their cousins in Glyfada and Tripolis, is from Neda in Messenia and his dances and songs more enjoyable where they enjoy strolling the platia papou is from Vasta in Arkadia. Izaki and meaningful. r to shop, eat ice cream and drink especially enjoys playing Ikariotikos coffee. This will be their third journey, and they are looking forward to seeing the Kalamata Branch of the Lykeion Dance Group and learning dances from them. From past odysseys, Jamie’s favorite site was Agamemnon’s Tomb in Mycenae.

Dean and his sister Vicky have graduated to the adult performaning group. Their father is from Kalavrita and their mother from Argos. Dean is looking forward to seeing his cousins. He attended Athena and the Hellenic American Academy, where he learned Greek. Dean says, “It’s important to know where you’re from, to know about yourself and who you are.” He wants to see the Parthenon Paul, Katerina, Izaki and Christina accompany the dancers at the St. George festival.. Continued on page 7

6 Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society Continued from page 6 Catherine and Christina, whose and theaters but is looking forward grandmother is from Lahanada near to exploring how modern Kalavrita Finikouda, Messinia, look forward to has become. "At night everyone is parasailing, enjoying authentic Greek out eating at the local restaurants and cooking, shopping, going out at night, walking up and down the streets with getting a tan, and making new friends. their friends," Dean says. He has been Catherine’s favorite historical site is dancing with Orpheus for five years, Knossos, the Minoan civilization in and his favorite dance is Tsestos. ancient Crete. Catherine and Christina Vicky’s favorite dance is Ikariotikos, love the Cretan dance Pentozalis. and her favorite song is “Tora Pou Pas Stin Ksenitia” in which she sings alto. Peter and Spiro. This is the second trip to Greece for “It’s our signature song,” she says, and Felicia and her sister Maria. Felicia she enjoys how the the soprano and “We’re looking forward to the trip wants to site-see the villages, especially alto parts come together. to Greece because the trip is going Perdikovrisi near Tripolis. to be amazing, but you can’t enjoy Peter and Spiros’s parents are from it without the surroundings: the Everyone's odyssey will be different Ahladokambos and Ayios Vassillis people from Orpheus will make it a and personal, as they fulfill their quests near Tripolis. The boys speak Greek trip you will never forget. I’m looking in their own way. The end result is at home and started dancing in forward to the paniyiria afterward, always the same: a greater knowledge Greek school at St. John the Baptist swimming at the beach, hanging and understanding of our rich culture church in Des Plaines. Peter is front with my friends and doing what we and heritage. Of course, it goes without man in the adult group’s Tsamiko, love to do.” His favorite historical site saying, all are looking forward to and “Enas Aetos” (An Eagle) is is Thermopylae. making their dancing debut in Greece. his favorite Tsamiko. Peter says, Good luck and break a leg! r Happy 18th Birthday Orpheus!

If the Orpheus Dance Troupe was a person, then it would be eligible to vote! Yes, Orpheus turned 18 years old this past May! During its “infancy” and “toddler years”, Orpheus faced a tremendous challenge as it began to establish itself as a new and upcoming cultural program within the Hellenic community. Since that time, Orpheus matured into a flourishing organiza- tion that has been recognized for its quality, commitment and character. As Orpheus members gathered to Orpheus celebrated its 18th birthday during a practice session last May. blow out the candles that were placed on a delicious birthday cake, it was It has been very rewarding to see so instantly fills with youth, dancing to almost impossible not to think of all many Greek American youngsters join the sounds of Pyrgousikos, Pentozalis, the accomplishments that have been the group and watch their apprecia- Pousnitsa and Mantilatos. Somehow attained over the last 18 years. But as tion and attitude grow in a positive the map of Greece no longer looks the Orpheus approaches its “adult” years, way, with respect to their Hellenic cul- same! A different sense of familiarity the challenges remain the same. What ture. A new window of opportunity to and belonging has appeared through does the future hold and how can look at the land of their parents and the myriad of dances that are learned Orpheus plan for long-term growth grandparents is offered to them, and from each region of Greece. There is and survival? Maintaining and pro- they like what they see! The days where no better way to celebrate a birth- moting the strengths of the group parents had to drag their youngsters to day, other than taking a group trip to and strategizing for the next 18 years participate in Greek-related activities Greece! Happy Birthday Orpheus! r remains an exciting challenge. are long gone, and now the dance floor

Lyra - Summer 2007 7 performance schedule

Village of Glenview 4th of July Parade Orpheus Trip to Kalamata, Greece North Shore Greek Festival Downtown Glenview July 23-30 Hellenic American Academy Glenview, IL Performance schedule: 1085 Lake Cook Road Wednesday, July 4 Wednesday, July 25, Finikounda Deerfield, IL 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26, Ancient Messini Sunday, September 2 Saturday, July 28, Kastro Amphitheatre, Kalamata 8:00 p.m. Passport to the World 9:00 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum Christmas Around the World Festival 700 E Grand Ave Greek Town Festival Museum of Science & Industry Chicago, IL Halsted Street Saturday, December 8 Saturday, July 14 Chicago, IL 4:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, August 26-27 Come visit our booth: Saturday-Sunday 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Performance: Sunday, 8:00 p.m.

Performance schedule and times are subject to change. For the latest information visit http://www.ohfs.org.

practice schedule Youth Group: Members ages 10-14 (Northbrook and Glenview locations).

Orpheus Adult Group Orpheus Youth Group: (September through May) Beginners: Members with little or no previous dance experience. Beginner/Intermediate: Every Thursday at: Intermediate: Dancers who have shown progress in the beginners’ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Session I: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. class attend the last hour of practice. At the discretion of the instructors, Intermediate/Advanced: Session II: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. the intermediate level dancers will be practicing in a separate line. St. John Lutheran Church 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. All dancers, especially beginners, are encouraged to obtain a personal 3020 Milwaukee Ave. Every Thursday at: CD of the music used for performances, in order to practice on one’s own Northbrook, IL St. John Lutheran Church and become accustomed to the music. Please provide Yannis or Kostas 3020 Milwaukee Ave. Every Saturday at: Economou with a blank CD. Northbrook, IL 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Submissions for the Fall issue of Lyra will be accepted until September 15, 2007. (one mile north from the New Church We are always interested in educational essays/articles dealing with the subjects Multipurpose Room of Greek folk dance, folk music, and folk traditions. We continue to accept personal intersection of Lake/Euclid announcements and all other submissions pertinent to the dance troupe and its and Milwaukee Ave.) 74 Park Dr., Glenview, IL membership. If an individual wishes to contribute material on a continuous basis,

(one block west of Shermer/Glenview Rds) please inform the Editor.

Glenview, IL 60025 IL Glenview, 606 Greendale Rd. Greendale 606