The majestic Greek National Anthem - 'Hymn to Liberty' - performed as a live orchestral piece in Sydney Town Hall on March 25th, to celebrate 200 years of Independence.
A powerful and moving tribute to the Hellenic struggle for liberty and self-determination. Sydney Town Hall resonated with the emotion of Solomos' words and the verve of Mantzaros' score.
Originally created as a 158 stanza poem by Dionysios Solomos, the first 24 stanzas form the basis of the anthem and it is the first two verses that are usually sung. The poem was first set to music in 1828 and popularly adopted as a battle song, but it wasn't until 1861 that it was endowed with the military marching score we know today. It became the official song of Greece in 1864 and is today the world's longest national anthem.
We knew thee of old, Oh, divinely restored, By the lights of thine eyes, And the light of thy Sword, From the graves of our slain, Shall thy valour prevail. As we greet thee again- Hail, Liberty! Hail!
'Hymn to Liberty' has become a source of inspiration, courage & pride for all those facing injustice, oppression and war.
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