Persephone, the cycle of life
The myth of Persephone is the sweet way ancient Greeks chose to explain the cycle of nature, the change of the seasons. Persephone was the daughter of Demetra (Minerva in Latin), the goddess of nature and agriculture. Hades, the god of the Underworld saw her, fancied her, and (of course) he had to have her. He dragged her down to the Underworld with him and made her his bride. However, Demetra was a tough mother-in-law. As soon as she lost her daughter, she grieved so hard that the whole world froze, the earth ceased to produce any crops and people were faced with starvation. After desperately pleading to her, Demetra succumbed and cut a deal with Hades: for six months (autumn and winter), Persephone would stay at the Underworld; and for the other six (spring and summer), she would return to earth.
This charming, naive story is the main theme of Steven Pogson's Cantata for children's choir and three voices presented by the Children's Choir of National Conservatory with three soloists on Saturday, May 26th, at 19.00, at the New Benaki Museum in Pireos street. All children and soloists are students of the Conservatory and are joined by a live band of students, playing the piano, violin, cello, flute and percussions. The part of Persephone is sung by yours truly, MarieMom, but I'm telling you, the real hit of the show is Hades, the man with a plan in tux and the moves of John Travolta!
The performance is ideal for young children and it lasts about 40 minutes. After the interval, you can also watch the show of the Musical Class of the Conservatory: prepare for decception, crime and fishnets, as the theme is Highlights from Chicago! And all this, for the modest ticket of 5 euro at the door.
And while you're at it, you can also see two very interesting exhibitions that have just opened: "Jean Cocteau and Greece" and "Antonis Kyriakoulis" (a very interesting Greek artist with a carricaturistic style). Read more about them at www.benaki.gr
