Kids Club at astir palace The Westin Kids Club at Astir Palace launches its summer activities that combine sports and creativity in an incredibly beautiful setting. KID’S CLUB For toddlers: from May 1-Sept 30 Children up to 12years: from Jun 15-Sept 30 OPERATING HOURS: From May 1 until June 14: Mon-Sun from 10am to 6pm From June 15 until Aug 31: Mon-Fri from 9am to 7pm & Weekends from 10am to 7pm, From Sept 1 until Sept 30: Mon-Sun from 10am to 6pm.
Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • insider-publications.com • facebook.com/insiderpublications • No 61 • Friday, May 15, 2015 Musical Fiddler on the Roof
A Greek production of the musical, by American director Rob Ruggiero, the production will then travel to Thessaloniki. Until May 31 at Badminton Theatre, Alsos Stratou, Goudi, 210.884.0600, badmintontheater.gr
CULTURE
Exhibition YIAnnis paraschou
A solo painting exhibition of artist Yiannis Paraschou’s “Landscapes of the Aegean,” showcases a series of watercolour paintings, full of lyricism, colour and featuring a diverse, playful matter. Until May 30 at S.G. Art Gallery, Kleomenous 2, 210.724.2240, sgartgallery.com
Tribute to an operatic legend and rare human being
Insider Weekly traces the remarkable life and career of Greek-Canadian opera singer Teresa Stratas as the Greek National Opera shines a spotlight on the indisputably legendary diva, whose singular artistry and persona have given her a sense of mystery and allure.
One of the finest operatic singers of the century, the waif-like Teresa Stratas remains, at 78, a refreshing bundle of paradoxes. Described as a Garboesque reclusive diva, Stratas has striven to shun everything the word implies, by consistently defying convention and showing a rare generosity of spirit for someone as successful. Born Anastasia Stratakis to Cretan immigrant parents in Toronto’s working-class Cabbagetown district on May 28, 1938, Stratas was described by Juilliard School president Joseph Polisi as someone who, ‘set the standard for operatic dramatic interpretation in the late 20th century’. Her Dickensian youth seems to have informed her career and life-choices with Stratas first performing for an audience at
the restaurant run by her parents, literally singing for her supper! She began formal voice training at age 12 and her exquisite lyric soprano earned her a three-year scholarship to Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, where she studied under the legendary Irene Jessner. The little girl who got her start at neighborhood Greek folk-song festivals went on to play Puccini’s Mimi at Covent Garden. Over the course of her thirty-six year career at the Metropolitan Opera, she performed at opera houses around the world, including the Bolshoi, Vienna State, Berlin, Bavarian State (Munich), Paris and San Francisco Operas as well as the Salzburg Festival and appeared in 385 performances of 41 different roles, including Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Despina in Così fan tutte, Cherubino and Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, Liù in Turandot, Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly, Micaëla in Carmen, Marguerite in Faust, Desdemona in Otello, the title roles of Salome and Lulu. In 1995, Stratas made Met history by performing both lead soprano roles in an opening-night double bill, singing Nedda in Pagliacci opposite Luciano Pavarotti and then Magda in Il Tabarro opposite Placido Domingo. Her professional pinnacle, however, might have come in February 1979 at the Paris Opera, where Stratas sang the title role in the first full-length performance of Alban Berg’s Lulu, an event The New York Times called “perhaps the most important and glamourous operatic premiere since the Second World War.” Stratas was often singled out by critics and beloved by composers for the breadth of her emotional range. Kurt Weill’s widow, Lotte Lenya, once declared that she “sings Weill like he wrote it for her,” and trusted her with an unpublished collection of Weill’s songs. Stratas’s recording was subsequently named ‘record of the decade’ by Time magazine. Paul Gruber, Executive Director for Program Development of The
FAVE FIVE
Metropolitan Opera Guild who directed ‘Met Legends: Teresa Stratas’ observed that “in addition to having a unique and very beautiful voice, she worked with enormous theatrical instinct and acting ability.” Known for her indefatigable zest for both the joys and complications of living, her four-decade body of work can best be described as unconventional genius. In one of her rare interviews, she confessed, “My job, what I do, is to inform on the human condition. I strive to erase myself as I perform. I feel most myself when I am least myself.”
To each role she accepted, she “brought not only her formidable vocal talent, but an extraordinary ability to inhabit a character ”
That impulse to submerge herself in other people’s lives explains why, at various points in her career, Stratas has frustrated fans and critics by dropping out of sight dashing off to India in the ‘80s to assist Mother Teresa and tending to Romanian orphans dying of AIDS in the 1990s. The Greek National Opera (GNO) pays tribute to this legendary Greek-Canadian opera singer and extraordinary humanist on her birthday, May 28 at the Olympia in Athens, highlighting her distinguished record of achievement in opera. Alexia Voulgaridou and Myrtò Papatanasiu, feature at the GNO’s tribute, singing arias that bear the stamp of Stratas. In the framework of the first joint performance between the GNO and the Canadian Opera Company, the Canadian tenor Andrew Haji also appears with them. “Teresa Stratas’ stellar career highlights the significant contribution of Greek-Canadians to Canada’s cultural life. Ms. Stratas’ talent as one of the greatest sopranos and singing actresses of all time, her caring for the desperately ill and humanity honour both Greece and Canada. I thank the Greek National Opera for its decision to celebrate her impressive achievements on the world stage, and to celebrate her Greek heritage,” said Ambassador Robert Peck of Canada. But even the short-term drawbacks are palpable, while a prolonged mix of training with poor nutrition can be a recipe for disaster. Enter Coffee Bike. Conveniently placed along the Athens Marathon course, frequented not only by Marathoners on pre-race long runs but also a popular cycling route, this enterprising café stocks vitamin-packed fresh juices, energy-boosting sandwiches with sprouts and avocado, raw desserts and glutenfree muffins. www.coffeebike.net
MUSIC Beth Hart
The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter is globally recognized as one of the greatest singers of our time. Widely acclaimed for her raw talent, Beth Hart makes a live appearance on Tuesday, June 30 at Technopolis, Pireos 100, Gazi. Tel: 210.347.5518, technopolis-athens.com
SUMMER CAMPS 2015
Baby Summer Camp (1.5-2.5yrs), Mon-Fri from 9am-1pm Awareness and communication through creative play and activities. Junior Athletic Summer Camp (3-6yrs), Mon-Fri from 9am-3pm Including train rides at the resort, swimming lessons, brunch, tennis lessons, ballet, creative play, painting, pastry and cooking lessons, team sports and outdoor activities Athletic Summer Camp (7-12yrs), Mon-Fri from 9am-3pm Includes daily swimming lessons, tennis 3 times a week, basketball, soccer, dance and team sports. Brunch included in the package * All children participating in the Westin Kids Club are covered by private individual insurance. Transportation by bus from and to the Kids Club. For more info: 210.890.1528, 6981.030.500-501. astir-palace.com, westinathens.com
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY Benaki Museum: A round table discus-
Cultural rendezvous A great excuse to take your children and family to take in special events and permanent exhibitions across museums all over the country as they open doors to the public for free viewings. A regular rendezvous for lovers of culture around the globe, the International Museum Day is celebrated annually around May 18, since 1977. Most museums also run all-day or all-night events as well as special performances and concerts. A preview of what to expect around museums in Athens.
Spa Review
Time stops at Elounda Nestled on the slopes just across Spinalonga that inspired Victoria Hislop bestseller’s ‘the Island’, Blue Palace is the destination to indulge in some serious R&R. The sea on this part of Elounda seems bluer, or so it appears in contrast to the reddish hue of Crete’s rugged, rocky landscape. The hotel itself is housed in an imposing arsenal-like vaulted building inspired by Herakleio’s rich Venetian past that sets a tone of understated grandeur. But it is the warmth and Cretan hospitality that come through in this Starwood property. An amazing breakfast full of Cretan specialties, olives, “caltzounia’, honey and freshly squeezed juices get you instantly in the most energetic shape. A
sion dedicated to the Ethnological Museum of Thrace on Tuesday, May 19. benaki.gr Industrial Gas Museum: Events from May 15 through to May 24 include a tour around the museum, a round table discussion titled, ‘Industrial Gas Museum Backstage!’, storytelling sessions for children and art events. technopolis-athens.com Byzantine and Christian Museum: The Byzantine and Christian Museum celebrates its centenary in style with a host of exhibitions, concerts, workshops and educational tours. byzantimemuseum.gr Acropolis Museum: Jazz concerts in the museum’s courtyard and free lectures. theacropolismuseum.gr Μuseum of Cycladic Art: Storytelling workshops for children, educational programmes, a discussion on the present and future of archeological museums at 7 p.m. cycladic.gr Μuseum of Greek Children’s Art: Book presentations and art workshops. melt.gr cable-car transports you to the seashore down the hill slope, one among many of the unusual experiences you will savour at this resort. The voyage continues when you arrive at the Elounda Spa & Thalassotherapy, built as a ship vessel, on 3 floors featuring 3 thalassotherapy pools and 24 treatment rooms! The award-winning Elounda Spa & Thalassotherapy offers a complete range of luxury Valmont treatments that draw from the unspoiled natural resources of Switzerland and the latest cellular cosmetic research findings to formulate world-known anti-ageing skin care products featuring visible and long-lasting efficacy. In Greece, Valmont is represented by Orloff Spa Experts.bluepalace.gr, www.orloffspa.gr
TV THIS WEEK SONS OF ANARCHY 6
A man in his early 30’s struggles to find a balance in his life between being a new dad and his involvement in a motorcycle club. Friday at 03:50 on FOX
Walking Dead 5
The fifth season of the horror–drama television series, based on the series of comic books of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. Every Monday at 22:30 on FOX Watch FOX on OTE TV
CINEMA THIS WEEK
VICE
Bruce Willis stars in this Sci-Fi thriller about ultimate resort: VICE, where customers can play out their wildest fantasies with artificial inhabitants who look like humans.
WOMEN IN GOLD
Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the Austrian government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family.
TRIBUTE TO OPERA LEGEND
TERESA STRATAS On 28 May 2015 At the Olympia Theatre Conductor Elias Voudouris Performances by
So, you’re on a runners’ high after the Athens Half-Marathon (or perhaps the 5km), and now have November’s Athens Marathon in your sights. Congratulations! The bad news is that you’ll need to train through the heat of summer, to make your mark on this gruelling course. But the good news is that with the exploding popularity of amateur running, you’re spoilt for choice with shops selling stateof-the-art gear to shave seconds off your personal best (PB) time, with tempting tracks where you can really get into your stride, and pit-stops to refuel. With such an array, it’s hard to narrow it down to just five, but here are my favourite Athenian hotspots for runners. 1) Municipal Leisure & Athletic Park, Kallithea. Nestled at the corner of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, this is a boon to locals but also worth crossing town for. It comprises a flat 650m running loop, on a soft and gritty surface that is easy on the knees, with wafts of lavender from the adjacent bushes to scent the air as you run. Get a membership card to enjoy a dip in the 50m open-air pool after your run.
2) Outrun, Flisvos Marina. This running shop gets gold, silver and bronze for its appealing merchandise, user-friendly hours (its marina location enables it to open 7 days a week), and running analysis system. A sort of speed-dating for runners, it involves completing a questionnaire about your running habits and goals, showing your paces on a treadmill, and then getting paired up with your perfect running shoes. I met my match in a pared-down pair of Saucony, and have been running PBs ever since. www.outrun.gr
3) Coffee Bike, Pikermi. When cranking up the mileage, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. After all, one reasons, burning so many calories, what harm can that trough of ice-cream do?
4) Cryosauna Studio, Glyfada. It might sound like a form of torture, but being immersed in sub-zero temperature vapour can help muscle recovery, reduce injuries, boost the immune system and, as a side benefit, bump up collagen production to address the gaunt look that results when training cuts body fat to single digits. What’s more, it’s actually neither painful nor bone-chilling (only the very surface of the skin is cooled), and leaves you on a natural high for hours afterwards. www.cryosaunastudio.gr
5) Runner Store, Golden Hall. Headlined by Nikos Polias – Greek Olympian, Athens Marathon record-holder, editor of Runner magazine, and the man who brought timing chips to Greek races – this shop sells running clothes, shoes, energy snacks and all the gadgets to make you feel like a pro, plus (a nice touch) a small bookshop, where I picked up a manual of nutrition for the vegetarian athlete, but you can also find training bibles, biographies and more. www.runnerstore.gr
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Alexia Voulgaridou (soprano), Myrtò Papatanasiu (soprano), Andrew Haji (tenor) Performances begin at 20.00 Ticket prices €10, €12, €20, €30, €40, €60 Children & students €10 / Restricted view seats €8 Akadimias 59-61. Tel: 210.366.2100 Parallel events in the Olympia Theatre Foyer 24 May at 20.30: Documentary screening on Teresa Stratas. “Statasphere: Portrait of Teresa Stratas” Free admission 26 May at 12 noon: Round table discussion on Teresa Stratas. Free admission Participating speakers: ▪ Robert W. Peck - Ambassador of Canada to Greece ▪ Paul Gruber - Executive Director for Program Development of The Metropolitan Opera Guild ▪ Myron Michailidis - Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera ▪ Nikolaos Maliaras - Professor of Historical Musicology at the Faculty of Music Studies of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens ▪ Thanos Veremis - Professor Emeritus of International and European Studies at the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The Greek National Opera’s tribute to Teresa Stratas is being organized with the support of: The Canadian Embassy in Athens, the Metropolitan Opera Guild in New York, the Canadian Opera Company, Eldorado Gold, Eurobank, Turkish Airlines and INGLOT Cosmetics. For more info: www.nationalopera.gr/en/event/afieroma-stin-teresa-stratas/