C E L E BR AT I NG 5 0 Y E A RS ! C O N C E I V E D B Y P E R E C L E S P. P H I L L I P S
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Joy Joy
Friday, December 6, 2019 8:00 p.m. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension
Joy
A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L C H R I S T M A S
Friday, December 6, 2019 at 8 p.m.
Fiftieth Annual
An International Christmas Conceived by Perecles P. Phillips
Presented by the
Ascension Liturgical Choir Laura Kakis Serper, Conductor
SPECIAL GUESTS Angela Koregelos, Flutist Venetia Phillips, Trumpet
Kairos Youth Choir Laura Kakis Serper, Founder & Conductor Oakland School for the Arts Concert Choir Cava Menzies, Director AND MEMBERS OF THE
Young People’s Symphony Orchestra David Ramadanoff, Director
Dr. Tikey Zes, Guest Conductor Steve Cardiasmenos, Guest Conductor Lucy Nemeth, Concertmistress
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension Oakland, California
Arkadi Serper, Pianist/Orchestral Arranger
“Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the Universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order, and leads to all that is good and just and beautiful.”
PLATO Honoring Ascension Cathedral’s Musical Legacy and Annual Holiday Offering
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(Inset) Oakland’s First Choir, 1939. PHOTO COURTESY ASCENSION HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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o appreciate tonight’s concert is to first understand the evolution of the Greek community in Oakland, CA, briefly summarized here from the Ascension Historical Society (AHS) website pahh.org. In the 1890s Greeks had already settled and opened their own businesses in the city of Oakland and its vicinity. By 1914, Greeks with Syrians and Lebanese were celebrating the Divine Liturgy in a rented hall in Oakland with a priest coming from San Francisco to officiate. “The Hellenic Community of Oakland and Vicinity” was formally chartered by the State of California on February 16, 1917. Four years later,
Joy, Joy, Joy: An International Christmas
on May 21, 1921, Oakland’s Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption (Dormition) was dedicated at 920 Brush Street. Eventually the community outgrew these facilities in downtown Oakland. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Mary Mousalimas, founder of AHS, the church was moved for preservation in 1979 to its current location at 928 Castro Street. It is a designated Oakland landmark and listed on the U.S.A. National Register of Historic Places and as a California Historical Landmark. The doors of the Church of the Ascension in the Oakland hills were opened on December 11, 1960. The parish was later elevated to the status of cathedral in February 1992. The Greek Orthodox choral musical legacy that lives today evolved from the traditional Byzantine chants offered by the cantor during Orthodox services. The Oakland community in particular was also home
(Left) Conferences are revived, Oakland, CA 1976 (Right) Choir Conference concert, Oakland, CA, circa 1956 to national church music pioneers Perecles “Perry” Phillips, Dr. Tikey Zes, Dr. Theodore Bogdanos and Steve Cardiasmenos. The roster of those who directed the choir and who served as organists over the decades is impressive. Directors included Connie Bail Dagres, Dawn Rostain, Helen Gonis, Elaine Satsonis, Tula Marakas Gallanes, John Reckas, Tom Pallad, Tikey Zes, Perry Phillips, Edward Godoshian, Pete Cardiasmenos, Connie Cline, Dr. Theodore Bogdanos, Nick Vitales, Dr. Yiorgos Vassilandonakis, and Laura Kakis Serper. Our present organist, Anna Marakas Counelis has served the church for close to eight decades.
An International Christmas
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o understand the evolution of the annual Christmas concert at Ascension is to dig a little deeper in its history. Conceived, produced, and directed by Perecles “Perry” Phillips, his vision of offering a free concert to the greater community that featured the gifts from Ascension’s choir and musicians along with special guests he encountered through his work life, wasn’t an accident. The seeds were planted in his youth. The late Helen Gonis, former Ascension Choir director, documented in her historical chronology of the events leading to the formation of the Western Greek Orthodox Choir Federation and Beyond, in January 1994 the following about Perry: “One evening I brought up the question to Perry Phillips,” said Gonis. “Have you ever thought about giving some service to our church?” Phillips, age 15, said, “Wha-wha-what, Mrs. Gonis?” she shared. “How about getting some of the boys to join the choir?” she asked. “Great idea!” said Phillips. “We’ll have a meeting and talk about it.” A few days later, Phillips called Helen and said, “We’ve all decided to join the choir.” She was overwhelmed with their decision. Progress was swift. They proved to be a talented and serious-minded group. Directing them was a pleasure for her and more boys and girls joined the choir. Eventually the number increased to 67 and it became necessary for her to take the younger members and start a Junior Choir. That was eighty years ago. A few years later, in December 1941, war was declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the United States. Helen remembers it as a sunny day and the choir was in great voice. Following dismissal from the Sunday Liturgy, Perry ran back into the church telling her that “war has been declared” and “we are joining the Greek Battalion!” In the next two weeks, eight members of the choir left for training in Colorado, where they were stationed. Fast forward the timeline and in 1972, following a few years of inactivity, the Choir Federation once again became alive through the efforts and leadership
of Perry. He became its President and was declared Honorary President for life – his work with the choirs was profound, stated Helen Gonos. He founded the Byzantine Chorale and organized and directed Christmas concerts each year, she added. When Perry’s professional life as the Night Club Editor of the Oakland Tribune began in 1962, the wealth of local musical talent that made his thrice-weekly “Night Sounds” column often evolved into personal friendships. Over the years, An International Christmas has seen the likes of such local musical favorites as Maxine Howard, Eddie Pasternak, Roger Glenn, Kelly Rand, Macatee Hollie, Chris Bogios, and the Prometheus Symphony Orchestra, to name just a few. Following his passing in 1991, the producer’s torch was passed to his daughter Frosene. Over the years, she has continued the tradition established by her father. “It has been an honor and privilege to continue to present this holiday concert to our greater Bay Area community for the 29th time,” shares Frosene. “My father, Perecles “Perry” Phillips, conceived the concert with the vision of kicking off the holiday spirit with this free concert of international holiday music for the community. It was at the makaria (traditional meal) following his funeral in May of 1991, that Krisoula Natsues, a dear friend of his, approached me to think about producing the concert that following December and I haven’t looked back! It’s been a joy to offer this gift of music year after year and continue the legacy that my father began in the late sixties. Over the last decade, we have been blessed with the many talents of our choir director, Laura Kakis Serper, who has continued to elevate the program year after year. My father would be thrilled!” Tonight we remember the inspirational Perry Phillips and raise our voices to his memory and our community with gratitude, appreciation, and love. We also remember the beloved members of our choir family that we lost this past year – Dr. Theodore Bogdanos, Mario DiGiovanni, and Susan Haikalis. May their memory be eternal.
Betty Vlahos Christian, Perry Phillips, Father Naoum Nitsiotis, Anna Michaleto Phillips, Kris Singaris Natsues. PHOTOS COURTESY ASCENSION HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Perry Phillips (headshot inset) conducting An International Christmas.
Joy, Joy, Joy: An International Christmas
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Prelude
Venetia Phillips, Trumpet Angela Koregelos, Flute Arkadi Serper, Piano Introit: How Great My Joy................................. German, Traditional Kairos Youth Choir
Scripture Reading: Psalm 150 Cecile Chaconas, Chris Constantouros, Edith Haritatos Gowan, Kairos Ensemble, Chris Vitakes
Then, please join us as we recess together for the reception following.
I Parthenos Simeron....................................................................................... Mode III Pre-Feast Kontakion for Christmas Based on a traditional Post-Byzantine Chant Arranged by T. Bogdanos
Invocation: Rev. Father Thomas J. Zaferes
Meth Imon, O Theos.......................................................................... Arr. F. Desby
Gaudete!............................................................................................................ 13th Century
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We Rejoice!
Part I Joy in Hope Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring............................... J.S. Bach, BWV 147 Gloria.................................................................................................................................... A. Vivaldi Mein gläubiges Herze.................................................. J. S. Bach, BWV 68 My Joyful Heart
God is with us! Give ear, O you nations and be humbled, for God is with us.
Praise the Lord............................................................................. S. Cardiasmenos Kairos Youth Choir San ti Nyfi....................................... Traditional Greek Song, Arr. T. Zes Decked like a bride, lush and wonderful, here is the loaded tree in the open salon. How I like it, how I like it, what great beauty, I do wonder what will drop for me from its rich branches.
Oakland School for the Arts Concert Choir
Laura Kakis Serper, Soprano | Emile Serper, Cello Angela Koregelos, Flute
Cava Menzies, Conductor Father, Father............................................................................................................ L. Mvula
Part II Joy in Peace
Svatba................... Traditional Bulgarian Song, Arr. H. Todorov
Kairos Youth Choir
Awake My Soul........................................................................... Mumford & Sons
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Processional Venetia Phillips, Trumpet I Arkadi Serper, Piano Personent Hodie.......................................................................... 14c, Arr. J. Rutter On this Day Earth Shall Ring!
Wir eilen doch emsigen scritten................. J.S. Bach, BWV 78 We hurry with eager yet faltering footsteps to you, O God.
Cantate Domino............................................................. Psalm 149, G. Pitoni Sing God a new song, Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King!
Snowstorm................................................................................. A. Puskin, A. Serper Stopping By Woods........................................................... R. Frost, A. Serper
____________________________________ Gloucestershire Wassail......................................... English Traditional Chris Constantouros, Soloist Presentation to Frosene and Perecles P. Phillips Family Offertory Winter Reflection from “Snowstorm”........................ G. Sviridov YPSO Chamber Orchestra, Arkadi Serper, Conductor Free-will Offering ____________________________________
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Hoor de Wind.................................................... Dutch Carol of St. Nicolas Hanna Kamperman, Soprano | Dr. Chris Vitakes, Tenor
Part IV Joy, Joy, Joy
El Cielo Canta Alegría!............ Argentinian Carol, by. P. Sosa
Hallelujah!........................................................... G.F. Handel, from Messiah
Heaven is Singing for Joy!
Combined Choirs, Orchestra
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Dr. Tikey Zes I Steve Cardiasmenos Guest Conductors
O Come, All Ye Faithful Latin Hymn, 17th Century
Sanctus................................................................................................................................ G. Fauré
We invite you to relax, breathe deeply, enjoy, and be healed by the holiday spirit and the surprises in store!
Music of the Greek Orthodox Church
The Virgin today comes to the cave, ineffably to bring forth the Eternal. Rejoice, O Earth, at the message; give glory with the angels and the shepherds, to Him who was willing to be looked upon as a child and is Eternity, God.
Processional
“An International Christmas” running time is 90 minutes, give or take a few seconds!
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Part III Joy in Love
Joy, Joy, Joy: An International Christmas
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.......... Arr. A. Serper Frosene Phillips, Soloist
CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-A-LONG
How Great My Joy! Traditional Carol, Arr. Spevacek
ALL: While by my sheep, I watched at night Glad tidings brought an angel bright: REFRAIN: How Great my joy! (YPSO orchestra Echoes!) Joy, Joy, Joy! (YPSO orchestra Echoes!) Praise we the Lord in Heaven on High. (YPSO orchestra Echoes!) ALL: There shall be born, so he did say, In Bethlehem a child today. REFRAIN: How Great my joy! (All Male Gender Sing Echoes!) Great my joy! Joy, Joy, Joy! (All Male Gender Sing Echoes!) Joy, Joy, Joy! Praise we the Lord in Heaven on High, (All Male Gender Sing Echoes!) Praise we the Lord in Heaven on High. CHILDREN: There shall the child lie in a stall, This child who shall redeem us all. REFRAIN: How Great my joy! (All Female Gender Sing Echoes!) Great my joy! Joy, Joy, Joy! (All Female Gender Sing Echoes!) Joy, Joy, Joy! Praise we the Lord in Heaven on High (All Female Gender Sing Echoes!) Praise we the Lord in Heaven on High. ALL: Lord evermore to me be nigh, Then shall my heart be filled with joy! REFRAIN: How Great my joy! (All on the Right Sing Echoes!) Great my joy! Joy, Joy, Joy! (All on the Left Sing Echoes!) Joy, Joy, Joy! Praise we the Lord in Heaven on High (All Sing Echo!) Praise we the Lord in Heaven on High
from “The Wiz”
ON CUE PLEASE CLAP AND/OR JOIN WITH CHOIR ON REFR AIN!
Giuliana, soloist Arranged by Kakis/Serper D. Snider
ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN ON CUE
ALL CHOIRS, AUDIENCE
Everybody Rejoice!
The Magic of Christmas
Oh and God bless us everyone The good and the bad The happy, the sad Oh and God bless us everyone Here’s to family and friends It’s good to be here again
Refreshments will be served in the Oakland Room immediately following the program sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society.
Kalanta
Greek Traditional Arr. L. & A. Serper Emily Gowan & Dr. Chris Vitakes, Solos Traditional Greek New Year Carol Arranged by Kakis/Serper ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN ON CUE
Soon comes the new year in our town, and all the children gather ‘round, Listen to the noise, we wish you all the joys of a long, long life with the singing of our blessing.
Crabaret
Silent Night! Holy Night! / Peace, Peace F. Bock
Crab Feed & Musical Review
ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN VERSE 3 ON CUE
SAVE THE DATE
Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright: Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace. (2)
Ascension Choir’s “CRABARET” annual Crab Feed & Musical Review, February 22, 2020. For tickets and more information, call 510-825-9105.
z Benediction and Recessional Wassail Reprise (Choirs & Orchestra)
ANNA MARAKAS COUNELIS Ascension Liturgical Choir Organist
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A Legacy is Born
“Then came a Sunday when the assigned organist took sick. I spotted Anna Marakas in the congregation. She was eleven years old and a very talented pianist. She played back my compositions without faltering. I motioned for her to join us by playing the organ. ‘Just give us our pitch,’ I told her. ‘We’ll sing a cappella.’ She accompanied us throughout the Liturgy, and to this day she is still seated on ‘the bench.’ She continues to be a tremendous asset to the Choir Federation. She is our own Anna Counelis.” Helen Gonos, 1941 I An Historical Chronology Events leading to the formation of the Western Greek Orthodox Choir Federation and Beyond
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Acknowledgements Kairos Youth Choir (Kairos: means in Greek: “Time measured by quality; the moment when all things work together in harmony”) provides a superb musical education and the exhilarating experience of performing beautiful, complex choral music and musical theater. Kairos choristers, girls and boys between the ages of 7 and 15 learn repertoire from the finest traditions of classical, jazz, gospel, and world folk music sung in their original languages. Founded in 1990, the Choir has appeared in many community, civic, and cultural events, including the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the Berkeley Opera, and the Mark Morris Dance Group. They have sung internationally, at Tivoli Gardens in Denmark, and also concerts elsewhere in Scandinavia, and Tuscany, Italy, in 2008. In July 2011 and 2017, Kairos realized its dream with appearing in Greece at the music Festival of the Aegean on the island of Syros, and has been invited to perform at the Preveza International Choral Festival in Greece this summer, This coming year 2020 marks the celebration of 30 years since Kairos founding.
PHOTOS (top to bottom): Laura Kakis Serper, Dr. Tikey Zes, Steve Cardiasmenos, Cava Menzies.
Special thanks to Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Zaferes, Fr. Nick Mueller, Ascension Parish Council, The Ladies Philoptochos Society, Zoe Vlahiotis, Stephanie Landis, Stephanie Leal, Arkadi Serper, Cathy Goizelis, Margaret Salmond, Jesus Ruiz, Juan Soriano, Isidro Lopez, Bill Chessman, Harry and George Boukis Families, Yvonne Brouard, Nadia Liu, and Steve Angelides. PROGRAM DESIGN BY STEPHANIE LEAL COVER ART BY RomoloTavani/ iStockPhoto.com
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The OSA Concert Choir is the largest Vocal performance ensemble at the Oakland School for the Arts and has performance credits both locally and abroad. It is comprised of 9th - 12th grade vocal students at OSA and has 42 members this year. Concert Choir has collaborated, recorded, and performed with many notable artists such as Coldplay, Daveed Diggs, Rafa Casal, Dave Grohl, Kehlani, Ledisi, Martin Luther, the Stone Foxes, and the band CAKE. Since its inception, this ensemble has performed at many notable events such as President Obama’s campaign tour in 2012, the Inauguration of Gov. Jerry Brown, for the Giants at AT&T park, at the Warriors and Raiders Game at the Oakland Coliseum, for Gap Inc., for Notes and Words at the Fox Theatre Oakland. The OSA Concert Choir is directed by Cava Menzies. Laura Kakis Serper has served as the Director of Choral Music at Oakland’s Ascension Cathedral since 2010. Ms. Kakis Serper received her degrees from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music as well as attended Westminster Choir College, and the Aspen Music Institute. She has performed for many years as a soprano soloist and in operas and musical theatre. Her Greek heritage inspired the name of the Kairos and its choruses and her Greek folksong choral arrangements have been sung by choirs world-wide, including at Carnegie Hall. She is also the Director of Choral Music at The Crowden School where her choirs performed with the San Francisco Symphony. Ms. Kakis Serper was recognized at the California State Senate for over twenty years of excellent musical service to the community through Kairos Choir programs. Her choral educational approach focuses on nurturing the qualities of leadership and compassion, with an emphasis on the importance of global community.
Joy, Joy, Joy: An International Christmas
Dr. Tikey Zes began his conducting at the Greek Orthodox Church Choir in Long Beach, CA. He has composed and arranged extensively for the Greek Orthodox Church. In recognition for his work in church music, he was awarded the title of Archon Lampadarios by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople in 1976, and the Axion Award from the Hellenic American Professional Society of CA. He has organized and presented Church Music Institutes throughout the SF Metropolis. He has been a frequent guest director for conferences of Church Music Federations of America as well as been active in the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians since 1978. In 2005, Dr. Zes inaugurated a Conductor’s Training Academy for choir directors in the SF Metropolis. He is Professor Emeritus of Music at San Jose State University where he taught composition and music theory for 27 years. He is Music Minister of the SF Metropolis, and former choir director of the Ascension Liturgical Choir. Dr. Zes was honored by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox parish family for his 40 years as director of the St. Nicholas Choir of San Jose and his 60 years of service to the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Steve Cardiasmenos was born in Oakland, California in 1958 and has spent most of his life living in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a prolific composer of both sacred and secular works whose music has been published and performed nationally and internationally. Steve is an award winning composer at the highest levels, both inside and outside of the Greek Orthodox Church and he has been recognized by the church with its highest honor for musicians: the St. Romanos the Melodist Medallion. Steve has been a composer member of the American Society for Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) since 1992 and since 1993, Steve has consecutively won the standard or popular composition award from ASCAP, given to Steve for his compositions in choral and instrumental music (both classical and jazz). Steve held the position of Assistant Conductor of the Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra and Steve has served as the Choir Director at the Church of the Holy Cross in Belmont, CA. For over twenty years, Steve also worked as a Senior Software Engineer in Silicon Valley where he specialized in Computer Graphics Software and Hardware Engineering. Steve teaches woodwinds and brass (clarinet, saxophone, flute, bass clarinet, and trumpet) privately to an ever-growing base of students currently numbering over 40. Steve continues to compose extensively for a variety of ongoing choral, classical and jazz instrumental projects. Steve resides in San Carlos, CA with his wife, Leslie. Cava Menzies is a multidisciplinary musician, visual artist, and educator who resides in Oakland, Ca. She is the founder of the brand, COLORQUEEN, a multidisciplinary platform that highlights her integrated visual art, music and educational work. Cava is a Bay Area native and hails from a long line of creators; her grandmother a pioneer in the New York Jazz scene as a dancer at the Cotton Club, and her father, Eddie Henderson, an accomplished
jazz trumpeter and early member of the Herbie Hancock sextet. Cava holds a BA from the Berklee College of Music in Boston where she studied jazz piano and music education. She received her MM from the University of Miami where she studied composition and music production and recording. Cava is a founding music faculty member at the Oakland School for the Arts and served as the Artistic Director of the school from 2015 - 2018. She has taught musicians and young artists in Oakland for a total of 16 years and has produced, performed in and directed concerts throughout the Bay Area. Cava’s choral directing and arranging work have been featured in performances with Chris Martin, Coldplay, Daveed Diggs, Rafa Casal, Dave Grohl, and Ledisi, among others. Through her cumulative work at OSA, Cava has led four concert tours to Italy, Puerto Rico, and New Orleans and has taught over 2000 young musicians from Oakland. Laura Kakis Serper is proud to share that Cava was a child soprano with the San Francisco Girls Chorus, in Laura’s chorus, where she began the development of her impressive talents. Arkadi Serper (Pianist/Composer) received his music education in Russia at the Gnesin State Musical College and Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He has enjoyed a distinguished career as a pianist, composer and educator. He is Director of Piano and Composition and Music Theory at The Crowden School, and teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory in the Preparatory Department. He has written and published choral music for Kairos Youth Choir and compositions in original musical theatre. As an acclaimed composer, his symphonic and chamber compositions have been produced by several major orchestras. As a pianist, he continues to perform concerts, both as a soloist and chamber musician, locally and internationally. Angela Koregelos began studying flute at the age of seven. At 14, she played for the famous French flutist and teacher Alain Marion who came to San Francisco to give a master class at the conservatory. Three years later, at his encouragement, she went to Paris to study with Marion (and eventually Jean-Pierre Rampal). Upon her return to the U.S. she attended the New England Conservatory of Music and studied with elegant flutist James Pappoutsakis. Angela was principal flutist with Oakland Symphony for 13 years and has since worked with San Francisco Opera, several local chamber groups and has taught at Mills College, among others. Venetia Phillips, “A great jazz sound,” said acclaimed jazz trumpet artist Bobby Bryant. “Beautiful,” said renowned Latin jazz artist Bobby Rodriguez. These are just a few of the comments made about the trumpet sounds of Venetia Phillips. Her 40+ years of performing blues, jazz, ragtime, swing, Dixieland, classical, Balkan folk music, mariachi, salsa, musical theatre, pop, rock, and Byzantine Liturgical music have given a multi-cultural approach to her playing.
Venetia’s distinctive, alluring sound creates a magnetic relationship with her audiences. Some of her career highlights include performances with Latin Jazz great Tito Puente, Internationally known Mariachi Director Nati Cano, Salsa artist Yari Morez, and appearances at The Stardust Hotel, Las Vegas; The House of Blues, Los Angeles; and Yoshi’s Jazz House in Oakland. She has been in opening acts for Maynard Ferguson, Tonight Show saxophonist Pete Christleib, Latin percussionist Airto, and Jazz Brazilian vocalist Flora Purim. Since the mid 90’s Venetia has been an adjudicator for the Dolo Coker Jazz Scholarship Foundation in Los Angeles and has been a regular guest conductor for the Prometheus Symphony Orchestra of Oakland. A University of California at Los Angeles music graduate and Bay Area native, Venetia currently resides in Venice where she has lived for the past 30 years. The youngest daughter of Perecles Phillips, Venetia thrilled him when she took up the instrument he played in his youth and while serving in the Army, as well. She returns to perform in tonight’s concert which she also guest conducted for many years following his passing. Dr. Chris Vitakes has been a lifelong member of the Ascension Cathedral community serving as an Altar Boy in his youth, later joining its Liturgical Choir, of which he’s been a member for over four decades and its President. He also teaches Eighth Grade Sunday School. When not participating in his many church activities, Dr. Chris is busy practicing dentistry in San Leandro and Benicia, CA. Giuliana is honored to be a part of the 50th Anniversary of An International Christmas. As the granddaughter of the concert’s founder, the late Perecles “Perry” Phillips, she is happy to be a part of his legacy. Giuliana has her B.A. in Performing Arts, and has sung the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors. She has also played lead and supporting roles with professional theatrical companies. Frosene Phillips Maniatis, Concert Producer since 1991, in honor of her late father Perecles “Perry” Phillips, concert founder. In addition to singing with the Ascension Liturgical Choir since 1970, she participates in Orthodox wedding and funeral services. Frosene also produced the 2-CD set “Holy Week and Easter Excerpts” featuring the choir and commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the 1979 original vinyl recording by her father (pereclesmusic. com). Since 2002, she has been the vocalist with Mediterranean Soul specializing in Greek/World music (medsoul.com). Chris Constantouros, Stage Manager. Chris’ performance and managing experience in local theatrical productions have delighted Bay Area audiences for decades. His ‘Wassail’ has become an anticipated concert favorite and tradition.
PHOTOS (top to bottom): Arkadi Serper, Angela Koregelos, Venetia Phillips, Dr. Chris Vitakes, Giuliana, Frosene Phillips, Chris Constantouros.
Joy, Joy, Joy: An International Christmas
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THE MUSICIANS
Ascension Liturgical Choir Laura Kakis Serper, Music Director Anna Marakas Counelis, Organist Sopranos Cecile Chaconas, Kathy DiGiovanni, Edith Haritatos-Gowan, Eugenia Hirsh, Frosene Phillips, Elaine Plamodon, Cheryl Sumpsion* Altos Mauna Arnzen Tarlsen*, Lynn Barakos*, Helene Bogdanos, Erika Chaconas*, Robin King, Katina Kotronakis, Allison Kreuser* Tenors Chris Constatouros, AJ Lim*, Chris Vitakes, James Vorrises, Steve Tsakoyias Basses Steve Angelides, Steve Cardiasmenos*, Nickolas Chaconas*, Nick Fettis*, Nick Tarlsen*
Oakland School for the Arts Concert Choir Anneke Angstadt, I’mani Bryant, Hyacinth Callado, Tristan Carless, Grace Connallon, Emma Curtin, Isabelle Davis, Francesca De Angelis Nelson, Susanna De Angelis Nelson, Kaila De Souza, Cydney Devine-Jones, Jordyn Diew, Natalie Dodge, Aisha Garcia Jajeh, Zuri Gray, Tosh Harris Santiago, Nyla Haulcy, Makayla Hua-ali, Zoe Jones, Aminah Lackey, Mose Lipner, Finian Malarkey, Sara Marylander, Alessandra Mohar, Makenzi Nervis, Nicolas Perry, Fiona Rosales, Nyame Ruiz-Imani, Suede Sanders, Alahnna St Jules, Kwabena Stewart Jr., Isyss Stone, Aminata Tandiang, Lailah Taylor, Electra Taylor Metellus, Najorae Trang Kwina, Selkie Winter-Golden, Talia Young Skeen.
YPSO Orchestra DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY
Violin I Lucy Nemeth Concertmistress, Magali Pelletey, Sophia Gomez, Philip Mun, Marina Hoffman, Hasti Hedayatiparsa
Kairos Youth Choir
Greek for Aphaia (Goddess of Light) Lucy Hernandez, Rea Horgan, Carina Lucia, Zara Manansala, Abigail Schwarz, Maryam Sheen, Lily Stoliartchouk, Rainier Townsend, Maya Lucia Babij-Ross, Annika Borys*, Katharine Graham*, Edda Grondahl*, Ella Wright* *Auxiliary Agape
The Agape Chorus
Greek meaning “Love” Emily Gowan, Jessica Jung, Hanna Kamperman, Lauden Lopez, Ernst Wang
Violin II Lisa Anderson Principal, Isabella Wu, Cameryn Kwong, Henry Stroud, Madison Glock Viola Maya True-Fogel Principal, Ashley Hembree, Noa Marvit Cello Emile Serper Principal, Avery New Miller, Grady O’Gara, Theodora Fort Bass Julianna Meneses Flute Ananya Navale, Angela Koregelos* Trumpet Venetia Phillips*, Andy Zeng Horn Amrita Malhotra
Kairos Student Music Assistants
Oboe Aya Rokeach
Sarah Boe, Shohum Finkelstein, Sasha Gomes, Vivien Miele, Lyell Nesbitt
Clarinet Lucas Kathol-Voillequé, Larry London*
Personent Hodie Maya Babij-Ross, Soprano
Bassoon Soumili Mukherjee
Everybody Rejoice! Arjun Hermon, Kabir Hermon
Percussion Olivia House *GUEST ARTIST
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Joy, Joy, Joy: An International Christmas