On February 24, 2015, at the Hellenic Community Centre Adrian Maris, a choir of 350 elementary students, including 33 students from École Socrates Démosthènes offered to the media and the public, a musical preview of Le Temps des fleurs, le temps des neiges, a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of the goddess Demeter, her daughter Persephone and how the seasons came to be.
They were accompanied by 55 musicians of the Orchestre symphonique Pop de Montreal, an opportunity made possible through financial support from the Hellenic Congress of Quebec. The author, Glen Huser, and the composer, Giannis Georgantelis were also present, along with many dignitaries, including Dimitrios Jim Beis, Borough Mayor for Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Mary Deros, Montreal City Councilor for Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension.
Le Temps des fleurs, le temps des neige is scheduled to be launched in Autumn 2015. The book and CD is being produced by Chroma Musika (Dimitris Ilias and Maria Diamantis) and Panarmonia Atelier Musical, in collaboration with Quebec-based book publisher, Planète Rebelle. The Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal is an important partner in this project, providing space for auditions and rehearsals.
This is our sixth musical collaboration with Chroma Musika. Students from École Socrates Démosthènes have been a part of every choir since they began producing children’s books and CDs in 2007.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
– Plato
Proceeds from the sale of the book and CD will be used by the participating schools to promote music education and creative writing. Planning is currently underway for several launch events, including the official launch at Montreal City Hall and a series of mini-concerts at the Quebec National Assembly, Ottawa Parliament at the Salon du Livre de Montréal.
Congratulations and many thanks to everybody who participated in this wonderful project.
