Cross-Atlantic Musical Magic

Three Secondary 1 Laval Junior High School students (Peggy Koroneos, Christina Kostarides and Marilena Papadopoulos) were hosted by Senators Pana Merchant and Leo Housakos at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa on December 8th and then again at Laval’s City Hall by City Councillor Basile Angelopoulos.  They are members of an international team responsible for a DVD for children entitled: “E Mayiki Floyera” (The Magic Recoder), a massive trans-Atlantic production featuring 54 Canadian children, 20 Greek children and a 55-instrument Canadian symphonic orchestra.

More than 200 people collaborated on this unique cross-cultural project, the product of a partnership between Canada and Greece to unify the voices of two children’s choirs from Montreal and Athens.  Together with the Ensemble Sinfonia de Montreal conducted by renowned Maestro Louis Lavigueur, the Chroma Musika/Socrates Children’s Choir recorded alongside the children’s musical group and Greek sensations, Ta Zouzounia.  It should also be noted that the talent had by LLHS music concentration teacher, Mrs. Elaine Thomas, is also featured as she plays the clarinet in the Ensemble Sinfonia de Montreal.

The students sang excerpts from the Magic Recorder both in Ottawa and in Montreal.  Chroma Musika Directors, Maria Diamantis and Dimitris Ilias presented a special behind the scenes “how-it-was-made” video.  Ta Zouzounia founder, Mrs. Katerina Giannikou, flew in from Athens to participate at both the Ottawa and Laval DVD launches.  These special presentations were supported by the Embassy of Greece in Canada, AHEPA Canada and the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal.  During the Laval presentation in the Council Chamber, as a Laval resident and member of the Chroma Musika Choir, Peggy Koroneos spoke eloquently in French with regards to the pride all choir members have with regards to this massive audio-visual project and the educational opportunities received.

Congratulations, Girls – You are international stars!  We are very proud of your dedication and accomplishment!!
Info documentary leading up to December 8th, 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohzvtOVZ5DI