Pianist Maria Asteriadou and Violinist Kurt Nikkanen: In Concert
November 6, 2014, at Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Music Center

The Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation hosted an enchanting concert by Pianist Maria Asteriadou and Violinist Kurt Nikkanen. Heralded as “an artist with intense personality, virtuosic flair, unusual poise and intimate contact with style,” Greek pianist Maria Asteriadou is an acclaimed soloist and chamber musician. Ms. Asteriadou’s love for her native Greece and her enthusiasm for contemporary music have lead to premieres by many of Greece’s most prominent composers. American violinist Kurt Nikkanen is an international soloist of the highest order. After making his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of twelve, he has performed to great acclaim at many international venues and worked with many of the world’s most renowned conductors. An enthusiastic advocate of contemporary music, he has performed premieres and recordedmany significant composers. A reception with the artists followed theperformance.

The event was co-sponsored with The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA).

Professor Ioli Kalavrezou
The Motherhood of the Virgin Mary: Its Iconography and Development
May 8, 2014, at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Professor Ioli Kalavrezou of Harvard University presented her analysis on the place and role of the Virgin Mary in the Orthodox church. Based on surviving visual and textual evidence, she discussed the changes that can be observed in the cult of the Virgin Mary through the centuries beginning with some of the earliest depictions and the development of her images as late as the 15th and 16th century. Professor Kalavrezou’s lecture especially focused on the centuries when the Virgin Mary officially became the Mother of God (ΜΗΤΗΡ ΘΕΟΥ), as she is known today. A reception with Professor Kalavrezou followed the program.

The Parthenon Enigma: 
A Lecture and Conversation with Joan Breton Connelly
April 7, 2014, at the Rubin Museum of Art

The Parthenon is revered as the symbol of Western culture, the pinnacle of excellence in art and architecture, and an icon of democracy itself. But how much do we know about what it meant to those who built it? A fascinating presentation and discussion with archaeologist Joan Breton Connelly, which revealed a deeper, more profound meaning for the temple than realized before. A reception with Professor Connelly followed the program.

A Life in Dance: A Conversation with Hélène Alexopoulos, 
Former Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet, and Celia Ipiotis
March 4, 2014, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral Center

A fascinating program of film clips and conversation on the life of a ballet dancer. Celia Ipiotis, the creator of the nationally acclaimed cultural television series “Eye on Dance,” had a conversation with Hélène Alexopoulos, former Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet. A reception with Ms. Alexopoulos and Ms. Ipiotis followed the program.