Israel Varela Ensemble: Presentation of the disc “Eleusis” in Colosseum

This unique concert will showcase the 11th solo album “Eleusis” by the renowned musician in contemporary jazz, flamenco, and world music, featuring 17 musicians on stage.

Israel Varela, who has collaborated with artists such as Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, Charlie Haden, Birelli Lagrene, Richard Bona, Jorge Pardo (Paco de Lucia), Ben Wendel, and others, was invited by the Embassy of Mexico in Greece in March. As part of his world tour and due to his deep interest in ancient Greek heritage and the unique history of Ancient Eleusis, he chose the Conservatory of Elefsina – Sakis Petropoulos to conduct a workshop-concert. Together with Sakis Petropoulos, they presented a fusion of world music, creating a unique atmosphere.

During the concert at the Colosseum, songs from the “Eleusis” album will be performed, along with compositions by Sakis Petropoulos, such as the song “Matera,” inspired by the city where Israel Varela lives and teaches, compositions by contrabassist Michalis Kalkanis, and jazz renditions of traditional songs. Sakis Petropoulos will be on guitar, Michalis Kalkanis on double bass, Demosthenes Karachristodoulou on the Pontic lyre, and Fenia Voulgari (ONAR) on vocals. The four Greek musicians will join the other performers in a concert that will also feature a choir and a string quartet.