The unknown singer - Dr Thomas Venakis who taught at the Anogheia High School in the 1980s - who caused a sensation with the rizitika at the concert for Mikis Theodorakis

From the web-page ANOGHI

With the voice of an archangel, his interpretation was the equivalent of a whole orchestra, and filled with primeval music the hearts of those who attended and the whole of the Pan-Cretan Stadium.

Last Monday, 19 September, we attended in our city the concert given in honour of Mikis Theodorakis organised by Ergotelis. Taking part in this concert and singing his songs were the outstanding artists Glykeria, Dimitris Basis, Sophia Papazoglou, Katerina Papoutsaki, and Panaghiotis Petrakis.

But those who attended the concert were in for a unique surprise. At the beginning, two rizitika songs - 'On a high mountain, on a deep-rooted rock' and 'When will be sky be clear?' - were sung by a hitherto unknown singer. With the voice of an archangel, his interpretation was the equivalent of a whole orchestra, and filled with primeval music the hearts of those who attended and the whole of the Pan-Cretan Stadium. His face brought to mind a figure from ancient Greece. The

emotional response of the public to his performance was unprecedented in its enthusiasm.

 "Who is this who has enchanted people with his singing?"

The unknown singer, we discovered, is a teacher called Thomas Venakis, from the village of Zouridi, in the Rethymna area.

We would like to offer him our warmest congratulations. And we would like to congratulate those who had the idea that he should take part in the concert. Let us hope that we have more often such rare surprises from Thomas Venakis.

PATRIS - IRAKLEIO

** NOTE: The talent of Thomas Venakis has been known for many years to the people of Anogheia. I can remember that as teacher of Chemistry to the Second Class of High School, he would devote half the time of the lesson to traditional song and the leaping dance of Anogheia. The truth is that, as we look back today, we remember more of the lesson about the tradition of our birthplace than about ... chemical formulae.

Well done, Thomas, Anogheia will always remember you and always honour you.

FAS