In 2002, Australian audiences were captivated by Zorba the Ballet, a cultural milestone staged by the Greek National Opera in collaboration with Exedra Entertainment. Featuring 75 ballet dancers, an 80-piece orchestra, and a 60-member choir, this spectacular production brought to life the raw energy of Mikis Theodorakis’ iconic score and the dramatic storytelling of Nikos Kazantzakis’ timeless tale.

Two principal dancers from the New York Ballet took the stage as Alexis Zorba and the Narrator, adding international prestige to a tour that sold out across Australia. Presented under the banner of the Athens 2004 Cultural Olympiad, the event drew global attention, with 15 international journalists flown in from Athens and beyond to witness and report on this extraordinary celebration of Greek artistry.

In 1995, Australian audiences witnessed a rare musical event celebrating 70 Years of Mikis Theodorakis. The legendary composer toured alongside acclaimed vocalist Maria Farantouri, accompanied by the Mikis Theodorakis Orchestra and the Rantos Chamber Orchestra. These performances showcased the full power and emotion of Theodorakis’ music, from the haunting beauty of the Mauthausen cycle to the exhilarating energy of Zorba’s Dance.

“Zorba’s Dance,” with its gradually accelerating sirtaki rhythm, has become a symbol of joy, freedom, and passionate abandon, embodying the very spirit of Zorba the Greek. Paired with Farantouri’s commanding voice and full orchestral arrangements, the concert offered audiences an unforgettable journey through the depth, resilience, and cultural pride embedded in Theodorakis’ compositions.