JULY 29TH:
On this day in 1925, Mikis Theodorakis, the renowned Greek composer, was born on the island of Chios. During his lengthy career Theodorakis composed some of the most recognizable and iconic music in the world, including the film scores for ‘Zorba the Greek’ and ‘Z’. His composition titled ‘The Ballad of Mauthausen’, based on the poems of Iakovos Kambanellis, has been described as “the most beautiful musical work ever written about the Holocaust.” During the junta, Theodorakis’ music was banned and Theodorakis himself was jailed and sent to prison camps. He was eventually allowed to go into exile in France after an international solidarity movement demanded his release. The generations of Greeks who grew up with his songs continue to sing them regardless of political affiliation and in spite of the fact that Theodorakis has long been associated with the Greek Left. (As an aside, though he had ties to the Communist Party, he served as a government minister under conservative Constantine Mitsotakis in the early 1990’s). Today, Theodorakis is revered for his outstanding contributions to music and to society at large.

JULY 30TH:
On this day in 1967, Marios Varvoglis, a significant figure in modern Greek classical music, known for his innovative compositions that blended Greek folk elements with contemporary European styles, passed away. Born in Brussels to a Greek family, he studied music in Paris, where he was influenced by the French impressionist movement and composers such as Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy. Varvoglis returned to Greece in the early 20th century and became a central figure in the Greek National School of Music. Throughout his career, Varvoglis composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and songs, often incorporating traditional Greek melodies and rhythms. He was also a dedicated music educator and served as a professor at the Athens Conservatoire, where he mentored numerous young Greek musicians. Varvoglis’ contributions to Greek music were profound, and his works remain an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage.

AUGUST 1ST:
On this day in 1893, Alexander of Greece, the second son of King Constantine I and Queen Sophia, was born. He became King of Greece in 1917 after his father was deposed during World War I. Alexander’s reign was marked by political turbulence and the influence of Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, who supported the Allied powers. Despite the political challenges, Alexander sought to modernize Greece and pursued progressive reforms. One of the most significant events during his reign was the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), which aimed to expand Greek territories in Asia Minor. Alexander’s personal life also drew public attention, particularly his controversial marriage to Aspasia Manos, a commoner, which initially caused a scandal but later gained acceptance. Tragically, Alexander’s reign was cut short when he died at the age of 27 from sepsis following a monkey bite. His unexpected death led to significant political changes, including the eventual restoration of his father, Constantine I, to the throne.

AUGUST 2ND:
On this day in 1918, the three-day Toronto anti-Greek riot began. Sparked by frustrated Canadian World War I veterans who were angered and resentful about Greece’s neutrality during much of the War and with the number of Greeks in Canada with jobs, the riot caused $1.25 million worth of property damage, sent 25 people to jail, and injured over 160 people. Over 50,000 people participated in the riot in Toronto’s streets, which started when a mob attacked the Greek-owned White City cafe in response to rumors that a Canadian veteran had been roughly treated there. The mob gained more and more members who began looting Greek businesses throughout the city of Toronto.