"ITHACA" - VANGELIS AND SIR SEAN CONNERY

It is no secret that Vangelis and Sean Connery have been good friends for some time now. Early in 2001 they appeared in several Greek press reports, stating their interest to produce a film about a shared fascination, the Greek philosopher "Socrates". Although that idea has not materialized until now, in 2004 they do work together for the first time. "Ithaca" is a poem by C.P. Cavafy (1863-1933), recited by Sean Connery and musically accompanied by Vangelis. Similar to what Vangelis did in 1991 on the "Night of Poetry", where he hosted an evening of recited poems and instantly improvised music in the background. The music and narration of "Ithaca" perfectly fit together, creating a solemn and reflective atmosphere.

The cd of "Ithaca" is released as part of a published book "A Journey in Colour" by Micheline Roquebrune Connery. Indeed, Sean Connery's wife. The book is a display of many of her paintings. The book and cd are sold combined (The box is limited to 3000 copies), only in Athens, and all proceeds support of the "Friends of the child" charity initiative.

Tracklist and Credits:

1. "Ithaca" (4:27)

Music composed, arranged, produced and performed by Vangelis

Poem by C.P. Cavafy (1863-1933)

Poem recited by Sean Connery

Sound Engineers: V. Saitis, Philippe Colonna and Frederick Rousseau.

Coordination by F.Manolopoulou

Total playing time 4:27

ITHACA

As you set out for Ithaca

hope that your journey is a long one,

full of adventure, full of discovery.

Laistrygonians and Cyclops,

angry Poseidon - do not be afraid of them:

you'll never find things like that on your way

as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,

as long as a rare sensation

touches your spirit and your body.

Laistrygonians and Cyclops,

wild Poseidon - you won't encounter them

unless you bring them along inside your soul,

unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

Hope that your journey is a long one.

May there be many summer mornings when,

with what pleasure, what joy,

you come into harbors seen for the first time;

may you stop at Phoenician trading stations

to buy fine things,

mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,

sensual perfume of every kind -

as many sensual perfumes as you can;

and may you visit many Egyptian cities

to learn and learn again from those who know.

Keep Ithaca always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you're destined for.

But do not hurry the journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years,

so that you're old by the time you reach the island,

wealthy with all you have gained on the way,

not expecting Ithaca to make you rich.

Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey.

Without her you would not have set out.

She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca won't have fooled you.

Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,

you will have understood by then what these Ithacas mean.