The President of the ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer, Mrs Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, welcomed legendary Greek artist Marinella to the great family of the Association on Monday 27 January 2020.

Mrs Marianna V. Vardinoyannis named Marinella an ELPIDA Artist for life, honouring her for her amazing contribution to the work of the Association.

The announcement naming Marinella an ELPIDA Artist took place during a joint Press Conference for the concert Marinella – The Legend, to be staged at the Stavros Niarchos Hall of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center on Monday 3 February 2020. Given that the first show was sold out, during the Press Conference, a second show was announced for Monday 17 February 2020!

 Part of the proceeds from the shows will be donated to the ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer, which this year is celebrating 30 years of contribution to children and vulnerable social groups.

“Having Marinella by our side means a lot for ELPIDA and demonstrates her deep love for our children as well as her sensitive nature. Besides, she expresses this sensitivity with her divine voice, having rightfully gained a special place in the heart of all the Greeks. Her songs have made us fall in love, travel to faraway lands and dream. It is truly hard to put into words her amazing career in show business, which counts over six decades. If I could pick just one work to describe it, the most suitable word would be: Legend! And I am deeply touched that we are joining our forces for the children with a show that has that exact same title: The Legend! It is a great honour for all of us that Marinella wanted to dedicate this astonishing show to the 30-year anniversary of our Association and to our children. For this I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart,” said Mrs Vardinoyannis while introducing the Greek artist.

Immediately after, Mrs Vardinoyannis awarded her the honorary plaque of the Association and named Marinella an ELPIDA Artist for life.

“Thank you for this great honour, which I’ll hold on to forever. I am deeply moved to be contributing to Marianna V. Vardinoyannis’ vision. It is a project that, with the help of everyone, keeps growing as the years go by. I would like you to know that I’ll be there for you for anything you may need. If I can contribute to this project in any way, I’ll do it with all my heart. The work of ELPIDA is marked by love, which is above all else. For me, Marianna is a Saint for all she has given. I thank her for everything,” said an emotional Marinella.

Marinella then placed the star with her name on the Wall of the Stars at the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis – ELPIDA Children’s Oncology Unit, which includes the names of all the major supporters of ELPIDA.

A few words about the performance:

The grand concert The Legend will be staged at the Stavros Niarchos Hall of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center on Monday 3 February 2020. Due to great demand, a second show will be held on 17 February 2020.

It is a musical journey directed by Yorgos Nanouris, with Alexios Priftis as the conductor of the Diverse Music Ensemble of the Athens Philharmonia Orchestra.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer.