Making History with Music

NZ composer John Psathas provided much of the music for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens Games, including the climactic moment when the Olympic flame was lit. Born in NZ to Greek parents, Psathas was not chosen for his heritage but for his ability, which Games organisers discovered on hearing the fanfare he wrote for the opening of Te Papa in 1997. “I don’t think I have any idea just how I’m going to feel on the night,” Psathas told the NZ Herald shortly before leaving for Athens. “It’s going to be incredible.” It was.