CULTURE
Melachrinos Velentzas Interview-The Journey
The incredible story of the pianist “1900”, who was born aboard a ship and never once set foot on land, has been touring Greece since 2018, presented in original and innovative ways in every corner of the country.
Conceived, artistically directed and produced by performer, pianist and producer Melachrinos Velentzas, Lemon has, for eight consecutive years, continued to find its stage primarily in remote and underserved regions, making art accessible to communities across Greece where opportunities for cultural experiences are limited.
This multifaceted artist presents Lemon in unconventional spaces situated between land and sea, creating a unique experience for audiences: aboard boats, on shipwrecks and moored vessels, along the banks of rivers and lakes, inside an abandoned village school, in a lemon grove and many other extraordinary and unique locations. These are places where, in many cases, a cultural event is being presented for the very first time because theatre exists wherever there is an audience.
The story of the legendary pianist 1900 has been experienced by more than 26,000 spectators through 195 performances across Greece. For the Lemon team, every performance is unique, adding one more lemon to the crate of this independent production. Lemon embraces the needs of each community it visits, connecting the many points of our shared cultural map.
The story unfolds at the beginning of the twentieth century aboard the steamship Virginian, which sails the transatlantic route from Europe to America. A newborn baby is abandoned by his immigrant parents in a lemon crate placed on top of the grand piano in the first-class ballroom. The sailor who discovers him gives him his own name, Danny Boodmann, along with the nickname T.D. Lemon (after the lemon crate), and adds “1900” to commemorate the year he was found.
Danny Boodmann T.D. Lemon 1900 grows up to become the greatest pianist on the Ocean. His only true friend, the trumpeter Tim Tooney, urges him to leave the ship and set foot on land, encouraging him to discover a different life.
Views: 125
About the author
Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis is an accomplished journalist, editor and media professional with more than two decades of experience in journalism, editorial leadership and international media relations. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of FunViews Digital Magazine, having previously held the same position at Greece Now, a luxury publication featured as an insert in Harper’s Bazaar Arabia for five consecutive years. His editorial career reflects a sustained commitment to journalistic excellence, cultural dialogue and compelling storytelling.
He is also the host of 7 Days Report, a weekly news programme broadcast on HB and Strimonika radio stations, with episodes available on major digital platforms, including Spotify, Amazon UK and Apple Podcasts. He also presents The Greek Diaspora segment on Business Plan, broadcast on STAR TV Central Greece, highlighting the achievements, perspectives, and international contributions of Greeks abroad.
Born in Athens, Greece, Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis pursued his higher education in Canada and the United States, earning degrees in Linguistics and Political Science/International Relations. His international professional experience spans several countries, particularly Canada, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, where he has collaborated with a range of reputable international media outlets. His journalistic work includes interviews with distinguished personalities from entertainment and culture, published through platforms such as Greek City Times (Australia), BCI24News (Canada), The Buzz (Arab World), ActiveNews (UK) and PeopleNews (Greece).
Beyond journalism, Vitsilogiannis has demonstrated a commitment to humanitarian engagement, serving as Media Coordinator at SmallWorld, an Abu Dhabi-based charity organisation dedicated to child-related issues. This experience underscores his understanding of media not only as a means of communication, but also as a platform for social awareness and meaningful impact.
A defining characteristic of his interviewing approach is its emphasis on empathy, active listening and thoughtful dialogue. By fostering a welcoming, relaxed environment, he encourages guests to share their experiences and perspectives authentically, creating insightful conversations and lasting professional relationships.
Looking ahead, Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis is preparing to launch a new television project in collaboration with MedAthens, an initiative intended to explore compelling narratives within the field of medical tourism and further expand his presence across media platforms.
Combining international experience, editorial vision and a deep appreciation for human stories, Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis continues to pursue journalism that informs, connects and inspires audiences worldwide.
Leave a comment