Odeon Richmond Glendi
~~~ Odeon Richmond Glendi ~~~
Featuring Demotika and Estudiantina of Melbourne together for one show!
Demotika brings vibrant melodies and ancient lyrics to life through unique musical performances that find their roots in ancestral stories and traditions. We invite you all to experience the enchanting nature of the fiddle, the hypnotic strumming of the lute, the heartbeat of the drum, the cry of the clarinet and the serenity of the acoustic guitar.
Estudiantina of Melbourne is more than just a musical ensemble; it's a passionate torchbearer of traditional Greek music, particularly Smyrneika, deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of Greece. With a profound appreciation for the diverse influences that shape Smyrneika, ranging from Greek and Turkish to Jewish and Armenian, the ensemble creates a mesmerising fusion that breathes new life into this age-old genre. Their music, adorned with instruments like the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, resonates with an authenticity that captivates audiences. TICKETS
Sydney Greek Festival
A Tribute Show Dedicated to Vasilis Tsitsanis and Sotiria Bellou
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Estudiantina of Melbourne presents A Tribute to Vasilis Tsitsanis & Sotiria Bellou — a celebration of two of Greece’s most legendary musical icons. Experience the timeless melodies and heart-stirring lyrics that have defined Greek music for generations. With Tsitsanis’s masterful bouzouki and Bellou’s unforgettable voice, this tribute brings their songs to life with passion, precision, and the vibrant energy that only Estudiantina can deliver. Let the music transport you to the soul of Greece, where tradition meets artistry in perfect harmony. TICKETS
Castlemaine Fringe Festival
A Greek ensemble that brings new light to traditional Greek music. The ensemble focuses on a style of Greek music called Smyrneika - Greek Turkish music from Asia Minor from the 1920’s & 1930’s.
Smyrneika, with its roots deeply intertwined with the historical port city of Smyrna (now Izmir) in Asia Minor, carries within its melodies a profound narrative of cultural exchange and diversity. Despite the passage of time and the shifts in geopolitical landscapes, Smyrneika endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of Greek musical heritage.
Within the mosaic of Smyrneika, one discovers echoes of diverse cultural influences, each adding a layer of complexity and depth to its melodies. The music resonates with the interplay of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian musical traditions, reflecting the historical encounters and interactions that have shaped the region over centuries.
Through their exploration of Smyrneika, Estudiantina of Melbourne not only pays homage to the musical traditions of Greece but also celebrates the cultural diversity and interconnectedness that define our shared humanity. In their hands, Smyrneika evolves into a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and transcend. TICKETS
Hills Hellenica Festival
People of Belgrave, you're in for a treat. Celebrating the music of Greece, local act Estudiantina of Melbourne - will take you on a musical journey like no other. With a profound appreciation for the diverse influences that shape Smyrneika, ranging from Greek and Turkish to Jewish and Armenian, the ensemble creates a mesmerizing fusion that breathes new life into this age-old genre. Their music, adorned with instruments like the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, resonates with an authenticity that captivates audiences. Through the harmonious interplay of instruments such as the bouzouki, baglama, and accordion, Estudiantina of Melbourne crafts a soundscape that pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Greece. Tickets
Road to Rebetika Album Launch
Brunswick Music Festival & The Brunswick Ballroom
Journey to Rebetika
Estudiantina of Melbourne - translates to students of Melbourne .
This ensemble reinvigorates the essence of traditional Greek music, igniting a vibrant fusion of cultures and ethnicities. This dynamic ensemble intertwines the rich tapestry of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian influences, weaving a captivating musical journey. With a masterful combination of instruments including the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, Accordion and guitar, their performances resonate with spellbinding innovation and timeless allure. Estudiantina of Melbourne consists of Maria Antaras-Dalamagas - Accordion/Vocals,Vagelis Ginis - Vocals ,Camille El Feghali - Qanun ,Jenny Dixon - Violin, Alex Petropoulos - Guitar ,Paul Karalis - Bouzouki Con Kalamaras - Bouzouki/Vocal. In the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, with its thriving Greek diaspora community, the resonance of rebetiko and Smyrneika is profound. As one of the largest Greek populations outside of Greece, Melbourne pulsates with the rhythms of Greek music, dance, and traditions. For Estudiantina of Melbourne, their music is not merely a performance but a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and communities. It serves as a conduit for the diaspora to rediscover their roots, share their stories, and celebrate their heritage with pride.
Songs from Smyrne
Continuing the Songs from Smyrne series, the Melbourne ensemble "Estudiantina of Melbourne" will perform a live concert spotlighting compositions post-population exchange. They'll emphasize pieces that rose to fame via gramophone recordings thereafter. The concert seeks to honor cultural diversity through music, spotlighting composers who resettled in mainland Greece and their profound impact on the musical milieu. Smyrne's musical landscape underwent significant shifts due to the Greece-Turkey population exchange in the 1920s, dispersing diverse musical traditions and fostering their preservation and evolution across various regions.
Estudiantina of Melbourne
Join us for a unique live performance delving into the rich history of Greek music recorded in 1920s and 1940s Greece.This performance is a collection of works that paved the way for generations to come. No glitz, no plate smashing, just brutally honest and achingly beautiful songs. Newly formed ensemble Estudiantina of Melbourne gathers musicians whose unlikely backgrounds bring them together to passionately express this thematic period of Greek music. The lyrics depict themes of love, longing and nostalgia for the lost homeland.Seating is allocated theatre-style. The Arts Bar will be open from 7 pm.
Zeibekiko Festival
ZEIBEKIKO FESTIVAL AUSTRALIA celebrates the Greek ZEIBEKIKO dance in
MELBOURNE as its final show for the 10 days of eventsThe Zeibekiko is a traditional Greek dance characterized by its freeform,solo performance and deeply emotional expression. Historically associated with the rebetiko music genre, it is often performed to songs that convey themes of sorrow, love, and hardship. The dance is notable for its improvisational nature, allowing the dancer to interpret the music personally through intricate footwork, dramatic gestures, and occasional floor movements. It is a dance of introspection and catharsis, often performed in social settings where the audience respects the dancer's space and emotional journey. Join us for this celebration and join in on the
dance fun with our special guest band Estudiantina of Melbourne and
internationally renowned dancer from Cyprus CHRISTOS SHAKALLIS
Rebetiko @ BAR OUSSOU!
Estudiantina of Melbourne - translates to students of Melbourne .This ensemble reinvigorates the essence of traditional Greek music, igniting a vibrant fusion of cultures and ethnicities. This dynamic ensemble intertwines the rich tapestry of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian influences, weaving a captivating musical journey. This band serves as a conduit for the diaspora to rediscover their roots, share their stories, and celebrate their heritage with pride
Event One
Sinefiansemni Kiriaki - Tsitsanis and Bellou Legacy Concert A Tribute Show Dedicated to Vasilis Tsitsanis and Sotiria Bello.Are you a fan of rebetiko music, the urban folk genre that emerged in Greece in the early 20th century? If so, you won’t want to miss this tribute show dedicated to two of the most influential rebetiko artists of all time: Vasilis Tsitsanis and Sotiria Bellou.Vasilis Tsitsanis (1915-1984) was a composer, singer, and bouzouki player who is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern rebetiko. Sotiria Bellou (1921-1997) was a singer who collaborated with Tsitsanis and other rebetiko composers, and became one of the most popular and respected voices of the genre. She had a distinctive, husky, and emotional vocal delivery that conveyed the pain, joy, and passion of rebetiko lyrics. She sang about love, betrayal, poverty, and social issues, earning the admiration of both the public and the critics.