With a packed hall at the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria and an atmosphere of deep emotion, the cultural event “A Century of Inspiration” took place on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
The event was dedicated to the legendary Greek composers Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis, on the occasion of the centenary of their birth.
The event was organised by the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia, with the support of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne.
The audience was taken on a journey through a unique composition of music, poetry, prose, dance, tributes, and speeches, highlighting the profound legacy and immortal contribution of the two great creators.
Special touches were offered through literary and historical references, student contributions from Oakleigh Grammar, Nestoras College, St John’s College, and the Greek Language and Culture Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne, as well as the dynamic performance of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria’s dance group, which stirred deep emotion and pride.
The artistic program featured the musicians: Maria Andaras-Dalamaga (accordion), Odysseas Kripotos (bass), Iakovos Papadopoulos (bouzouki), George Sevastakis (lute), Dimitris Stathopoulos (guitar), Christoforos Stathopoulos (percussion), and Katerina Stevens (violin).
On stage, the voices of John Kostarakis, Evangelia Baxa, and Anna Tsourdalakis were joined in song, while Antonis Tsourdalakis performed mantinades (Cretan rhymed couplets).
The event was further enriched by speeches from media representatives, Sotiris Hatzimanolis and Elias Diacolabrianos, and acclaimed actor Grigoris Valtinos.
The texts were curated by Vicky Petala, with Anthi Tzani as MC, narration by Hara Kogioni, and poster design by Evelina Karakasi. The concept and technical support were led by the Vice President of the Hellenic Writers’ Association, Evangelos Plokamakis.
Greetings were also extended by:
- Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne
- Miltos Stamatakos, President of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria
- John Sachinidis, President of the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia
The event was honoured by the presence of:
- Father Georgios Fragos, representing His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora
- Maria Triantafyllou, Deputy Coordinator of Education for Australia & New Zealand
The evening concluded with prolonged applause, leaving everyone with the strong sense that the music, words, and poetry of Hatzidakis and Theodorakis continue to unite, inspire, and guide us.
The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia warmly thanks its supporters, artists, students, and all who contributed to an evening that will remain unforgettable in the memory of the community.
