Diogenis brings Pontian culture and music to Sydney

·

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas experienced an unforgettable weekend at the Pontian House with special guest and international musician from Greece, Diogenis.

Diogenis last visited Pontoxeniteas in 2012, this year, hosting a Pontian Culture Workshop for all to attend.

The workshop involved teachings of the Pontian Dialect, sounds, words, sentences, and covered the history, poems, genocide, personal stories and instruments. Games were played alongside singing, creating an engaging atmosphere which stretched across five hours.

Traditions, stories shared from survivor’s, and Diogenis’ emphasis on the importance of holding workshops to educate younger generations on the rich Pontian culture were highlights of the event.

Association President, Maria Anthony shared the importance of having musicians and academics come to Australia that can provide their knowledge on our rich Pontian culture, where they can teach our Dialect, the Piontian words and an opportunity for our audience to ask questions and be engaging. 

On the Saturday night, Diogenis played the Lyra and vocals, Chris Skenderidis was on keyboard, and Prodromos Moysiadis, on Daouli. The music took everyone in attendance on a journey through Greece – from Pontos to Crete, to Imperios, to the Islands, and back to Pontos. Kosta Papoulidis was also on Lyra, accompanied by vocals with Peter Tsenkas on Daouli.

Many new faces graced the dinner dance, including a group from Syria, where all present could enjoy the night.

The Association thanked the Greek Pontian Society of Wollongong “Diogenis”, Nick Chrissostomidis and their members, alongside expressiing gratitude for the Canberra Association of Pontos ‘Trapezounta’, Angela Trio and the committee for attending and for their support.

The Pontoxeniteas NSW Committee, dance teachers, youth committee and everyone that helped over the course of the three-day-long event also received special mention alongside Syndesmos – Connecting People and Their Stories, The Greek Herald, and the 2MM radio station hosted by Spiros Papastefanou and John Theodoridis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Sydney Olympic FC sign A League striker in bid to win FFA Cup

Sydney Olympic Football Club is excited to announce the signing of former Newcastle Jets striker, Roy O’Donovan.

‘Taught me how to express affection’: The power of a Greek auntie

Resilience is the main word that comes to mind when I think of my 'special' Aunts. Special, because they were inspirational.

New casual Greek restaurant brings meze and cocktails to Adelaide’s CBD

Andrew Papadakis, the visionary who founded and successfully sold Meze Mazi, returns to the vibrant Adelaide restaurant scene.