A landmark musical tribute celebrating one of Greece’s most influential composers will take centre stage in Sydney this year, with a full symphony orchestra honouring the 100th anniversary of Mimis Plessas at the City Recital Hall.
Presented by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, the concert – 100 Years Mimis Plessas: A Living Tribute with Dimitris Basis – marks a century since the birth of the legendary composer whose melodies shaped modern Greek music and film.
Plessas’ contribution to Greek culture is vast. A prodigious pianist who evolved into a defining musical voice of his generation, he composed scores for 104 films and countless songs that remain deeply embedded in the Greek collective memory. Works such as Pios to xerei and Tosa Kalokeria continue to resonate across generations, bridging popular music, cinema and symphonic composition.
The Sydney tribute will bring Plessas’ legacy to life through the rich textures of a full symphony orchestra, complemented by traditional Greek instrumentation – a rare opportunity for audiences to experience his work on a truly grand scale.
Headlining the evening is internationally acclaimed vocalist Dimitris Basis, whose career has spanned more than 25 years and earned platinum-selling success. Known for his powerful voice and technical precision, Basis has long been regarded as one of Greece’s leading performers and a global ambassador of Greek music.
Musical direction will be led by celebrated Australian conductor George Ellis, whose distinguished career includes directing the Sydney Olympic Games Opening Ceremony and collaborations with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and internationally renowned composers.
“Mimis Plessas is a titan of melody whose work transcends borders,” Ellis said. “To conduct a full symphony orchestra in celebration of his 100th year is a profound honour. We are creating a soundscape that respects the nostalgia of his legendary film scores while bringing a fresh, cinematic energy to the City Recital Hall stage.”
Adding another dimension to the performance is classically trained flautist and vocalist MariaYiakoulis, whose work blends Greek musical traditions with contemporary jazz and blues influences, reflecting both cultural inheritance and modern expression.
The choice of City Recital Hall underscores the significance of the occasion. Renowned for its world-class acoustics and intimate setting, the venue provides a fitting backdrop for a concert celebrating a century of artistic achievement.
Open to audiences of all backgrounds, the event promises a powerful fusion of symphonic grandeur and iconic Greek sound – a celebration not only of Plessas’ legacy, but of the enduring cultural connection between Greece and its global diaspora.
Event Details:
- Event: “100 Years Mimis Plessas: A Living Tribute with Dimitris Basis”
- Presented by: The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW
- Venue: City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place, Sydney
- Featuring: Dimitris Basis, George Ellis, Maria Yiakoulis, and a Full Symphony Orchestra & Greek Band.
- Tickets: https://shorturl.at/hcVWg
