The Consuls of European Union countries in Western Australia held a sold-out jazz concert on June 4 at Government House Ballroom to celebrate Europe Day 2022.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Governor of WA, The Honourable Kim Beazley AC; the Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou; the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Australia, Fedja Zlobec; and the President of the Ukrainian Association of WA, Mykola Mowczan.
Ms Beazley, Mr Zlobec and Mr Mowczan all delivered emotional speeches demonstrating Europe’s and Australia’s unity and solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Afterwards, all the guests enjoyed European tunes by WA’s premiere violin and piano pair, Duo Brillante, and jazz singer, Jessie Gordon.
Duo Brillante, which features Anastasiya Dudar and Irina Buyevska-Cowell, performed two soulful pieces by Ukrainian composers.
The Ballroom was then filled with melodies showcasing Europe’s diversity. Gordon, accompanied by Harry Mitchell on the piano, interpreted songs in Swedish, Portuguese, Italian and French.
In a surprising move, the singer also included “Τα παιδιά του Πειραιά” – “Never on Sunday” in her repertoire.
At the conclusion of the concert, organisers, performers and audience members had the opportunity to socialise over drinks and finger-food in the Super Room.
*All photos by Matt Jelonek.