The Australian Hellenic Choir Inc. will hold its latest concert event ‘Rebetiko Reimagined,‘ featuring Rebetiko music arranged for the modern era, at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Saturday, October 19 from 7pm.
The concert will feature arrangements by Leon Vitogiannis, the Choir Music Director, and Stefanos Maragkakis, the Choir Pianist. Collaborating, they have arranged traditional Rebetika for a 30-piece orchestra featuring a modern twist. The Choir will perform a number of famous Rebetika songs.
Ahead of the event, The Greek Herald spoke with Leon and Stefanos.
Leon, you will be the Hellenic Choir of Australia’s Music Director for its upcoming concert ‘Rebetiko Reimagined.’ What has the process entailed so far?
As the Music Director for the Hellenic Choir of Australia’s Rebetiko Reimagined concert, my primary responsibility is conducting the performance. My role has also involved overseeing the musical direction and interpretation. I’ve been responsible for selecting and co-arranging the repertoire with Stefanos, ensuring it captures the essence of rebetiko while offering a fresh perspective.
Reimagining traditional Greek music is an idea I’ve had for quite some time. It’s one of those concepts that had to wait for the right moment. Shortly after I shifted my attention to rebetiko, Stefanos and I met to discuss the collaboration. We met regularly to explore what the project would look like—what music we would select, how we would reimagine it, and how deeply we could explore the meaning of each song and its significance to the genre. As we began arranging the music, drawing on both of our artistic tastes and strengths, we formed the arrangements that will premiere at this concert.
The process has included months of rigorous musical preparation and rehearsals with the choir, guiding them through musical gestures and shaping the overall sound to align with our vision of blending tradition with modern influences. Leading up to the performance, my role also involves working with instrumentalists and vocalists to ensure the show is cohesive, engaging, and true to the spirit of this iconic genre.
Stefanos, as the choir pianist, what does your role entail for the upcoming concert?
My role, on the surface, involves solos, improvisations, and other virtuosic elements, much like what one might expect in a piano and orchestra piece. However, my responsibilities go beyond performance. As the co-arranger and orchestrator, I am deeply involved in shaping the overall sound and structure of the pieces. Both Leon and I have an intimate understanding of the music, which ensures a seamless performance without surprises.
This concert promises to feature Rebetiko music arranged for the modern era. What can people expect on the night?
On the night of the concert, audiences can expect a dynamic reinterpretation of Rebetiko music, blending its traditional elements with modern influences. The arrangements will feature fresh takes on classic Rebetiko tunes, incorporating touches of classical, Jazz stylings, and rich orchestrations that offer a diverse array of musical colour to the original compositions. This fusion will offer a unique and engaging experience, appealing to both long-time fans and those discovering the genre for the first time. The aim is to create a performance that feels both authentic and contemporary, drawing in listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Are the music pieces original? How did they get produced?
The concert will open with an original composition. The rest of the program, while based on beloved rebetiko songs, features a significant amount of originality within each arrangement. Unique elements, such as newly composed solo lines, changes in musical style, and entirely new sections, have been incorporated, ensuring that each piece offers a fresh and creative take on the traditional rebetiko sound.
Is this the first time you are working together? What has that been like?
Despite having both worked with the Australian Hellenic Choir for a number of years, this is the first time that we’ve collaborated to this extent on musical arrangements. Being an immensely skilled and versatile composer, it has been a wonderful opportunity to have Stefanos bring his artistic knowledge to the rebetiko genre. We took on this project with pens and notepads as arrangers, and we both look forward to sharing the music with the orchestra, choir and our soloists.
As young people, why do you think it’s important to promote rebetiko music and do it in a way which is modern for younger generations?
Promoting rebetiko music to younger generations is important because music transcends cultural and generational boundaries. To introduce rebetiko to an audience that may be unfamiliar with it, particularly younger listeners or those from non-Greek backgrounds, it is essential to present the music in a way that resonates with their tastes. By incorporating elements from genres such as jazz, Latin, and cinema, we create a bridge between rebetiko and modern sensibilities. This approach can inspire the audience to connect with and appreciate rebetiko, leaving the concert with melodies that may spark a deeper interest in the genre.
For additional information about the Australian Hellenic Choir or this event, membership and auditions please call: James Tsolakis, AHC President: 0416 060 700; Despina Lucas, AHC Vice President: 0438 289 699; or email ah.choiraust@gmail.com. For Sponsorship or Benefactor Enquiries, please call: 0416 060 700.
Event Details:
- What: ‘Rebetiko Reimagined’ concert by the Australian Hellenic Choir
- When: Saturday, October 19
- Where: Sydney Conservatorium of Music (1 Conservatorium Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia)
- Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm AEDT
- Tickets: $79 per person with $69 concession tickets available. Buy here: https://bit.ly/3SlQMPN
