The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia will host a special workshop in Sydney featuring renowned musician and academic Matthaios Tsahouridis as part of this year’s Synapantema celebrations.
Held at the Tom Mann Theatre in Surry Hills on Sunday, April 26, the session titled “The Pontic Lyra in Contemporary Greece: From Tradition to Invention” will offer an afternoon of musical exploration into the evolution of the Pontic Lyra, with doors opening at 11:45am for a 12:00pm start.
Organisers say the event presents a rare opportunity to learn from a globally recognised performer, composer and academic.
The workshop forms part of Synapantema, the Federation’s flagship annual gathering, which will bring together Pontian communities from across Australia for a four-day cultural program running from April 24 to 27. Held in a different state each year, the event will take place in Sydney in 2026, featuring a packed schedule of cultural, social and commemorative activities.
Proceedings will begin on Friday, April 24 with a visit to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, youth networking drinks, and the official opening night Parakath with dinner and live entertainment, hosted by Panagia Soumela Sydney and Pontoxeniteas NSW.
Saturday’s program will include ANZAC Day commemorations beginning with the Dawn Service, followed by the sold-out Synapantema Dinner Dance at Diamond Venues. The evening is expected to be a major cultural highlight, featuring Pontian dance performances and live music by Tsahouridis and his band.
Sunday’s schedule will begin with a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern before the workshop in Surry Hills. Participants will then take part in a Sydney Harbour cruise with canapés, followed by an evening Parakath at the Pontian House featuring dinner and entertainment.
The event will conclude on Monday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the ANZAC Memorial, followed by a presentation on the ANZACs in Pontos and a community lunch.
The Federation, which represents nine Pontian associations across Australia, said Synapantema aims to strengthen cultural ties and celebrate Pontian heritage, with attendees travelling from multiple states to take part.
Event Details (tickets still available)
Sunday, April 26
Free Workshop with Dr Mattheios Tsahouridis
- “The Pontic Lyra in Contemporary Greece: From Tradition to Invention”
- 12pm–2pm (doors open 11:45am)
- Tom Mann Theatre, 136 Chalmers St, Surry Hills
- Buy tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DLDXC
Sydney Harbour Cruise with canapés
- 3pm–6pm
- Sydney Harbour
- Buy tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DJRPU
Parakath at the Pontian House – Dinner & Entertainment
- 7:30pm–11:30pm
- The Pontian House
- Buy tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DLDXD
