Friends and supporters of The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) were privileged to attend an intimate reception at Government House Sydney on Wednesday, 31 July 2024 hosted by Her Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.
The event marked THI Australia’s 10th anniversary and also served as a formal welcome to acclaimed Greek conductor, Zoe Zeniodi, to Sydney.
In her address, Her Excellency spoke of the significant contributions that Greek Australians have made to Australian life and prosperity and their enduring love for their heritage and homeland, which did not diminish their love for Australia.
Her Excellency congratulated THI Australia on its 10th anniversary and for a decade of uniting Greek Australians in support of vulnerable communities in Greece.
Her Excellency also welcomed Ms Zeniodi, who is in Australia to conduct Così fan Tutte at the Sydney Opera House, and congratulated her on a career of significant achievements.
THI Australia Director, Professor Helen Zorbas AO, extended her appreciation to Her Excellency for generously hosting the reception and for her warm expressions of Philhellenism.
Professor Zorbas also welcomed Ms Zeniodi, otherwise known as ‘Ms Dynamite’ and the ‘Ingenious Greek Maestra’, and her family to Sydney.
“I know I speak for all Greek Australians when I say we are so very proud of your extraordinary standing on the world stage, and are thrilled to have you here in Sydney, making history as the first Greek orchestral conductor for Opera Australia,” Professor Zorbas said.
Professor Zorbas spoke about the formation of THI Australia in 2014, at a time of significant economic depression and austerity in Greece.
“Some say resilience is in the DNA of Greeks, and this resilience was tested across all generations. Resilience and perseverance helped our forefathers build a life here in Australia, and the generations of Greek Australians that followed have benefitted and thrived in this wonderful country as a result of their resilience and sacrifice,” Professor Zorbas said.
Ten years on, THI Australia works with 13 trusted inspirational partner charities in Greece to deliver programs across social services, education, health, employment, arts, and culture. Despite the significant economic improvement in Greece, the need has not diminished. THI Australia’s charities on the ground are overwhelmed with requests for support.
In reply, Ms Zeniodi thanked Her Excellency for her generosity and for welcoming her and her family to Government House. She spoke about the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Opera Australia and Australian artists and her desire to spend more time in Australia.
“This is the most beautiful country,” Ms Zeniodi said.
Ms Zeniodi’s international career has led to collaborations with Lyric Opera of Chicago, LA Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Queensland, New Zealand Opera, Opera Southwest, Florida Grand Opera, Bremen Opera, and orchestras such as the Philharmonia, Orchestre de Paris, Köln Gürzenich Orchestra, Bremen Philharmonic, Brno Philharmonic, Buenos Aires Philharmonic, and Castilla y León, among others. Ms Zeniodi was a finalist at the 2022 La Maestra competition in Paris and features in a documentary covering the five finalists.
