Local Melbourne Greek ensemble, Estudiantina of Melbourne, return to Bird’s Basement on Friday, July 25, fresh from their East Coast tour to present their next show, Songs of the Soul – a heartfelt tribute to Rita Abadzi and Kostas Roukounas.
Both artists are regarded as vocal trailblazers of Greek urban music, and this concert will honour their enduring musical legacy right in the heart of Melbourne.
Con Kalamaras, event organiser and member of Estudiantina, told The Greek Herald, “The purpose of the concert is to celebrate the two iconic composers that existed in Greece, not only because they were talented, but also because Rita Abadzi was a female trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, and Kostas Roukounas was a refugee from Asia Minor. Their contribution is still reverberating to this day.”
Estudiantina of Melbourne – translating to Students of Melbourne – will bring these timeless songs to life, celebrating the raw emotion, vivid storytelling, and rich musical traditions that shaped early 20th-century Greek music.
Through stirring performances by renowned musicians, audiences will journey through the poignant and passionate soundscapes of smyrneika, amanedes, and classic rebetiko, capturing the struggles, joys, and everyday lives of a bygone era.
Fresh off the release of their debut album and a successful promotional tour, the ensemble brings together musicians of Greek, Anglo-German, and Lebanese heritage – a reflection of Melbourne’s rich cultural diversity.
Event Details:
- What: Songs of the Soul – Rita Abadzi & Kostas Roukounas
- When: Friday, July 25
- Where: Bird’s Basement, Melbourne, Victoria
- Time: Early Doors Open: 6:00 pm I Early Show Starts: 7:30 pm
- Buy tickets here.
