Fotis Vergopoulos kicks off his Australian tour in Brunswick

·

Greek musical virtuoso Fotis Vergopoulos made a triumphant return to Australia last Friday, November 29, captivating audiences with his masterful performance of rebetika, often referred to as Greek Blues.

Leading an ensemble of accomplished local and interstate musicians, Vergopoulos showcased why he is regarded as a leading figure of the new generation of Greek talent.

The event celebrated the rich heritage of rebetika, a genre that emerged in the early 20th century and remains a poignant reflection of Greek urban culture. Known for its heartfelt lyrics and distinctive instrumentation, including the bouzouki, rebetika tells stories of love, struggle, and resilience.

Vergopoulos’ deep connection to the genre was evident as he delivered raw and emotional renditions, resonating with both long-time fans and new listeners.

Currently based in Athens, Greece, Vergopoulos has built an impressive career touring Europe, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. His collaborations with esteemed artists such as Agathonas Iakovidis, Martha Fritzila, Babis Gkoles and Manolis Pappos have further cemented his reputation as a torchbearer of rebetika.

The first performance of his tour was a celebration not just of music but of cultural identity, offering a vibrant reminder of the enduring power of rebetika to connect people across generations and geographies. The audience left inspired, reaffirming the genre’s relevance and Vergopoulos’ status as a musical ambassador of Greek heritage.

Joining Fotis on stage was distinguished guests and key figures from the rebetika scene in Melbourne: Kostas Papapanagiotou (Bouzouki and vocals), Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (Accordion/Vocals), Con Kalamaras (Guitar) and Niko Papadimitriou (Baglama).

Artists joining Fotis in Sydney and Canberra will be Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (Accordion/Vocals), Themelis Samarkos (Bouzouki/Vocals), Con Kalamaras (Guitar) and Kon Velanis (Baglama/Bouzouki).

Event Details:

BRUNSWICK BALLROOM Presents Fotis Vergopoulos (Second show) 

  • 6:30pm, Thu 5 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Smiths Alternative in Canberra

  • 9.30pm – 11.30pm, Friday, 13 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Butchers Brew Bar in Dulwich Hill, Sydney (Early show)

  • 4pm – 7pm, Sat 14 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Butchers Brew Bar in Dulwich Hill, Sydney (Late show)

  • 8pm – 11pm, Sat 14 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

* All photos supplied by Paul Karalis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Pontoxeniteas NSW celebrates community, culture and generosity at 2025 Winter Wonderland

Celebration swept through The Grand Roxy on Saturday, May 31, as Pontoxeniteas NSW hosted its spectacular Winter Wonderland Gala 2025.

GCM prepares for AGM as Board elections and revenue outlook take centre stage

The Greek Community of Melbourne has officially announced that its Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

Raptis sisters left devastated as SA music school faces second government acquisition

Koula and Mary Raptis are “devastated and heartbroken” after learning their music school, Allegro Music, is to be acquired by the government.

Jon Adgemis vacates luxury Sydney mansion amid legal battle over his mum’s home

Disgraced former KPMG dealmaker Jon Adgemis has vacated the $20,000-a-week Point Piper mansion dubbed the "Bang & Olufsen house."

Australian Hellenic Choir delivers a stirring musical journey at ‘A Portrait of Greece’ in Sydney

The Australian Hellenic Choir captivated a packed Sir John Clancy Auditorium at the University of New South Wales on Sunday, June 1.

You May Also Like

Lerian Association of Sydney and NSW to celebrate milestone 50th anniversary

The Lerian Association of Sydney and NSW - Leros will mark its milestone 50th anniversary on November 26, 2022 at the Pan Arcadian Club.

Poland and Greece join forces to seek WWII reparations from Germany

Poland wants to expand a campaign to receive massive World War II reparations from Germany, turning to Greece as a potential ally.

Greek Australian female leaders to speak at International Women’s Day event in Sydney

To celebrate International Womens' Day, three Australian-Greek women will speak about Australian-Greek Women in Leadership in NSW.