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

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Meet you at the terminal? Here’s why you should consider a destination wedding

It’s a day some dream about with a clear vision, for others, napkin madness and first dance fears only come front of mind post knee drop.

Insight or Perspective: As Greek-Australians should we vote in Greece?

By Eleni Elefterias As Greek-Australians should we vote in Greece? For many reasons this is problem scenario. I recently attended an online meeting with the New...

Cyprus Community of SA Ladies Auxiliary raise funds for HeartKids

The Ladies' Association of the Cypriot Community of South Australia recently raised $4,000 during an afternoon tea to support HeartKids.