Greek, Turkish and Lebanese musicians join forces to bring the Songs of Anatolia to Sydney

·

Greek, Turkish and Lebanese musicians are joining forces on Friday, August 12 for the much-anticipated Songs of Anatolia concert at the Sydney Opera House.

The concert will feature Byron Triandafyllidis (vocals and bouzouki), AyÅŸe Göknur Shanal (vocals), Cüneyt Ã‡akmak (kanun) and George El-Azar (percussion), and they will be bringing the music of Anatolia, the region where Europe and Asia meet, to the audience.

In an interview with The Greek Herald, Triandafyllidis says he’s looking forward to the performance in Sydney because the collaboration has been in the works for a while.

“I met AyÅŸe through George, the percussionist. She was visiting Melbourne at the time and I was doing a performance of Greek music at Queen Victoria Markets,” Triandafyllidis explains.

“I knew a few common songs from Turkey and Greece so I got her up to sing a few and she did and that’s basically how it all started.”

Triandafyllidis says the concert will incorporate his interest in rebetika and Asia Minor, as well as give him a chance to get in touch with his ancestral roots which are from Constantinople and Thrace.

“It’s an important concert because we live in a multicultural society and… for social cohesion as well, just to know where some of our heritage came from,” he adds.

For her part, AyÅŸe tells The Greek Herald the concert will share a repertoire of music “that doesn’t leave anybody out from Anatolia.”

Ayşe Göknur Shanal.

“It will be really, really interesting for the audience. There is so much body of repertoire from different parts that haven’t even been explored yet and we will do that,” she concludes, while encouraging everyone to attend.

To find out more about the Songs of Anatolia concert, visit this website.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

Two Greeks confirmed in Matildas squad for Under-20s Women’s Asian Cup 2024

Amongst the 23-player squad, are two Greek Australian girls, Alexia Apostolakis and Peta Trimis, who have been confirmed to play.

Greece’s party leaders agree to hold TV debate ahead of second election

A debate between all the leaders of Greece's parliamentary parties will be held ahead of the June 25 national election.

Turkey covers up priceless frescoes in ancient Greek church ahead of Muslim prayers

Turkey has covered up priceless frescoes in the Chora Church ahead of Islamic prayers scheduled for October 30.