‘Not to be missed’: Nikos Sousamidis on tribute show for Mimis Plessas, Giorgos Zambetas

A tribute show for Greek music legends, Mimis Plessas and Giorgos Zambetas, will take place on Sunday, April 2 at the Factory Theatre in Sydney.

The show, which is part of the Greek Festival of Sydney, will feature a 13-piece band under the musical direction of guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer, Nikos Sousamidis.

Ahead of the tribute show, The Greek Herald spoke with Nikos and he detailed what people can expect on the night.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1970 and we moved to Greece when I was three years old. So I grew up in Greece. I studied music theory and history of music at Thessaloniki university. I first started as a musician at local music venues. After a few years, I ended up as a main guitarist for Stelio Rocko and Peggy Zina for three years. Then Peggy Zina and Giorgos Liras offered me the opportunity to take over the direction of the band and the production of her shows in Athens. For the next six years I was the Maestro for her and my job was to direct her live and TV shows. During these six years as a music director, we collaborated with great artists such as Nikos Vertis, Thanos Petrelis, Nino and Kostas Karafotis, Yianna Terzi, Giorgos Lianos and others.

The next chapter of my career was to direct the shows of Nikos Oikonomopoulos for live and TV performances. At that time I was directing the Fame Story Summer concerts with the ANT1’s collaboration as well. After a successful two year period with Nikos Oikonomopoulos, my family and I moved back to Thessaloniki as my son was born and we wanted to have our families closer to us. Giannis Vardis and Mihalis Emirlis are some of the shows that I have directed during my stay in Thessaloniki. Tolis Voskopoulos, Rita Sakelariou, Giorgos Margaritis, Angelos Dionisiou and Themis Adamandidis are some of my collaborations in Greece.

Since moving back to Australia in 2011, I’ve directed shows for the Greek Festival of Sydney with artists such as Vasilis Lekkas, Dimitris Basis and also Melina Aslanidou.

You’re taking part in the Mimi Plessas and Giorgos Zambetas tribute show this weekend. What is your connection to these two artists and their music? 

We grew up with their music. Both composers are at the pantheon of Greek music and definitely both were in my bucket list. 

What can people expect from the tribute concert? 

Mimis Plessas and Giorgos Zambetas are undoubtedly gods among the pantheon of the best and well known Greek composers. Both dominated the film, television and radio facets of music, sparking the Golden Era of Greek film music. With more than 3,000 songs and instrumental pieces combined, the two composers are rightfully considered as “legends” of Greek music. 

After a very difficult decision on which songs we will include in our tribute show, we are very happy with the outcome. With a 13-piece band formed by some of Sydney’s finest musicians, directed by myself, we promise to deliver an unforgettable musical journey.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I would like to thank the Greek Festival of Sydney and especially Nia Karteris for hosting my show under their umbrella. And of course, The Greek Herald and you for this interview. It’s a show not to be missed.

Tickets can be purchased directly here, from the website of Factory Theatre or by calling the Box Office on 9550 3666.