Songs from Smyrne live at Brunswick Ballroom

·

On Thursday, April 11, new band Estudiantina of Melbourne will be performing the ‘Songs from Smyrne’ concert at Brunswick Ballroom from 6.30pm.

This live concert tribute will focus on compositions that emerged after the population exchange, including the songs that gained prominence through gramophone recordings thereafter.

The concert aims to celebrate cultural diversity through its music, focusing on the composers who relocated to mainland Greece and their profound effect on the musical landscape. The music from Smyrne was significantly affected by the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s, leading to a dispersion of diverse musical traditions and their preservation and evolution in different regions.

Today, elements of Smyrneika music can still be heard in various contemporary musical compositions, traditional ensembles, and even in the works of modern artists who draw inspiration from the rich musical legacy of this historically vibrant city.

Smyrne, now known as Izmir in Turkey, holds a significant place in the history of Greek and Turkish musical traditions. It was a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, influencing its music with a blend of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian elements. Characterised by a distinctive sound, Smyrneika incorporates various instruments such as the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, among others. It often features emotional and melancholic melodies, reflecting the experiences and sentiments of the diverse population living in Smyrne.

Bringing together a unique ensemble of Melbourne musicians this concert will not disappoint.

Musicians from this newly formed ensemble “Estudiantina of Melbourne” are:

  • Maria Antaras-Dalamagas – Accordion/Vocals
  • Vagelis Ginis – Vocals
  • Camille El Feghali – Qanun
  • Jenny Dixon – Violin
  • Alex Petropoulos – Guitar
  • Paul Karalis – Bouzouki
  • Con Kalamaras – Bouzouki/Vocals

This event is a co-present with Con Kalamaras, Brunswick Ballroom, The Hellenic Museum Melbourne, and The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. Buy tickets here: https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/songs-from-smyrne/162131

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Faith and community shine at Sydney’s 2025 Epiphany Greek Festival

More than 40,000 people attended the 2025 Epiphany Greek Festival on Sunday, January 12, at Carss Bush Park in Sydney, NSW.

Andros takes top place in top 10 Greek islands to visit for its peace and serenity

The British newspaper “The Times” has made this decision easier by publishing a list of their top 10 Greek islands.

$27.5 million redevelopment of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese site in Sydney approved

The City of Sydney has approved the redevelopment of the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern.