The ‘Soul of Greece’ will come to QPAC this May

·

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) will play host to a full symphony orchestra and one of Greece’s leading vocalists, Ifigeneia Ioannou, for the fourth in QPAC’s concert series celebrating the vibrancy of Greek culture through Rebetiko music on 3 May.

Rebetiko in Symphony will feature the Rebetiko music beloved in Greece, a genre often referred to as the ‘Greek Blues’.

Direct from Greece, Ifigeneia Ioannou will guest star performing Rebetiko classics by Stavros Xarchakos from the 1983 iconic film Rembetiko by film-maker Costas Ferris, that still enjoys cult status in Greece today.

The film was based on the life of Greek singer Marika Ninou, who was born in Smyrna, Turkey in 1917 and was deported with her family to Greece as a young child. She became a musician and singer after World War II before tragically dying relatively young.

The concert will also include the music of Kostas Skarvelis, Vassilis Tsitsanis and Panayiotis Toundas, regarded as the founders of the Rebetiko movement.

Internationally renowned vocalist and musician Ioannou will be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra under the baton of the acclaimed Greek Australian conductor George Ellis.

“The performance ofXarchakos’ music is an essential component of Greek culture and life. To do so in Australia, on the other side of the world, is an honour,” Ellis said.

Ifigeneia Ioannou, who will be performing in Australia for the first time, describes Rebetiko music as the soul of Greece.

Ifigeneia Ioannou is set to "share the magic" of Rebetiko in Australia -  Neos Kosmos
Ifigeneia Ioannou.

“Rebetiko carries the stories, anxieties and dreams of everyday people,” Ioannou explains.

“Its timelessness derives from its truth and I’m excited to live this experience in Australia, the home of such a vibrant and dynamic Greek community.”

Greek Australians would be familiar with many of the Greek musicians Ioannou has performed with throughout her career including Dionysis Savvopoulos, Eleni Tsaligopoulou, Dimitris Mystakidis, Pantelis Thalassinos, George Perris.

Ifigeneia Ioannou.

Rebetiko is musical storytelling with its roots in the struggles and difficulties of the everyday life of refugees and the Greek diaspora. It combines different musical styles with lyrics touching on the harsh realities of an oppressed subculture lifestyle of those who had fled war in other countries to find a better life in Greece.

Rebetiko music remains a strong point of connection for Greek people all over the world who have made their own journeys of assimilation in new countries and communities.

Rebetiko in Symphony will present a unique experience as Rebetiko music is more often played by a smaller ensemble of less than 10 musicians and on this rare occasion will be performed by a full symphony orchestra.

Tickets are on sale now at qpac.com.au

Event Details:

WHEN: Wednesday 3 May, 2023 7:30pm

WHERE:  Concert Hall, QPAC, Queensland Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane

TICKETS:  qpac.com.au or phone 136 246

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

Greek dish gives Sydney restaurant third consecutive win in Perfect Plate awards

Cove Bar & Grill in Sydney have claimed a third consecutive regional win in the Clubs NSW Perfect Plate awards thanks to its Prawn Saganaki.

Abandoned ancient wine shop discovered in Greece

Archaeologists have uncovered a Roman-era wine shop, which was destroyed following a sudden event that resulted in the owners vacating it.

Greece PM orders full lockdown in Athens after ‘worrying’ 1,526 cases

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday announced a full lockdown in the capital Athens to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.