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Sharing food, sharing cultures: How cooking brings this Greek-Indian family together

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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Sharing food, sharing cultures: How cooking brings this Greek-Indian family together

No matter where on the planet you are, if you are of Greek heritage or you have Greek friends you will know that in the Greek culture, food means more than sustenance; it’s a way to understand the culture and defines the customs and traditions it represents. 

“People of Indian background share similar values,” says Melbourne based food blogger and mother of two, Dhru Xiros.

“Both cultures are centred around food, family and fun. The celebrations and festivities are always over the top, everyone is loud and opinionated but best of all at the end of the day there is a whole lot of love and support,” says Dhru.

‘Food is a great uniter’

Married to Bill, who is of Greek heritage, Dhru started her Instagram food blog, Indo Grecian Kitchen, while she was a stay-at-home mum, as a way to express herself and to learn more about her husband’s heritage and culinary traditions of his country.

“It was a fantastic way to connect with the adult world, document my recipes and learn more about food,” says Dhru and explains what cooking means to her.

“Cooking to me is a connection, from past to present and future. My grandmothers, my mother, my aunties, were all formidable in the kitchen. Food is the great uniter,” says the blogger.

“It teaches us how to work together (preparing food) and then how to share the fruits of our labour (feasting). It is the simplest and most important expression of our love and care for ourselves, our family and our communities.”

The secrets to a successful intercultural marriage

Greek style lamb chops or Biryani? 

When it comes to the challenges of intercultural marriages Dhru says there were no cultural difficulties in her relationship with Bill due to the similar nature of the two cultures in terms of values and morals. 

“To anyone in an intercultural marriage – always learn about your partner’s roots.  If you have children one day, and with existing families, it will make things so much smoother if you understand the other person’s background,” says Dhru.

“I went to Greek school to learn the language; I’ve read a lot with regards to the religious side of things but I have done that because I wanted to. It has never been forced on me and I have never felt pressured to assimilate. Definitely helps.

“I have a genuine interest in language, culture and food – these are the things which help bridge the gap.” 

A Greek by…marriage 

When you are married to a Greek you may not automatically get granted a citizenship but Dhru is proud of her family’s Greek heritage and expresses her gratitude for the loving acceptance the Greek community has shown her.

“My husband’s family and friends, the Hellenic community I’ve met through the food blog, even my dad’s Greek friends from when I was growing up: everyone I come across is so full of love. 

“Their sense of pride in the Greek culture and heritage is astounding and fascinating. This was new to me at first, I come from a strong culture but I don’t think Indian diaspora are as passionate about the up-keeping of their language and heritage,” says Dhru.

“You only have to look at the number of Greek schools in operation to realise how important it is to Greek’s that their knowledge is passed on!

And what did she struggle to understand about the Greek culture?

“It took some time to get used to this patriotism, but the more I read, learn and absorb about Greek history it makes more sense. There is a LOT to be proud of and now I’m strangely proud of it too.”

Before we conclude the interview, I ask Dhru to share her favourite Greek expression with us.

‘Mou eheis kanei ti zoi patini (Μου έχεις κάνει τη ζωή πατίνι) – You have made my life a rollerskate,’ she replies.

“Such a dramatic statement. Instead of saying something simple like ‘You’re making this difficult’ the Greeks turn it into a hilarious metaphor. This is how my life feels lately too!” Dhru concludes. 

DHRU’S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

These cookies are the easiest and quickest you will ever make. 3 base ingredients, gluten free, dairy free and so delicious they won’t last more than a couple of days so be sure to make a double batch!

 Ingredients

240g smooth peanut butter

100g brown sugar

1 egg

Chocolate chips (optional)

Method

1. Combine all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.

2. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.

3. Roll into 1/2 tablespoon sized balls, flatten very slightly and put onto lined baking trays.

4. If you are using them, press a free chocolate chips onto each cookie.

5. Bake in 1800C oven for 8-10 mins or until you see small cracks on the surface. Be careful they will darken and burn very quickly.

6. Allow to cool on tray for 5-10 mins before eating. Enjoy!

The Honourable Justice Anthe Philippides on her legal career and passion for the arts

The Greek Herald
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The Honourable Justice Anthe Philippides on her legal career and passion for the arts

Recently retired Queensland Court of Appeal judge, the Honourable Anthe Philippides, has always been a trailblazer for cultural diversity and the arts in the state’s legal system.

This is especially clear in her recent interview with The Contact Magazine, where she stresses how the arts are essential for all university students “no matter what career one pursues.”

“After all, music can be a tool for reconciliation; visual arts can provide solace and beauty; architecture literally affects how we live; theatre brings thoughts and feelings to life; while language and history provide a framework from which we can grow and communicate,” Justice Philippides tells the magazine.

“From a career viewpoint, I quickly realised that law doesn’t exist in a vacuum and that the arts were a good vehicle for looking at how the law operated and whether it could be improved. Arts provide a different perspective.”

Recently retired Queensland Court of Appeal judge, the Honourable Anthe Philippides.

While some might say Justice Philippides is biased in this opinion as she grew up in a proud Greek Cypriot household that revered the arts and multiculturalism, that’s not entirely true. While this aspect of her family life did influence her arts passion in some way, her family’s philanthropy also had a hand to play in the legal career she chose.

“As a child, I remember our house always being open, hosting fundraisers for various charities. Looking out for others was a big part of my upbringing and the arts, particularly music, played a major role in achieving this,” Justice Philippides says.

Becoming the first woman of Hellenic heritage admitted to the Queensland Bar:

Once her decision was made, Justice Philippides went to the University of Queensland in the late 1970s to enrol in arts/law degrees and she never looked back.

In 1982, she became the first female to win a British Council Commonwealth scholarship to complete a Master of Law at Cambridge.

Later, in 1984, she became the first woman of Hellenic heritage to be admitted to the Queensland Bar and, in 1999, to attain silk in Australia.

In 2000, she became a judge in the Supreme Court of Queensland, a position she held until 2014, when she moved over to the Queensland Court of Appeal. They were also firsts for a woman of Hellenic heritage.

Justice Philippides became the first woman of Hellenic heritage admitted to the Queensland Bar.

“I think of the law as an evolving system of rules and principles for dealing with society’s disputes and of governing society, and it has been a huge privilege for me to have played a role in it, including presiding over criminal trials, determining civil cases, mediating between people bringing deep grievances to the Court, and considering difficult issues at an appellate level,” Justice Philippides told The Contact Magazine.

“I’m also glad to have played a role in changing the perception of ‘what a judge looks like’.”

Promoting diversity and the arts:

When Justice Philippides isn’t doing all of the above and juggling her demanding public career, she’s also always seen making a foray into the arts and fighting for equality.

In 1999, she helped establish a mentoring scheme for the Bar Association of Queensland, designed to help those traditionally under-represented at the Bar – women and those with Indigenous or rural backgrounds – to link with barristers and gain practical experience in the profession.

“I believe everyone deserves respect, and no-one should feel excluded because of their cultural background or lack of contacts,” she says.

“A respectful working environment, where people can be their authentic selves, is a large part of providing a credible system of justice, and diversity can only empower us all.”

Justice Philippides has also become a ‘donor with purpose,’ contributing her time and money to various cultural activities and organisations she admired.

Justice Anthe Philippides with graduates of UQ’s InspireU program. Image supplied / The Contact Magazine.

From 1988 until 2000, her Honour served as Honorary Vice Consul in Brisbane for the Republic of Cyprus. She was part of a group that established the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association in 2015 to celebrate Hellenic ideals and promote cultural harmony and diversity, and is now its Queensland patron.

Currently, she is also a director of Musica Viva Australia, and has helped establish TLF Creative, an orchestra and arts-based group that provides an inclusive and creative space for legal professionals and law students.

But now that she’s retiring from the legal profession she has served so well, what’s Justice Philippides looking forward to the most? Spending time “doing good things with good people,” she told The Contact Magazine.

“Promoting diversity, particularly in the arts, listening to different opinions, and finding better answers to the difficult questions we must face to empower those from diverse backgrounds and create a more inclusive society are my passions going forward.”

A worthy cause from an inspirational individual.

Connie Bonaros MLC proposes Gender Equality Bill to protect SA’s public sector

The Greek Herald
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Connie Bonaros MLC proposes Gender Equality Bill to protect SA’s public sector

SA-BEST MLC Connie Bonaros has proposed new laws to establish a Gender Equality Commissioner in South Australia to help identify and address inequity, such as gender pay gaps, across the state’s public sector.

The Advertiser reports that the Gender Equality Bill would affect more than 107,400 public servants from nurses to teachers, judges, local mayors and MPs – 14.4 percent of the South Australian workforce.

“This Bill is to ensure we are not judged by our chromosomes and can live our lives without discrimination, harassment, bullying and violence,” Ms Bonaros told The Advertiser.

“If passed, South Australia will be the second state in Australia to enact gender equality legislation following Victoria’s lead from last year.”

SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros on the steps of state parliament House. Picture: Mark Brake.

READ MORE: Greek Australian politicians on why SA Parliament has the worst female MP representation in Australia.

The Bill would cover public service ‘entities,’ such as universities and the South Australian Courts Administration Authority. The entities would have clear obligations to set up and meet tailored gender targets, while the Gender Equality Commissioner would oversee the Bill’s compliance and enforcement.

Labor is broadly supportive of the Bill, up for committee stage discussion in the Upper House from August. The state government is still formalising a position on it.

READ MORE: SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros urges for sexual harassment review recommendations to be implemented.

Ms Bonaros said gender equality was a basic human right and one that brought significant economic, social and health benefits for South Australians, including the prevention of family and other forms of violence.

Connie Bonaros says gender equality was a basic human right.

She said public sector workplaces needed to be a beacon of example in gender equality if it was expected of non-government businesses and corporations.

State opposition spokeswoman for Women, Katrine Hildyard, agrees and told The Advertiser she also sees “benefits” to the proposed bill.

“We see benefits in establishing a Commissioner for Gender Equality like Victoria has to promote gender equality programs, services and workplaces, and have contemplated similar legislation.

“It is unacceptable women continue to be disproportionately and negatively impacted by pay inequality, gendered violence, sexual assault and other forms of discrimination, all of which a Commissioner could proactively address.”

Source: The Advertiser.

Nick Kyrgios to go to Wimbledon without grasscourt warm-up

The Greek Herald
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Nick Kyrgios to go to Wimbledon without grasscourt warm-up

Tennis star, Nick Kyrgios, will kick-off his Wimbledon campaign without playing any grasscourt tournaments in the weeks prior, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reports.

Kyrgios had planned to leave Australia for Europe about a fortnight ago but a neck and shoulder complaint has delayed his departure.

The 26-year-old is set to board a flight bound for England on Wednesday, leaving him just four days to practice on his preferred surface before the tournament begins on Monday.

According to the SMH, grass is Kyrgios’ favourite playing surface and his camp are not overly concerned with the lack of practice on the grasscourts at the All England Club.

Nick Kyrgios will kick-off his Wimbledon campaign without playing any grasscourt tournaments.

But experts say the lack of time to acclimatise will do nothing to enhance Kyrgios’ chances of going deep at the tournament where he became a household name after a stunning fourth-round win over Rafael Nadal in 2014.

Kyrgios has not played on the tour since his exit from the third round of the Australian Open in February. His absence has seen his ranking drop to No. 58, meaning he will face one of the top seeds by the third round at the very latest.

Fellow Greek Australian, Thanasi Kokkinakis, is also striving to earn an entry in the Wimbledon main draw through qualifying this week.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Mask mandate extended to all of Greater Sydney as Bondi COVID-19 cluster rises to 21

The Greek Herald
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Mask mandate extended to all of Greater Sydney as Bondi COVID-19 cluster rises to 21

Ten new local COVID-19 cases have been recorded in NSW as the Bondi cluster grows to 21.

Officials said there were five new cases recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm. Two had already been reported yesterday.

Seven of the infections were detected outside of the reporting period and will be included in tomorrow’s figures.

Of those seven cases, six were household contacts of previous cases who have been in isolation. The seventh case is a child who attends a primary school in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

A total of 28,645 tests were completed in the 24 hours to 8.00pm yesterday.

The Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre continues to be the main area of concern for health authorities.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has extended the mask mandate.

Mask mandate extended to all of Greater Sydney:

Following today’s spike in COVID-19 cases, NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has announced the mandatory mask mandate will apply to all of Greater Sydney, valid from 12:01am Thursday morning.

“We will extend it to all of Greater Sydney. That means excluding the Central Coast and excluding the Hunter, but also they will be required to adhere to that compulsory mask wearing indoors for hospitality workers when we are going shopping, going grocery shopping, going to events inside,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“It is only when you are eating or drinking indoors at a venue that you can’t or shouldn’t wear a mask. In every other circumstance, if you live or are in Sydney, you must wear a mask for another week beyond Wednesday midnights.”

Former Test cricketer opens up about alleged kidnapping by Marino Sotiropoulos and others

The Greek Herald
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Former Test cricketer opens up about alleged kidnapping by Marino Sotiropoulos and others

Former Australian Test cricketer, Stuart MacGill, has told A Current Affair he is haunted up to 20 hours a day by memories of his kidnapping and feared he could have died during the ordeal.

The interview was Mr MacGill’s first public comments since allegedly being abducted, assaulted and threatened at gunpoint by a group of men, including Marino Sotiropoulos, the brother of his partner Maria O’Meagher.

The renowned spin bowler stressed during the interview he was innocently caught up in a situation he did not understand.

“I know that I have done nothing wrong, Maria has done nothing wrong. If people choose to think something contrary to what’s been presented by both myself and the police, then that’s up to them,” Mr MacGill told A Current Affair.

MacGill was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from a street in Cremorne on April 14, driven to a rundown farmhouse in Bringelly and after an hour brought back into the city and dumped. Picture: Nine.

The former cricketer denies any knowledge of an alleged cocaine supply deal being in the works when he introduced Sotiropoulos to an associate known as Sonny, an alleged drug dealer and regular diner at Aristotle’s, a Greek restaurant in Neutral Bay run by Mr MacGill and his partner.

READ MORE: Sydney Greek restaurant, Aristotle’s, forced to close following owner’s alleged kidnapping.

“We consider ourselves to be the innocent parties in this one. Part of hospitality is making sure the room works. We introduce people to other people all the time,” he said, while stressing to viewers that was all they needed to know.

Stuart MacGill with his girlfriend Maria O’Meagher at Aristotle’s restaurant, which they have closed since the alleged kidnapping. Credit: Facebook / Sydney Morning Herald.

MacGill only agreed to break his silence to A Current Affair to assist strike force detectives who are trying to track down all those allegedly involved in his kidnapping and extortion.

Four men, including Sotiropoulos, brothers Frederick and Richard Schaaf, and Son Minh Nguyen, have already been arrested and charged over the kidnapping, but the program aired new CCTV of two more potential suspects in the kidnapping.

READ MORE: Marino Sotiropoulos is one of four men accused of kidnapping former Test cricketer.

“The CCTV captures them going into a Bunnings a couple of hours before the incident occurred,” Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, told the program.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis is working on Mr MacGill’s case.

“They bought some items that we believe is associated with the incident, so we are very keen on identifying and speaking with those two males.”

Police have also maintained from day one that Mr MacGill is an innocent victim.

“What we allege he’s gone through is just horrific circumstances,” Detective Superintendent Koutsoufis said.

“I feel for him and his family now that’s all dragged out into the media as well, being a public figure that he is.”

Source: A Current Affair.

The Monument of Zalongo listed as a site of Modern Cultural Heritage in Greece

Andriana Simos
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The Monument of Zalongo listed as a site of Modern Cultural Heritage in Greece

The Monument of Zalongo, which stands proudly on Mount Zalongo, Western Greece, has been designated by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a Monument of Modern Cultural Heritage of Greece.

The monument was designed by famous Greek sculptor, George Zongolopoulos, to commemorate the mass suicide of women and children which occurred in 1803, called the “Dance of Zalongo.”

The news of its status comes as the monument celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and Greece also marks the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution.

What is the Monument of Zalongo?

The Monument of Zalongo was executed under the supervision of George Zongolopoulos, the architect, Patroklos Karantinos, and the marble craftsman, Eleftherios Gyftopoulos, inside the archeological site of Kassopi.

Construction of the Monument of Zalongo. Photo: George Zongolopoulos Foundation.

The monument itself took six years to construct, from 1954 to 1960. At the beginning of the project, Zongolopoulos built a lift to transport materials up the mountain, but safety concerns meant that this mechanism was replaced by more old-school human and animal labour.

The monument itself is 13 meters high, almost the same height as a five story building. The interior of the sculpture is made of concrete, while the outer shell was constructed using 4,300 off-white limestone blocks which were mined from a quarry 160 kilometers from the monument’s construction site.

The female figures do not represent well-known historical figures, but were intentionally left without specific characteristics.

George Zongolopoulos Foundation campaigns for recognition:

The George Zongolopoulos Foundation, established in 2004, works to preserve and represent Zongolopoulos’ famous sculptures.

The Monument of Zalongo.

In August 2020, the foundation petitioned to have the monument recognised as a cultural heritage site in Greece and in a statement they say they are pleased by the recent news.

“The characterisation of the sculpture… by the Ministry of Culture and Sports as a Monument of Modern Cultural Heritage of Greece, is a justification for the great Greek artist, George Zongolopoulos, and recognition of the artistic value of the monument itself,” President of the Foundation and nephew of George Zongolopoulos, Nicos Theodoridis, said.

“It is also a recognition of the contribution of the Greek woman, the heroic woman who fought and sacrificed side by side with their husbands and sons.”

It is clear the breathtaking monument deserves this status as despite its difficult position, 30,000 to 35,000 people visit it a year.

Egypt and Greece expand bilateral cooperation, agree on regional security issues

The Greek Herald
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Egypt and Greece expand bilateral cooperation, agree on regional security issues

Greece and Egypt will expand cooperation in sectors such as energy and security, the leaders of the two countries said on Monday in Cairo.

“In recent years, cooperation at economic and military level, either bilateral or multilateral, along with Cyprus, has deepened,” Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, said after his meeting with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“We examined with Mr Mitsotakis aspects of our relationship, from economic exchanges to cooperation in tourism. We exchanged views on regional developments. I stressed the need to respect international law and the principle of non-intervention on other countries’ internal affairs in the wider region. I stressed the need to strengthen the trilateral (cooperation) mechanism among Greece, Cyprus and Egypt,” el-Sisi added, also making a reference to the contacts between Egypt and Greece over several millennia.

In his statements after the talks, Mitsotakis referred to the new environment and energy agreement the two countries have signed, calling it a step that helps both countries’ prosperity.

Speaking about the connection of Egyptian and Greek electricity networks through an undersea cable, Mitsotakis noted that it will transmit to Greece and Europe electrical energy produced exclusively from renewable energy sources.

“The relevant memorandum is essentially ready,” Mitsotakis said.

“Our common goal is to avoid new adventures in our neighborhood…the partial delimitation of our neighboring zones is an example, a precedent of peace and stability in the wider region. I look forward to a total delimitation soon.”

Greek officials said the meeting was an occasion to reaffirm the two countries’ common approach to a range of issues, the strategic character of bilateral relations and the will, on both sides, to further deepen cooperation.

“We also discussed developments in Libya. We support peace and normalcy in the neighboring country and an essential precondition is the departure of all foreign troops and mercenaries and, finally, elections before the end of the year. Mr el-Sisi shares our deep displeasure at Greece’s non-participation in the ‘Berlin process’ in a few days,” Mitsotakis said.

Later in the day Mitsotakis held meetings with Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, members of the Greek community in Cairo and Alexandria, as well as with the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa Theodoros II.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Hundreds gather at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Paddington to enjoy BBQ and see restorations

Andriana Simos
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Hundreds gather at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Paddington to enjoy BBQ and see restorations

Hundreds of people from Sydney’s Greek community flocked to the historical Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paddington on Sunday to enjoy a delicious Greek barbeque fundraiser and witness the recent restorations.

The church is known as the first Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and it has even been given State Heritage Status by the New South Wales Government.

  • Saint Sophia Cathedral. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Special Divine Liturgy. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

The festivities began inside the Cathedral with a special Divine Liturgy marking the Pentecost and presided over by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Meletopoulos, who was representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Taking in the liturgy from the front pews were a number of prominent members of the Greek community including, but not limited to, Konstantinos Giannakodimos, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, Peter Poulos MLC, Bayside City Councillor Vicki Poulos, and City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas.

  • Prominent members of the Greek community attended the event. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

They, along with other parishioners, were then treated to a number of speeches about the recent restorations of the Cathedral, which have cost over $850,000 and include the cleaned interior. A new baptism font was also donated by ELLKA.

“Everyone thinks this is a bit of a paint job. It is a major project that has been undertaken. There was concrete cancer, major roofing, water was coming in through the place,” Chris Skiladellis, who is on the Advisory Committee in charge of overseeing the restorations, said in his speech.

  • Chris Skiladellis. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Konstantinos Giannakodimos. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • The baptism font donated by ELLKA. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • The interior of the church. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

“It really did go downhill quite a bit, but the work has been extensive and it looks beautiful today.”

He also stressed that more work and funding is needed to fully restore the Cathedral to its former glory. In particular, work on the windows of the church is estimated to cost about $10,000 for each one.

After all the official proceedings were completed, parishioners moved outside towards the tantalising smell of lamb-on-the-spit and kontosouvli, as organised by Nick Andriotakis. Many enjoyed their meal as they chatted and took in the new plaque made from Pentelic Marble and donated by Euro Marble.

  • All photos: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Peter Poulos MLC and Bayside City Councillor Vicki Poulos.

“We wanted to do something here so we thought it’d be appropriate to source out a bit of marble with a bit of history… We managed to bring out three plaques [of Pentelic Marble],” Nick Voulgarakis from Euro Marble told The Greek Herald on the day.

“One is with a custodian, which is still being held, the other was at Euro Marble on our premises, which we unfortunately lost… and the third one is there on the wall. So it’s happy days.”

A special final touch to a Cathedral rich in history and much-loved by Sydney’s Greek community.

READ MORE: Greek BBQ to be held at historic Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paddington.

  • Plaque donated by Euro Marble owner, Nick Voulgarakis. Photos: The Greek Herald.

The Australian Hellenic Choir amaze with songs from the immigration era and Poulopoulos tribute

Andriana Simos
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The Australian Hellenic Choir amaze with songs from the immigration era and Poulopoulos tribute

The Australian Hellenic Choir blew everyone away on Sunday at Beta Events in Sydney with their much-anticipated ‘Journey to the New Lands and Yiannis Poulopoulos Tribute’ concert.

The soiree was attended by about 300 people, including a number of prominent members of the Greek community such as Konstantinos Giannakodimos, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, the President of the Australian Hellenic Choir, James Tsolakis and the President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Emmanuel Alfieris, among many others.

  • About 300 people attended the soiree. Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.

Everyone sat down to enjoy a succulent Greek meal, while both Mr Tsolakis and Mr Giannakodimos gave small speeches.

In his speech, Mr Tsolakis spoke about the Choir’s establishment and said that its goal is “to bring to the community more innovation in music.” From there, he expressed his hopes of forming the Australian Hellenic Orchestra by 2023 and the Australian Hellenic Conservatorium of Music by 2026.

READ MORE: The Australian Hellenic Choir appoints new Musical Director, Leon Vitogiannis.

  • The Australian Hellenic Choir. Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Jim Tsolakis (L) and Leon Vitogiannis (R). Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.

“Ambitious? Yes. But we can do it as a community because we all want to preserve the music of Greece because it has significant benefits for our future generations. It has significant benefits for people today because it’s such a good tool to teach people to speak Greek and to understand the Greek language,” Mr Tsolakis said.

“But Greek music also does more than that. It teaches us the history of our culture. It’s an amazing tool.”

  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.

Following the speech, the Choir, guided by new musical director Leon Vitogiannis, began to fill the room with the sounds of the Rebetes, delivering a powerful narrative about the sorrow of immigration. Songs such as ‘The Star of the North’ by Manos Hadjidakis and ‘My Sorrow’ by Mikis Theodorakis were performed.

The second part of the programme was dedicated to Yiannis Poulopoulos, with a medley of his greatest hits. Poulopoulos is best known for his collaboration with Mimis Plessas and Lefteris Papadopoulos on the album O Dromos, which became the best selling album in Greek music history.

All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all who attended.

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