A woman of courage, bravery and fearlessness, who exuded femininity through her talent will be honoured as part of International Women’s Day in an event held by Estia – Hellenic Women’s Cultural Association. And the woman they are paying homage to in 2014 is none other than Sofia Vembo.
Known as the Songstress of Victory (Την Τραγουδίστρια της Νίκης) she was the woman who led Greece to victory in WWII in the fight against the Italians. Through sheer tenacity, she did everything in her power, used her incredible talent as a singer and actress to boost morale, and uplift the spirits of the Greek soldiers.
Patricia Drivas, Vice President of Estia, said there wasn’t a shadow of doubt that the association would pick such a heroic woman to celebrate.
“She was well known through the whole of Greece for her involvement in boosting the morale of the Greek soldiers,” says Drivas. “She was the one who helped Greece to victory in the war with the Italians.”
Born in Eastern Thrace in 1910, Vembo began her singing career in the ’30s in Thessaloniki. But it was her involvement in the war effort that caused her national popularity. Following the 28 November 1940, when Italy launched their attack on Greece, Vembo took it upon herself to be the wartime heroine that would see Greece victor.
“She once disguised herself as a nun and infiltrated the warzone when the Nazi’s entered Athens to continue her cause to the war effort,” recounts Drivas. “That’s how courageous she was as these were times when getting caught meant death”.
Even though she came from a poor family, Vembo gave 2000 gold sovereigns to the Hellenic Navy for their wartime efforts.
The inspiration she gave soldiers was paramount to their victory. Her patriotic and satirical songs kept the young men fighting for the country powerful and brave.
March is the month we also celebrate Greek National Day so it’s only fitting to pay tribute to such a national hero this month too.
The event that pays homage to Vembo will be held on Sunday 2 March at the Treasury Theatre, Lower Plaza 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne. Tickets are $10 with proceeds going to the entertainers who are generously giving their time to take part in the event and honour the music of Vembo. The singers on the day are: Eftihia Kyriakou – Trihakis; Maria Papoutsis – Kotsiras; Guest appearance Rena Frangioudaki and musicians are: Violin: Panagiotis Samsonidis; Piano: Betty Exindaris; and Flute – Margarita. The day will be presented by Dina Gerolymou.
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Effie Gounaris on (03) 9568 0106.
