One of Greece’s leading vocalists, Ifigeneia Ioannou will perform for the first time in Australia the classic hits of the historic film Rebetiko, at the 41st Greek Festival of Sydney 2023, on Friday April 21 .
“It is a great honour for me to be invited to perform at the Greek Festival of Sydney 2023 and I’m looking forward to soon being with all these people and celebrate with music,” Ioannou told Neos Kosmos.
After her Sydney performance Ioannou is scheduled to grace the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) stage with a full symphony orchestra for the fourth in QPAC’s concert series celebrating the vibrancy of Greek culture through Rebetiko music on May 3.
Rebetiko in Symphony will pay tribute to Greek Blues with Ioannou performing classics by Stavros Xarhakos 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.
“Rebetiko carries the stories, anxieties and dreams of everyday people,” with its roots in the struggles and difficulties of the everyday life of refugees and the Greek diaspora, Ioannou said.
It melds different musical styles with lyrics that talk about the harsh realities of an oppressed subculture lifestyle of those who had fled war in other countries to find a better life in Greece.
A genre that 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.
“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,” Ioannou adds.
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 of Xarchakos’ 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.
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.
Rebetiko in Symphony create a dramatic new experience of Rebetiko, 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.
NSW
When: Friday, April 21
Where: City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney
Tickets: www.cityrecitalhall.com/
QLD
When: Wednesday, 3 May, 7.30pm
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC, Queensland Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
Tickets: via qpac.com.au or phone 136 246
