VIC
AXION ESTI – WORTHY IT IS
Witness a breathtaking celebration of the works of composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis in Axion Esti.
This collaboration brings together the exceptional vocals of international sensation Dimitris Basis under the baton of the renowned Greek Australian conductor George Ellis.
With the harmonious chants of George Karantonis and a 30-piece Choir, complemented by compelling narration from Greek Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos, don’t miss this unforgettable experience.
When: Saturday June 1, 8pm
Where: Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, 220/234 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3006
Bookings: www.melbournerecital.com.au/events/2024/axion-esti
Oakleigh Grammar – Parents Association “Taverna Night”
Get ready to dance the night away as it’s that time of the year again when the Oakleigh Grammar Parents Association presents the much-anticipated “Taverna Night”.
This annual event is always a hit and tickets sell out fast, so secure your spot now.
– Live music (DJ- James Karvellis accompanied by Steve Gold and Chris P on Bouzouki) great energy to keep you on your feet all night long
– Delicious Taverna-style food and drinks to tantalize your taste buds (Beer, Wine and Soft Drink included in the ticket price)
– Fun activities for the kids, including face painting, balloon twisting, and live entertainment
– Exciting raffles and auctions with fantastic prizes up for grabs
Every dollar raised will directly benefit the Oakleigh Grammar community through the Parents Association, supporting initiatives that enhance our children’s educational/school experience.
When: Saturday June 1, 6.30pm-12am
Where: Nafpaktian House – 2/18 Ross St Heatherton VIC 3202
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/oakleigh-grammar-parents-association-taverna-night-the-nafapaktian
Tasos Leivaditis: Poet of Revolutions and Sunsets
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) will host this free held by senior lecturer in philosophy Dr Nick Trakakis from the Australian Catholic University.
It will offer an overview of Greek poet Tasos Livaditis’ life as well as an introduction to his most important works.
Trakakis has translated many works of the post-World War I poet including “The Blind Man with the Lamp”, “Violets for a Season”, “Autumn Manuscripts” (joint winner of the NSW Premier’s Translation Prize), and “Night Visitor”.
Leivaditis (1922-1988) is considered as one of the greatest poets of the first post-war generation.
When: Thursday May 30, 7pm
Where: Greek Centre, Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Info: www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/tasos-leivaditis-poet-of-revolutions-and-sunsets-2
The Spirit of Byron: Philhellenism and the Greek War of Independence
A collection of works centred around Lord Byron and the Greek War of Independence has come to Melbourne in a never-before-seen exhibition, commemorating 200 years since the death of the prolific poet and revolutionary.
On Friday April 19, the Hellenic Museum premiered the original exhibition exploring Greece’s fight for freedom and Lord Byron’s legacy through a curated selection of works on paper from The Robertson Collection.
A stunning array of 19th Century fine art, books, documents and paper ephemera has been curated across three rooms of the Museum’s heritage-listed home at the Former Royal Mint, Flagstaff, where each room has been transformed to evoke the grandeur of a Regency drawing room.
It was in rooms like these that most of the war’s pivotal decisions would have been made, by people of influence and social rank; even Byron himself—despite being a figurehead of the Philhellene movement and frequently depicted as a soldier in art of the time—made his contributions to the revolt without seeing active battle.
The exhibition features several works from notable printmakers and artists of the Romantic movement, including Eugene Delacroix, Ary Scheffer, Achille Devéria and more. Together, they trace the politicised Philhellene movement throughout the Greek revolt, Byron’s evolution from artist to revolutionary figure, and his enduring connection to the cause.
It reveals the depth of international interest in Greece’s struggle for freedom, its interpretation in visual culture of the time, and how the ‘rich Byronic postscript’ continues to whirl and spark in the present day.
When: Until January 2025, 10am-4pm
Where: Hellenic Museum, 280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000
More info: www.hellenic.org.au/exhibitions/the-spirit-of-byron
Monthly MYTH meet-ups
Monthly MYTH meet-ups are an ongoing opportunity for young people curious and passionate about mythology to explore and enter this wonderful world.
Each month they explore a different Greek myth.
Once inspired, children are supported to collaboratively and theatrically invent their very own myths.
In the spirit of celebration, children are invited to share their myth stories with fellow myth lovers.
Hosted by Loukia Vassiliades, whose journey began when a little over ten years ago she devised a workshop for babies for ArtPlay Victoria.
She has since collaborated with children & young people of all ages and is part of the St Martins Youth Arts Centre.
Her fascination with myth stories began as a child growing up on the island of Cyprus, where she played along the coast, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is believed to have first emerged.
Suggested for ages 8-13.
When: May 26, 10-1pm & June 23, 2-5pm
Where: Address is provided to attendees, South Yarra VIC 3141
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/monthly-myth-meet-ups
NSW
Wollongong Olympic Greek Night
Wollongong Olympic Football Club committee are hosting a Greek Night with Live Greek Music with performance by Nikita Ellenis, Jessica Lambis, Maria Stavropoulos and Tommy Tsonis and will include a 3-course meal and drinks package.
A raffle will also be held on the night to go into the draw to win an MG 3.
Get your Parea together, come enjoy great food, great music and a chance to take home your new car with the raffle on the night.
When: Friday May 31, 6pm
Where: Lagoon Seafood Restaurant, George Hanley Drive North Wollongong, NSW 2500
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wollongong-olympic-greek-night-the-lagoon-tickets-867244681187
Greek Community Home for the Aged – Fundraiser
A Fundraiser dinner with all proceeds going to the Greek Community Home for the Aged NSW.
Intimate night with special guest Dimitris Basis.
Indulge in a delightful experience: 3-course meal a & beer, wine, and soft drinks included
When: Thursday May 30, 6.30pm
Where: Summer Salt Restaurant, 66 Mitchell Road, Cronulla NSW 2230
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1205584
SA
Mosaic Workshop
A Festival Hellenika event presented by Sotiri Simos.
Mosaic is an ancient art form first appearing in Mesopotamia in the third millennium BCE. Mosaics have captivated art lovers for thousands of years.
Discover the enjoyable ancient craft. Learn the basics in creating a mosaic work of art using broken tile pieces on a board or on a pot.
At the end of the session, you will be able to take your artwork home.
In the 4th Century BC the Greeks turned mosaics into a structured form of art and for the first time in history, mosaics were produced using precise geometric patterns. Detailed scenes depicting people and animals were created with great skill and refinement.
When: Sunday June 2, 9am-3pm
Where: Greeks Of Egypt & Middle East Society Of South Australia Inc Hall, 56 Richmond Rd, Keswick SA 5035
Bookings: Contact 0416 172 361
ACT
Pontic Greek Workshop
The Canberra Association of Pontos ‘Trapezounta’ bring you a Pontic Greek Workshop.
With the success of their dance in Canberra last year, people have been wanting to learn more about the Pontian culture, so they’ve decided to organise this four-hour event.
Led by Christina Iwannidou from Pontoxeniteas (SYD), the day will include:
– A one-hour introduction to Pontos’ culture and history
– A three-hour dance workshop
$20 cost with lunch downstairs in the Hellenic Club at your own cost.
When: Sunday June 2, 10am-3pm
Where: Hellenic Club of Canberra, 1 Matilda St, Woden ACT 2606
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1223618
Another Day in Kythera
Celebrate Another Day in Kythera with the Kytherian Association of Canberra and Districts!
Embrace the spirit of a Greek summer in 2024 by joining the Kytherian Association at the Bistro of the Hellenic Club of Canberra, Woden.
Indulge in delightful mezethes including souvlakia, octopus, and calamari while basking in the warmth of parea.
Reunite with the Kytherian community after Orthodox Easter for the annual luncheon.
When: Sunday June 2, 12.30pm-3pm
Where: Bistro, Hellenic Club of Canberra, Woden ACT 2606
