Mihalis Hatzigiannis will write the first pages of the history of the new Greek Cultural Centre, in what will be the first musical event that the Melbourne centre will host after its official opening two weeks ago.

In a coup for the Greek Community, the Cyprus born star will perform a special intimate show, on Thursday 16 October, in the function space of the new building, with all proceeds going to the new Cultural Centre. Tickets for this event are extremely limited with just over 100 seats available.

“Mihalis has generously offered to play, to assist with fundraising for the centre. The idea is to provide a unique and exclusive opportunity for 100 guests to see him and his band in the most intimate of settings,” Jorge Menidis, director of Cultural Programs of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria told Neos Kosmos.

“Importantly, it will be the first musical event that the new centre will host in its function space.”

Giving his Melbourne fans two opportunities to see him live, Hatzigiannis will also perform as part of Australia’s leading arts event, the Melbourne Festival 2014.

Performing with the full weight of the 80 piece symphony orchestra backing him, Hatzigiannis and his band will play all his hits and more at the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday 18 October.

For Jorge Menidis, the concert is a testament to the artist and the city of Melbourne that a festival as prestigious as the Melbourne Festival will look to a Greek singing artist to perform in what is one of its marquee events.

“I know that Mihalis with his band and the whole of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will present a night that will be spoken about for years to come. I also think that Melbourne Festival need to be commended for pricing the concert in such a way that it is truly accessible for everyone. With tickets starting at $25 (for bookings on the phone for students) and placing the event in such a family friendly venue and time, I think that they have set the grounds for a massive night,” Menidis said.

Following rave reviews from Hatzigiannis’ recent tour in the UK and North America, the concert is expected to attract wider audience.

“Significantly, I think that by partnering with the MSO, we will see a significant number of patrons who will be experiencing a Greek show for the first time,” Menidis said.

With tickets for the Sidney Myer Music Bowl show selling well, Menidis told Neos Kosmos limited premium seating has already been sold out, with A-reserve seating tickets selling fast.

“Tickets are now available for the lawn which is an amazing place to take in the whole show. For anyone who has ever been to the Music Bowl you know that it is the closest thing to a Greek theatre that we have in this town.

“I think that this Melbourne Festival initiative is one of the most important programming developments to happen to Greek live music in a very long time.
We are talking about an iconic orchestra, iconic venue and an all too inexpensive price point. We all need to come along and support their initiative and enjoy what will be an amazing night to be remembered.”

Mihalis Hatzigiannis will perform at the Greek Cultural Centre, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, on Thursday 16 October. Drinks and supper on the rooftop at 7.00 pm, with show to start at 8.15 pm. Tickets are $300, with drinks and supper included. To purchase tickets, contact 03 9662 2722. All sales are tax deductible.

On Saturday 18 October, Hatzigiannis will perform at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, at 6.30 pm. Tickets from Ticketmaster.com.au or call 136 100.