Rebetika songs played with a symphony orchestra. What could the end result be?
Judging from the performance’s conclusion, but more importantly from the audience’s response, the outcome was outstanding.
This happened last Friday night at Sydney’s Recital Hall when a symphony orchestra conducted by Greek-Australian George Ellis played the songs of the film ‘Rebetiko’ and other “so-called” Greek blues megahits, sung by one of Greece’s new generation leading vocalists Ifigeneia Ioannou.
The event was part of the 41st Greek Festival of Sydney and it is the outcome of the longstanding collaboration between the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOC of NSW) and the City Recital Hall.
The first part of the concert included songs of the 1983 iconic film “Rebetiko” (Ρεμπέτικο) by filmmaker Costas Ferris.
The songs came from the record bearing the same name as the film, with music and lyrics by two of the greatest contributors to Greece’s music: composer Stavros Xarhakos and lyricist Nikos Gkatsos.
Conductor George Ellis, in talking about why he chose this play, said that the music of Xarhakos is an essential component of Greek culture and life and he regarded it as a great honour for him to play his music.
Vocalist Ifigeneia Ioannou, who is a master in performing rebetika songs, said that it was a unique experience to perform the songs with a symphony orchestra, something she has never done before.
The second part included songs by other rebetiko and laiko (λαϊκό) composers Panayiotis Toundas, Kostas Skarvelis and Vassilis Tsitsanis.
In attendance were GOC President Harry Danalis, (who welcomed the audience and introduced the artists), Greek Festival Chair Nia Karteris, Greece’s Consul General in Sydney Ioannis Mallikourtis, and representatives of Greek community organisations.
The concert now prepares to move to Queensland where it will play on Wednesday 3 May at the Concert Hall, QPAC, Queensland Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane.
