The Verbrugghen Hall, Conservatorium of Music, will come alive with the music of the Golden Era of Greek cinema of the 1950s and 1960s, on May 11.
Τα Κινηματογραφικά: Songstresses of the Golden Age of Greek Cinema will is led by conductor George Ellis, it features the mesmerizing vocals of Dioni Vertzayas, alongside George Doukas.
The concert will transport audiences back to Greece’s cinematic Golden Age of the 1950s and 1960s. The artists will celebrate the timeless classics of the silver screen—songs that captured the hearts of generations.
A cultural coup: Greek Festival delivers unforgettable line-up
The Greek Festival of Sydney has pulled off a stunning cultural coup. With the brilliance of conductor George Ellis—renowned for his work at the Olympic Games in Sydney and Athens, his recordings with international chart-toppers The Church, and collaborations on film soundtracks with legendary director Bruce Beresford—and the international acclaim of Dioni Vertzayas, whose hit songs and tours have captivated audiences across Greece, the tribute Songstresses of the Golden Age of Greek Cinema will be delivered by the very best.
Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, said, “We are thrilled to present this unique concert, celebrating the unforgettable music of Greek cinema. George Ellis and Dioni Vertzayas will deliver a truly magical performance, bringing these beloved songs to life in the stunning Verbrugghen Hall.”
Nia Karteris, Festival Chair, Vice President and Secretary of the Community, told Neos Kosmos she is looking forward to being transported back in time by the magic of nostalgic Greek cinema music.
“After ten years of Symphony concerts as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney, it is a delight to have, for the first time, a female leading vocal—Dioni Vertzayas—for a unique experience through symphony and Greek renowned musicians, with the amazing George Ellis at the helm, and George Doukas.”
Over the decades, the Festival has delivered significant cultural events and concerts, especially those led by Ellis. Attendees have felt a sense of cultural pride—occasionally teary-eyed, always captivated—by what has been presented, often in partnership with gifted musicians such as George Doukas.
Nostalgia in symphony: Honouring Hadjidakis, Mercouri, and Vouyouklaki
Neos Kosmos sat down with the brilliant George Ellis, Dioni Vertzayas—based in Athens—and George Doukas, currently touring Western Australia. Both Ellis and Vertzayas highlight the cultural significance and timeless beauty of music from mid-twentieth-century Greek cinema. The concert will pay tribute to legendary composers such as the late Manos Hadjidakis, whose works were immortalised by iconic female performers of the era, including Melina Mercouri and Aliki Vouyouklaki.
Ellis reflects on the songs selected by Vertzayas: “There is a sheer beauty to the songs. Regardless of who wrote or sang them or the movie, they are just beautiful songs. I love that,” he beams.
Dioni adds that the music will be varied: “Laiko rebetorio, a classical rebetorio, a swing and jazz element, even a touch of Latino base on some of the songs. This is a different approach to Greek music.”
A trio of artistic forces unite
While Ellis has worked with Doukas since the late 1990s, this marks his first show with the charismatic Dioni, who is fresh off a sell-out performance at the iconic Olympia “Maria Kallas” Municipal Theatre in Athens.
They’re excited to be working together—a natural fit for their talents. They want the audience to be captivated, charmed, and moved. “Evoking different emotions—sentimentality, nostalgia—we want to make the audience think, laugh, and perhaps cry, in the Greek language.”
The singer recently returned to Sydney to prepare for the Songstresses concert. As she reconnects with her hometown, she has been rehearsing masterfully with Ellis and Doukas to ensure the best possible homage to the Golden Age of Greek Cinema. With over 30 musicians involved, the concert will transport audiences back to an era that is truly timeless.
George Doukas, who is arranging and leading the band, has worked with Ellis on Greek Festival artistic projects since 2015. The two Georges speak glowingly of each other, having first collaborated on the Millennium Concert and the Sydney Olympiad. Doukas raves about the exceptional musicians assembled for this concert—including percussionist/drummer Jess Ciampa (aka Mr Gigs), bouzouki player Themelis Samarkos from Greece, and Dimitris Fotiadis on keyboard, to name just a few in a long list of talent.
Doukas emphasised, “These are great songs. I love the selection. I will undertake the band arrangements, and George does the orchestral arrangements.”
He notes that he has worked with Dioni on various concerts, including before she left for Greece years ago and on some of her return performances in Australia. “Dioni is a great singer, immensely talented. She is polished as a vocalist and performer who can sing in various languages,” he enthused.
The concert promises a mix of recognisable classics and lesser-known gems—songs that may not be immediately familiar, yet equally powerful and beautiful for both the singer and musicians to perform.
For those in Sydney, this promises to be one of the most extraordinary evenings of the decade—talent personified, with Songstresses ready to fill our hearts (and perhaps our dancing shoes) with joy. The concert may draw from a Golden Age, but 11 May promises to be a Golden Evening with golden talents on stage.
Τα Κινηματογραφικά: Songstresses of the Golden Age of Greek Cinema is on 11 May 2025 at 6.30pm- Verbrugghen Hall, Conservatorium of Music, 1 Conservatorium Road, Sydney.
More information via www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au
*Billy Cotsis is the author of Aristotle Roberto Carlos Smithopoulis, available on Amazon.
