The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools are dedicating the entire 2025 school year to honouring the legacy of two of Greece’s most iconic composers — Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis — marking 100 years since their birth.
Through a rich program of educational and cultural activities, students across all GCM campuses will explore the immense contributions of these musical legends, whose work helped shape modern Greek identity and earned global acclaim.
Throughout the year, students will engage with the composers’ legacy through concerts, creative projects, classroom presentations, and special events. The initiative aims to deepen their appreciation of Greek music and culture while fostering pride in their heritage.
The highlight of the tribute will be a large-scale end-of-year celebration on Saturday, 29 November 2025, hosted at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University. The performance will unite students from all GCM campuses in a powerful musical and theatrical tribute featuring: classic songs by Theodorakis and Hadjidakis, traditional Greek dances and a student choir.
“Our goal is to fill the hall with students, parents, grandparents — a whole community coming together for an unforgettable experience,” Director of the Schools, Maria Bakalidou said.
“It is our duty to bring our students closer to the towering figures of Greek culture who helped shape our collective identity. Through this tribute, our students will not only learn about these two great composers, but also the values they stood for — freedom, creativity, and humanism.”
