Continuing the Songs from Smyrne series, the Melbourne ensemble "Estudiantina of Melbourne" will perform a live concert spotlighting compositions post-population exchange. They'll emphasize pieces that rose to fame via gramophone recordings thereafter.

The concert seeks to honor cultural diversity through music, spotlighting composers who resettled in mainland Greece and their profound impact on the musical milieu. Smyrne's musical landscape underwent significant shifts due to the Greece-Turkey population exchange in the 1920s, dispersing diverse musical traditions and fostering their preservation and evolution across various regions.

Today, echoes of Smyrneika music resonate in contemporary compositions, traditional ensembles, and the creations of modern artists inspired by the city's rich musical heritage. Smyrne, now Izmir in Turkey, occupies a pivotal role in the histories of Greek and Turkish musical traditions. It served as a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, influencing its music with a fusion of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian elements.

Smyrneika is characterized by its unique sound, blending instruments like the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, among others. Its melodies often evoke emotion and melancholy, reflecting the experiences and sentiments of Smyrne's diverse populace.

Featured Musicians:

Maria Antaras-Dalamagas: Accordion/Vocals

Vagelis Ginis: Vocals

Camille El Feghali: Qanun

Jenny Dixon: Violin

Alex Petropoulos: Guitar

Paul Karalis: Bouzouki

Con Kalamaras: Bouzouki/Vocals

This event is co-presented with Con Kalamaras, The Hellenic Museum Melbourne, and The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne.