DOORS 1.00PM // KITCHEN OPENS 1.00PM // SHOW STARTS 2.30PM

THE BAND

Estudiantina of Melbourne - translates to students of Melbourne .

This ensemble reinvigorates the essence of traditional Greek music, igniting a vibrant fusion of cultures and ethnicities. This dynamic ensemble intertwines the rich tapestry of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian influences, weaving a captivating musical journey. With a masterful combination of instruments including the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, Accordion and guitar, their performances resonate with spellbinding innovation and timeless allure. Estudiantina of Melbourne consists of Maria Antaras-Dalamagas - Accordion/Vocals,Vagelis Ginis - Vocals ,Camille El Feghali - Qanun ,Jenny Dixon - Violin, Alex Petropoulos - Guitar ,Paul Karalis - Bouzouki Con Kalamaras - Bouzouki/Vocal. In the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, with its thriving Greek diaspora community, the resonance of rebetiko and Smyrneika is profound. As one of the largest Greek populations outside of Greece, Melbourne pulsates with the rhythms of Greek music, dance, and traditions. For Estudiantina of Melbourne, their music is not merely a performance but a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and communities. It serves as a conduit for the diaspora to rediscover their roots, share their stories, and celebrate their heritage with pride.

THE CONCEPT

The best of Columbia Records Greece 

Rebetika and Columbia Records

During the early 20th century, Greek music was undergoing significant transformation. Traditional folk music was being recorded and popularized, and new forms of urban music were emerging. Columbia Records played a crucial role in this era by recording and promoting Greek artists who were pioneering these new musical forms. Notable artists from this period included composers and performers who would become legends in Greek music history.

One of the most significant developments was the recording of rebetika music, a genre that encapsulated the experiences of the urban working-class population in Greece. Columbia Records was instrumental in documenting and disseminating rebetika music, capturing performances by some of the genre’s most influential figures.

This show will focus on the legends, and how today in Brunswick, this music lives on - on the far side of the world - Rebetika is thriving in Melbourne and this ensemble is the perfect vehicle for it!

Estudiantina of Melbourne - translates to students of Melbourne .

Rebetika is a distinctive genre of Greek music that originated in the early 20th century. It began in the urban working-class communities of Greece, particularly in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, where it was shaped by the experiences of marginalized groups, including refugees and immigrants. The term "rebetika" comes from the word rebétika, which refers to the outcasts or "rembetes" who were often viewed as societal outsiders. This genre emerged as a form of expression for the struggles and hardships faced by these communities.

Musically, rebetika is characterized by a melancholic and soulful sound, reflecting themes of love, heartbreak, poverty, crime, and social injustice. It incorporates a variety of traditional Greek and Middle Eastern instruments, such as the bouzouki, baglama, guitar, lyra, oud, and clarinet. The songs are known for their emotional depth and expressive vocal style, capturing the personal and collective experiences of the people.

The early period of rebetika was marked by informal performances in cafés and taverns, and the genre was initially somewhat marginalized by mainstream Greek society. However, during its golden age from the 1930s to the 1950s, rebetika gained broader recognition, and many of its classic recordings were made during this time.

Brunswick, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, has a significant connection to rebetika through its vibrant Greek-Australian community. This area became a cultural hub for Greek immigrants, including those from regions of Greece where rebetika was popular. In Brunswick, rebetika has maintained a presence through various community events, music venues, and cultural festivals that celebrate Greek heritage.