The Greek Orthodox Community of St. George Brisbane, Australia, proudly announces the highly anticipated video release of Ellinikes Fones’s traditional song “Yerakina.” This remarkable production is a heartfelt tribute to Hellenic customs, capturing the essence of our rich cultural heritage through music and dance.
The video draws upon the poignant story of Yerakina, a beloved figure in our cultural history. It serves as a tribute to our past and a celebration of the enduring spirit of our traditions. Born in the village of Nigrita, Yerakina’s legacy lives on through the song that recounts her kindness and tragic fate. Our members have dedicated countless hours to this production, highlighting their unwavering commitment to keeping our culture alive.
Everyone involved, from our talented choir members to our skilled musicians and choreographers, has worked tirelessly to ensure this project honours our roots and resonates with future generations. Nurturing and sharing our customs, dances, and music is vital to fostering a sense of unity and pride among all members of the Greek community.
This video goes beyond a mere celebration of music; it invites the community to come together, reflect on our shared history, and embrace the beauty of our Hellenic identity. We encourage everyone to watch, share, and support this initiative, as it embodies the passion and dedication of our Community Members.
Thomas Drakopoulos, chair of the Ellinikes Fones Committee, was quoted as saying to the Greek City Times, “We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this project, our beautiful conductor, Christina Xydi Lignos; our artistic director and producer, George Lignos; our generous musicians, our fearless dancers; and the sponsors and supporters whose generosity has made this possible. Their involvement profoundly affects promoting and preserving our vibrant culture.”
Join us in this cultural celebration by watching the “Yerakina” video on YouTube (link below) and help spread the word about our mission to keep Greek traditions alive.
Κίνησε η Γερακίνα,” performed by the Ellinikes Fones Choir, is a traditional song from Nigrita in Serres, central Macedonia. The song’s title translates to “Yerakina Went.” It tells the tragic tale of Yerakina, a renowned beauty known for her kindness, who was born in Nigrita in 1854. She fell deeply in love with Triantafillos Gostinos. However, their love story was tragically cut short in August 1870 when Yerakina slipped and fell into a well while fetching water, drowning at a young age. Overcome with grief, her community mourned her untimely death, adorning her with coins and bracelets during her funeral. Just three days later, her beloved Triantafillos succumbed to his heartbreak, joining Yerakina in death. This poignant story exemplifies the profound love between Yerakina and Triantafillos and reflects their community’s deep sense of loss. Yerakina’s story inspired this traditional folk song, which has become beloved throughout Greece. The Ellinikes Fones Choir offers this rendition as a tribute to Yerakina’s memory, celebrating a love that transcends tragedy.
This performance was conducted and musically directed by Christina Xydi Lignou, with artistic direction and production by George Lignos. Christina Xydi-Lignou arranged the choral piece, George Lignos recorded and mixed the music, and Dave Meikle of Eckomedia Group directed the video. Soula Drakopoulos served as production supervisor and choreographer.
The Ellinikes Fones Choir extends its heartfelt gratitude to Chris and Wendy Maniatis for generously allowing the video shoot on their property. Special thanks to the following supporters and sponsors for their generous contributions: the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George in Brisbane, PM Aged Care, AHEPA QLD, the Peter Spathis Foundation, and The Greek Club.
“Ellinikes Fones” (Ελληνικές Φωνές) translates to “Greek Voices” in English and is often associated with choirs, vocal groups, or projects focusing on preserving and promoting traditional Greek music. It can refer to either a specific group or a collaborative project involving Greek singers, typically centred around traditional and folk music from Greece.
This name is used by various Greek music and cultural initiatives, so if you have a particular context in mind (like a festival, an album, or a choir), feel free to specify, and I can help find more targeted information.
