Children of all ages took to the stage and presented, with respect and professionalism, beloved melodies, narratives and musical compositions by the two great composers, Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis.
With an impressive artistic tribute, the schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne honoured the 100 years since the birth of two leading creators of modern Greek music and culture on Saturday afternoon. Two composers who left an indelible mark on Greek music, became its global ambassadors and were forever linked with the cultural identity of Hellenism.
A tribute that united generations through music
The event was held at the iconic Robert Blackwood Hall of Monash University, where more than 1,200 spectators literally filled the venue. Parents, educators, members of the Greek community and supporters of Greek education enjoyed a two-and-a-half-hour quality performance in which the students were the protagonists. Children both young and in their teens, took to the stage and presented cherished melodies, narratives and musical works.
“Through a magical journey into the world of creation, music and the values of the two composers, we wanted to convey to students our love for Greece and for everything Greek,” said Maria Bakalidou, Director of Language and Culture at the Greek Community of Melbourne, expressing her emotion at the audience’s response and the children’s effort. It was not a simple school celebration, but an experience that connected generations through art, history and Greek identity.
The students performed milestone works by Theodorakis and Hadjidakis, while in between, short texts were presented that placed the audience within the historical and social context of each era. The emotion was evident. From Odos Oneiron, Kemal and Ena to Helidoni, the melodies that have accompanied entire generations found new life through the voices of the children.
Educators and artists behind the scenes
The success is owed to a team of educators and collaborators who worked quietly yet creatively. Katerina Poutachidou was responsible for writing the script and the imaginative direction, managing to organically connect the musical pieces with narration and theatrical elements, keeping the audience’s attention undiminished. Betty Exintaris oversaw the musical curation, selecting pieces that represented the full artistic range of the two composers, from ballads and orchestral compositions to their emblematic songs.
Dance and movement instruction was led by Jenny Iliou, Maria Karakota and Vangelis Matthaiou, who helped the students express not only the music but also the inner power of the works. Christina Soumi coordinated the organisation, group management and overall supervision of the production, playing a decisive role in ensuring everything ran smoothly — something clearly reflected on stage.
Honouring culture, community and legacy
The event was introduced by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgatzoglou, who praised the role of Greek Schools in preserving and promoting language and culture among younger generations.
“Such initiatives transmit not only knowledge, but also the emotion that unites Greeks wherever they may be,” she said.
For his part, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, offered warm congratulations to the children and teachers, noting that the performance demonstrated the quality of the work being done in the Community’s schools and the love of the Greek community for its cultural heritage.
The evening concluded with prolonged applause and emotional smiles. Parents and educators saw in the students not only young performers but the carriers of the next generation of Hellenism in Australia. A living reminder that the music of Theodorakis and Hadjidakis continues to inspire, unite and move, even 100 years after their birth.
