Melbourne’s Greek and wider music communities will come together for a live tribute concert later this month, celebrating the life and legacy of musician and performer Achilleas Yiangoulli on 21 May at the Brunswick Ballroom, with proceeds from the evening to be donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The concert will feature family, friends and fellow artists performing works connected to Yiangoulli’s decades-long contribution to music, theatre and cultural life in Australia.
Known for his versatility across rock, pop, Greek and Balkan music, Yiangoulli was a member of numerous bands and ensembles including The HaBiBis, Ilios Trio, Rebetiki and Ananke, while also performing in rock and pop groups Dynamic Duo and Kick the Kat.
Throughout his career, he appeared at major festivals around Australia, including the National Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and WOMADelaide, alongside extensive freelance and session work.
Yiangoulli was also closely involved with Melbourne choir Canto Coro Choir, performing as a soloist in productions including Axion Esti, Canto General and Little City. He also composed Mia Foni (One Voice) for the choir.
Beyond live music, Yiangoulli contributed to theatre, television and film, including serving as musical director for Café Rebetiko at the Arts Centre Melbourne. His screen credits included appearances on Spicks and Specks and Greeks on the Roof, as well as involvement in the film Head On. He was also part of the ARIA Award-winning group The Habibis.
Teacher, dancer and choreographer Kathy Vlassopoulos, Yiangoulli’s partner and longtime collaborator, said the concert aimed to honour “this extraordinary man” and the impact he had on those around him.
“Achilleas deserves the respect and love from the music, Greek and wider communities,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“His depth of wisdom, his optimism despite his disabilities, and unconditional love for his family and friends should be acknowledged.
“The concert is a dedication to honour this extraordinary man whom I love deeply and miss immensely.”
Vlassopoulos reflected on their artistic collaborations, travels to Greece and shared passion for music and performance.
“How lucky were we that we met and created so many stories,” she said.
Theatre director and founding HaBiBis member Irine Vela described Yiangoulli as a transformative figure in Greek music performance.
“When he sang, he captured and embodied all the stylistic nuances of Greek traditional song, rebetika, laika, and popular song,” she said.
“The timbre of his voice, so much soul and depth and life force – just like the human he was.”
Vela said the concert was intended to honour both Achilleas’ artistic achievements and his contribution to community life.
“We honour him and remember him as the one who would perform, play and sing the community’s heartbreak and struggles, and in doing so he strengthened community bonds,” she said.
Musician Con Kalamaras said Yiangoulli’s absence was already being deeply felt across Melbourne’s music scene.
“The magic of Achilles was that he was a musical chameleon,” he said.
“His versatility, unwavering optimism, and ability to assist and guide others while playing songs was never condescending – always encouraging.”
Kalamaras said Achilleas’ influence extended beyond music.
“He brought so many people together, united them, and made them feel welcome, appreciated, and valued – a true gift,” he said.
The tribute concert will feature performances from Maria Antaras, Argyiris Argyropoulos, Ilias Chatziemmanouil, Stavrina Dimitriou, Paul Dounias, Dean Georgalas, Agapi (Aggie) Gioftsidis, Jim Haritonas, Tony Iliou, Con Kalamaras, Achilles Kalanis, Niko Kapralos, Apostolis (Paul) Karalis, Sotiri Kiokpasoglou, George Kiriakidis, John Kostarakis, Niko Koutsaliotis, Paddy Montgomery, Nestoras College students, Jacob Papadopoulos, Kosta Papapanagiotou, Anthea Sidiropoulos, Wayne Simmons, Peter Stathopoulos, Byron Triandafyllidis, Zois Tzikas, Irine Vela, Mulaim Vela and Kon Velanis.
Canto Coro Choir will also perform as guest artists during the evening, while Peter Stathopoulos will serve as MC.
For further information visit our Greek Guide events page.
