LEICESTER, UK – The island of Lesbos extended musical bridges into the heart of the United Kingdom, bringing the aromas of homeland and sounds of tradition. The Greek community of Leicester offered a warm welcome to Fr. Eustratios Giousmas and his three musical companions.
“The idea for this event came from my Byzantine music teacher, Fr. Eustratios Giousmas, who has students in Leicester and was invited there for the third year in a row to chant. So, on the occasion of his presence there, it was agreed that after Sunday’s Divine Liturgy there would also be a Greek music event for the Diaspora,” said singer Plousia Ilias, speaking to The National Herald. She traveled from Lesbos to Leicester with Fr. Eustratios and musicians Lefteris Papamakarios (bouzouki and violin) and Manolis Demertzis (keyboards).
The musical program included island folk songs, traditional pieces, as well as popular zeibekiko, hasapiko, and hasaposerviko dances, offering a taste of a Greek island-style celebration. “The response from the audience was very strong; everyone wanted to dance and sing with us,” she said.
The Greek Community of Leicester showed “great enthusiasm.” Ilias said. “Their hospitality was Abrahamic, and their love captivated us,” she said.
After the event, the community hosted a dinner for Fr. Eustratios and the musicians from Lesbos to thank them. “There, we had the joy of learning even more about their life in Leicester. We were struck by how much they miss Greece and how much they would like at some point to come and see our places on the island,” Ilias noted.
“It is certain that we will go again. Our goal is to sing for all those around the world who love Greek music.”
