words by Frankie Anderson-Byrne
In January 2024, a new musical ensemble, Estudiantina of Melbourne, took its first steps toward breathing fresh life into the deeply-rooted sounds of Greek folk music.
The group is already making waves in the cultural landscape of Melbourne, and are now bringing their soulful sound to the Castlemaine Fringe Festival in March.
Castlemaine Fringe Festival
- When: 22 March – 6 April, for the full program go here!
- Estudiantina of Melbourne: Sunday 23 March, 1.30pm
- Where: Theatre Royal Castlemaine
- Tickers here!
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
More than just a musical act, Estudiantina of Melbourne is a passionate torchbearer of traditional Greek music, especially the soulful Smyrneika. This genre, with its complex and emotive melodies, has deep roots in the cultural crossroad of Greece, influenced by Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian traditions.
The ensemble’s unique sound blends these diverse elements to create a mesmerising fusion that captivates audiences and invites them into the world of Smyrneika’s haunting beauty. With instruments such as the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, Estudiantina brings an authenticity to their performances that is both enchanting and rich with history.
But the ensemble doesn’t stop at Smyrneika. Estudiantina also pays homage to Rebetiko, another cornerstone of Greek folk music that emerged from the struggles of Greece’s urban working class. The raw emotions captured in Rebetiko’s powerful lyrics—touching on themes of adversity, resilience, and the human spirit—are brought to life by Estudiantina through their seamless instrumentation. The bouzouki, baglama, and accordion come together to create a sound that evokes a deep connection to the heart of Greek culture.
The ensemble’s members—Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (Accordion/Vocals), Vagelis Ginis (Vocals), Camille El Feghali (Qanun), Jenny Dixon (Violin), Alex Petropoulos (Guitar), Paul Karalis (Bouzouki), and Con Kalamaras (Bouzouki/Vocal)—are a diverse and talented group of musicians united by a shared passion for preserving and expanding the legacy of Greek folk music.
For Estudiantina of Melbourne, their music is more than a performance—it is a bridge. It connects generations of Greeks living in Melbourne, one of the largest Greek communities outside of Greece, to their roots. The ensemble’s performances serve as a celebration of Greek identity, a space for the diaspora to reconnect with their heritage, share their stories, and pass their cultural legacy onto future generations.
In a city alive with the rhythms of Greek music, dance, and tradition, Estudiantina of Melbourne is quickly becoming a vital part of the cultural fabric. Their melodies, filled with both nostalgia and renewal, offer a chance to rediscover the beauty of Greece’s folk traditions and the universal themes of human connection that transcend borders and generations.
Join in on tradition and be entertained and amazed by the vibrant group this March.
