The Greek Festival of Sydney is all prepared to deliver a major event honouring the legacy of Greek singer Stelios Kazantzidis in a tribute show that chronicles his legendary life and journey as one of the country’s most iconic vocalists of all time.
The show, titled ‘A Tribute to Stelios Kazantzidis’, will take over Marrickville at The Factory Theatre on Thursday 20 March,7pm, in a grand event on the beloved singer delivered by Thanasis Pylarinos and ensemble.
Pylarinos highlighted his excitement in being able to organise the show on the iconic vocalist, having worked it to be unique from other standard concerts.
“One of my idols is and always has been Kazantzidis and so, even though I have done similar shows before, getting to do it again with some changes and present it to the Greek community of Sydney is something that excites me tremendously,” he told Neos Kosmos.
The bouzouki player remarked that the concert will contain additional elements that explore Kazantzidis’ life deeper.
“We are presenting the show as a timeline of his life. As part of that, there will also be video playing of his interviews talking about his life,” he said.
The concert will shed light on his experiences and delve into his Pontian roots, incorporating Pontian dances and Pontian musicians into the event.
“We have dug deep, and it is going to be one hell of a show,” Pylarinos said.
The Greek Australian artist remarked that Kazantzidis represents to him “the pain and suffering of what people went through during his era”, believing that the experiences his music covers hold relevance even today.
“If you look at what is happening in the past 15 years or so in Australia, there has been a mass exodus of people leaving Greece and going to Australia, America, Canada etc. in search of a better life,” he said.
“It feels like history is repeating itself and Kazantzidis sings those words. There are a few songs he sings that resonate with you, whether you are 80 years old, 60, 40 or even 20.”
The musician stressed that the event appeals to all age groups, trusting that younger generations would certainly recognise songs that are part of the show.
“Attendees should expect a beautiful spectacle featuring the top of Sydney’s local musicians.”
