The Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble once again hosted a digital concert on Friday, June 26 for thousands of music lovers worldwide
Performing some of its favorite rebetiko songs from yesteryear, the ensemble showcased music from its upcoming CD “To Monopati” which is available for digital purchase and download.
The concert also featured songs from the pre-and post-war rebetika era, including works by Vassilis Tsitsanis, Sotiria Bellou and Giorgos Mitsakis, among other artists.
Melbourne is no stranger to the ongoing preservation of Rebetika. In recent years Melburnians have enjoyed a thriving live Greek scene in which the Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble regularly features in Festivals and concerts.
During recent months this scene went quiet due to social distancing. But after three months of lockdown Melbourne native Con Kalamaras rallied his friends from the ensemble and re-ignited the act out of isolation to perform their first digital concert — receiving more than 20,000 views.
Through its virtual performances the ensemble aims to celebrate and re-connect with their audience and also launch their new digital album which features a repertoire from 1930’s to 1950’s-era Greece.
Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble members include Stavrina Dimitriou ( vocals), Achilles Yiangoulli (vocals/guitar), Dean Georgalas (bouzouki) and Con Kalamaras (baglama/vocals).
The group’s latest concert (full video included below) has garnered more than 13,000 views.
Watch the full performance
