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Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Con Kalamaras & Stani Goma
Streets of Bamako to the ports of Piraeus
West African blues meets Greek rebetiko.
From the streets of Bamako to the ports of Piraeus, music has long been a powerful voice for the marginalised. This performance unites the rich musical heritage of West African blues and the defiant spirit of Greek rebetiko, forging a compelling connection between two traditions deeply rooted in resilience, longing, and liberation.
At the heart of this collaboration are the Mande Blues Ensemble (MBE) and Estudiantina of Melbourne. Led by esteemed musicians Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate (kamalengoni, guitar, percussion) and Amadou Suso (kora), experience the soulful rhythms of West African blues as MBE weaves the ancient kora’s intricate melodies into an evocative soundscape.
Breathing new life into Greek rebetiko music, often called the ‘outlaw blues’ of Greece, Estudiantina of Melbourne blends the lively tones of the bouzouki with influences from Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian musical traditions. With a masterful combination of instruments, their performances resonate with spellbinding innovation and timeless allure.
Together, these two ensembles create a poignant musical conversation, where shared themes of hardship and triumph unite across cultures. This performance celebrates the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries, a tribute to the strength and spirit that connects us all.
Dates & Times
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Duration: 1 hour (no interval). Please note, running times are approximate and subject to change.
Tickets
Standard $45 ($40 Concession)
Please note, seating in the Primrose Potter Salon is General Admission.
A Transaction Fee between $4 and $8.50 applies to orders made online and by phone. Delivery Fees may also apply. A ticket limit of six is in place online to ensure fair ticket access for all. Want to bring a bigger party? Call our Box Office during business hours on (03) 9699 3333 to book.
About the Artists
Mande Blues Ensemble (MBE)
Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate kamalengoni, guitar, percussion
Amadou Suso kora
A captivating meeting of tradition and innovation, Mande Blues Ensemble (MBE) brings the rich musical heritage of West Africa into dialogue with the deep, resonant tones of the blues. Led by acclaimed musicians Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate (kamalengoni, guitar, percussion) and Amadou Suso (kora), MBE explores the shared roots of these traditions, tracing a musical lineage that spans centuries and continents. Hailing from esteemed griot families of Mali and Gambia, Kouyate and Suso are master storytellers and instrumentalists, weaving intricate melodies and hypnotic rhythms into an evocative soundscape. Their music carries the warmth of oral tradition while embracing contemporary influences, offering an experience that is both deeply authentic and refreshingly modern.
Perfectly suited to the intimate acoustics of Melbourne Recital Centre, MBE’s performances are a rich tapestry of virtuosic musicianship, evocative storytelling, and cultural connection—a testament to the enduring influence of Mande music on the global stage.
Estudiantina of Melbourne
Maria Antaras-Dalamagas accordion, vocals
Vagelis Ginis vocals
Jenny Dixon violin
Alex Petropoulos guitar, vocals
Paul Karalis bouzouki, oud
Con Kalamaras bouzouki, lavta
Camille El Feghali qanun
Rosco Heck percussion
In the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, with its thriving Greek diaspora community, the resonance of rebetiko and Smyrneika is profound. As one of the largest Greek populations outside of Greece, Melbourne pulsates with the rhythms of Greek music, dance, and traditions. For Estudiantina of Melbourne, their music is not merely a performance but a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and communities. It serves as a conduit for the diaspora to rediscover their roots, share their stories, and celebrate their heritage with pride. Through the harmonious interplay of instruments like the bouzouki, baglama, and accordion, Estudiantina of Melbourne creates a soundscape that honours the rich cultural heritage of Greece.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access
Language No Barrier
Assistance Animals Welcome
Melbourne Recital Centre
31 Sturt St Southbank 3006
