On Friday, 17 May the tribute concert “Romosioni & Beyond” will honour Mikis Theodorakis, featuring international vocalist Dimitris Bassis, conductor George Ellis and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

This one night only, exclusive evening will feature the doric rhythm and passionate music of the great music composer Mikis Theodorakis, the poetry of Yiannis Ritsos, the internationally acclaimed vocals of Greek singer Dimitris Basis, the charismatic talent of exquisite conductor George Ellis and one of the most acclaimed orchestras of the Southern Hemisphere, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Passion, melody, rhythm, harmony, strength and history combine to highlight the plight of modern man, his struggle for justice, history and humanity. Surrounded by the electric atmosphere of the Melbourne Recital Center, Yanis Ritsos's verse for the German Occupation, the sufferings in modern Greek history, as well as the hope that emerges through the tragedy and the purification through the tribulations, will be revived.

"Romiosini and Beyond" is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Pontian Genocide, to the victims of the Battle of Crete, to the love of the Greek for freedom and to all these fledgling immigrants of the first generation who stood up in Australia and taught their children to love Greek culture, Greek letters and the Greek way of life, through their music, dance and cultural heritage.

In association with the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies, The Greek Community of Melbourne, is organising and presenting this great cultural event with the support of its sponsors (Delphi Bank, NEOS KOSMOS, 3XY, TA NEA, ANTENNA), primarily to convey and promote love for Greek poetry and music, not only to all Australians but also to the children of migrants who were born here or came here from Greece at young age.