November 2017
Under the sound of the ‘bouzouki’ and the timeless
beauty of the Greek arts, the 12th Odyssey Festival
started its 2017 journey with a spectacular show at
Olympic Hall on Friday 6th of October.
The much-anticipated event drew hundreds of people from
across the city at Olympic Hall unveiling a rich program
for art lovers and the community in general.
The Greek Community became once again the hub of a
month-long expression of culture throughout the
Festival, reflecting this year’s theme "A Journey
Through the Arts".
His Excellency The Hon Hieu Van Le, Governor of South
Australia who brightened the event with his presence
said it always pleased him to witness such vibrant
cultural events.
"I always look forward to spending time with our State’s
Greek community, and I am proud to support this
fantastic event," the Governor said.
Opening the formal part of the evening The President of
the Greek Orthodox Community Mr Bill Gonis said the
Community’s goal is to preserve the Hellenic culture and
share it with the rest of South Australians.
"The progress and growth of our organisation in South
Australia from the time of its incorporation in 1930 to
the present represents a journey for us too and one
which we are happy to share with you", he said.
Following the formal part of the event, guests were in
for a surprise when about 25 bouzouki players appeared
on stage as part of a special music presentation.
Soon, all-time classic Greek tunes echoed inside the
Hall as the students of the Con Dalagiorgos School of
Music literally rocked the venue with their talent and
passion for Greek music.
The special music feature was enhanced with dance
performances by the Community’s Dance Academy.
Meanwhile, the Arts Exhibition at the Hall draw the
guests’ attention as there was a number of unique and
inspiring pieces of art, three of which were voted as
top art competition entries for this year’s Odyssey.
The lucky artist who received the top prize during the
Art Awards presentation was Ms Maria Sagias for her 3-D
work "Meteora in Autumn". Ms Despina Maragkozidi and Ms
Helen Victoria won the second and third prize
respectively.
The Hon Michael Atkinson, Speaker of the House of
Assembly and Member for Croydon on behalf of the
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon Zoe Bettison, Mr
David Pisoni, Shadow Minister for Transport, Planning
and Infrastructure and Member for Unley on behalf of the
Leader of the Opposition Mr Stephen Marshall, Ms Joe
Chapley, Labor Candidate for the Seat of Adelaide, Ms
Jayne Stinson, Labor Candidate for the Seat of Badcoe,
Mr Laughlin Clyne, Mayor of the City of Unley and
Liberal Candidate for the Seat of Badcoe, Ms Angela
Evans, Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Mr Andreas
Gouras, Consul General of Greece, Mr Chris Christoforou
Vice President of the Cyprus Community of SA,
representing the President of the Community Mr Andreas
Evdokiou and Mr Frank Fursenko, President of the
Ukrainian Community of S.A were among the official
guests who attended the opening night.
The Odyssey Festival opening night marked the beginning
of a month-long cultural adventure featuring a number of
events for all ages and tastes, inviting all to join the
journey through the Arts.
As the Greek Tribune goes to press, Odyssey’s finale
approaches with a Dance and Song performance by GOCSA’s
Dance Academy on 28 October at the Elder Hall in the
City.
Other cultural activities that were included in this
year’s Odyssey, was a Bouzoukia night with Con
Dalagiorgos’ Music School, Greek Theatre, two lectures
and a sports day involving hundreds of GOCSA’s students.
ENGLISH
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ
