Kew Court House Live: The Lost Voices of Rebetiko

Estudiantina of Melbourne pays tribute to influential Greek musicians during the Axis occupation and famine, combining period-inspired instruments, storytelling and songs to celebrate their enduring legacy, the resilience of Rebetiko, and a vital musical tradition shaped by history.

Between 1942 and 1944, Greece endured one of the darkest chapters in its modern history. Under Axis occupation, famine claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Among them were some of the most influential composers and performers of Rebetiko, whose voices shaped the soundtrack of a generation.

Event information

The Lost Voices: Rebetiko 1942–1944 is a moving concert that honours the artists whose lives and creativity were cut short during these devastating years. Through music and storytelling, Estudiantina of Melbourne brings to life the songs and stories of Kostas Bezos, Kostas Skarvelis, Panagiotis Toundas, Yovan Tsaous, Vangelis Papazoglou, Anestis Delias, Giorgos Kavouras and Andonis Diamantidis (Dalgas), celebrating their enduring contribution to one of Greece's most important musical traditions.

Performed on period-inspired instruments and enriched with historical narration, this special performance explores how war, occupation and famine threatened to silence a vibrant musical culture, while revealing how the legacy of these remarkable composers continued to inspire the generations that followed.

Join us at Kew Court House for an unforgettable evening of music, history and remembrance, celebrating the resilience of Rebetiko and the artists whose songs continue to resonate more than 80 years later.

With musicians Sotiris Kiokpasoglou, Con Kalamaras, Paul Karalis and Alex Petropoulos.

Experience Kew Court House Live

This performance is part of our ongoing Kew Court House live series, running every week in the heart of Kew. Tickets start from $25, supporting an impressive lineup of talented Melbourne musicians. Check the full lineup at Kew Court House Live.

Accessibility at this space

Accessibility features include:

• Automatic doors
• Accessible toilets
• Ramps
• Clear signage
• Tactile signage