Songs from Smyrne at Birds Basement

This live concert tribute will focus on compositions that emerged after the population exchange, including the songs that gained prominence through gramophone recordings thereafter.

The concert aims to celebrate cultural diversity through its music, focusing on the composers who relocated to mainland Greece and their profound effect on the musical landscape. The music from Smyrne was significantly affected by the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s, leading to a dispersion of diverse musical traditions and their preservation and evolution in different regions.

Today, elements of Smyrneika music can still be heard in various contemporary musical compositions, traditional ensembles, and even in the works of modern artists who draw inspiration from the rich musical legacy of this historically vibrant city.

Smyrne, now known as Izmir in Turkey, holds a significant place in the history of Greek and Turkish musical traditions. It was a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, influencing its music with a blend of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian elements. Characterized by a distinctive sound, Smyrneika incorporates various instruments such as the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, among others. It often features emotional and melancholic melodies, reflecting the experiences and sentiments of the diverse population living in Smyrne.

Bringing together a unique ensemble of Melbourne musicians this concert will not disappoint.