 
From the dance held by the musical dancing school. On the
12th April, 1997, the huge hall of the Samian House at Five Dock, was overfilled with
patriots whom support the efforts of the Cretan youth members of the musical dancing
school of Michael Platyrrahos. They support them for their continuous efforts of
attempting to follow the traditions of their cultural heritage. From the comments made,
everyone seemed to have had a pleasant evening, whilst enjoying the program produced by
the young musician. It was such a good turn out, that the tickets which had been printed
were not enough and therefore were substituted with pieces of paper. The mood throughout
the night was enjoyable, as there was variety throughout the program, in order to please
everybody.
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George and Sonia Vardakis, as well as Jim and Katerina Skouloudis, are a
few compatriots that financially and morally support the efforts of Michael
Platyrrahos,for the correct promotion of the culture and traditions of our birthplace,
through music, dance and theatre. As a sign of recognition of this great support, they
were honoured at the dance organised by the “Musical-dancing School Platyrrahos“, last
year on April 12th, from Michael Platyrrahos. The photographs both above and below, are
from those honourable moments. Above the couple Skouloudis and below the couple Vardakis,
as they are being honoured by Michael Platyrrahos, and his sister and leading dancer,
Voula Platyrrahos.
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FROM THE COMMEMMORATIVE ANNUAL BALL OF THE 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE BATTLE OF CRETE.
On Saturday 17th May, the Cretans of
Sydney honoured the 56th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete with two different
celebrations. The Cretan Folkloric Musical Group was invited to take part in the
celebration organised by Cretan United of N.S.W., with the participation of hundreds of
compatriots at the Westside Lounge at Marrickville. Our Cretan folkmusic was represented
by our musical group, which that evening consisted of: Michael Platyrrahos (lyra-vocals),
Spyros Vardakis (lute-vocals) & John Krasadakis (lute).
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FROM THE DANCE OF THE RADIO STATION “RADIOCLUB”
Ohe dance organised by the Radio station
“Radio Club”, on Saturday, 16th August, 1997, in terms of crowd participation and
entertainment was very successful. The radio announcers, were given a chance, to meet one
another and to meet their fans and auditory, of their radio programme. It was during this
evening, that the leading dancing group of the Musical-Dancng School “Platyrrahos”,
was applauded for the excellent presentation of Cretan Folkloric Dances. The Cretan
Folkloric Music Group, which consisted of: Michael Platyrrahos (Lyra - Vocals), Spyros
Vardakis and John Krasadakis on the lutes, also spread superbly the Cretan colour during
this very successful evening.
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CONCERT OF THEMOS MEXISOn Sunday, 28th September, 1997, the well known composer of our
community, Themos Mexis, took part in the Carnivale 97, by organising a phantasmagoric
concert at the Sydney Town Hall at 7:30 pm. There are no words to describe how proud the
thousands or so patriots felt, who were present that night, while watching the remarkable
composer directing the many individuals who were part of the SBS youth orchestra as well
as the Themos Mexis choir. The soloist musicians and singers were excellent as they
produced an inseparable form of music. As for young Michael Platyrrahos whom beautifully
blended the Cretan lyra with the other symphonic melodies, under the direction of the
great composer, he was an enjoyment to listen to. Sincere congratulations to the worthy
composer, Themos Mexis and to everyone who took part in this excellent concert. |
FROM THE DANCE OF “CRETAN NEWS”
On Saturday, 1st November, 1997, the
annual dance of “Cretan News of Australia”, was held to celebrate the 18 years since
its first edition which was produced in November 1979. The friends of the newspaper, for
one more time, made their presence known by attending the hospitable hall at the St.George
Sailing Club at Sans Souci.
The night flowed very pleasantly with the strong Cretan colour present, as the Cretan
traditional instruments, the lyra and the two lutes, stole the show, as well as the
musicians and the dancers, juniors and seniors. Two significant factors made this cultural
evening more special. The presentation of ancient Cretan dances which have been forgotten
even in Crete, as well as the performance of our young musical students. The musical
programme commenced with Michael Platyrrahos and John Krasadakis with acoustic Cretan
music, as the editor of
“Cretan News”, spoke about the goals and aims of the publication of this newspaper,
thanking simultaneously, everyone for their help and presence that evening. Following the
opening speech, Stratis Stavroulakis, Stratos Vourvahakis, Nikki Marinellis, and Andrew
Parliaros on the lyra, as well as Con Platirahos on the lute, showed everyone, their
progress in the field of our traditional music. Straight after the Cretan Folkloric
Musical Group, with Michael Platyrrahos, Spyros Vardakis and John Krasadakis, took part
for the performance of the Junior dancing group, which performed: Syrto, Pentozali, Mikro
Mikraki, Laziotis and Trizalis. The leading dancing group of the Musical-Dancing School of
Michael Platyrrahos, with the famous, ancient title “KOURITES”,
attracted everyones’ attention, with yet again another excellent presentation of the
following dances: Rethymnian Sousta, Haniotiko Syrto, Pidihto Pentozali and Kastrinos or
Maleviziotikos dance. The 132nd anniversary of the Holocaust of the Monastery at Arkadi
was also honoured that evening. The male dancing group closed the dancing programme with
Pidihtos Pentozalis. Following the male dance group, everyone had the chance to dance to
the sounds of the lyra and the lutes. Once again, “Cretan News of Australia”,
organised another remarkable evening in terms of organisation and entertainment. We would
like to thank everyone present at this wonderful evening, whom once again helped us in
contributing to another successful evening by “Cretan News of Australia”.
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FROM THE 40 YEARS ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF NIKOS
KAZANTZAKIS.
On the afternoon of Sunday 9th November
1997, the great Cretan artist and writer, Nikos Kazantzakis, was honoured at the Greek
Community Club at Lakemba, as it was forty years from the time of his death. The title of
this event was : “Travelling with Kazantzakis”. It was a dedication to the forty years
of his death with music, narration and dancing.The programme consisted of : Songs which
had been composed through the works of this great artist. A speech with the theme : “The
Cretan view of Kazantzakis” by Matina Spetsiotis. Narration from Anastasia Anastasiadis
and Elfa Moraitakis. The whole programme was presented and directed by Dr. Alfred Vincent.
The Musical Groups “Para Pente”, and the Cretan Folkloric Musical Group of Michael
Platyrrahos with his leading dancing group “Kourites” also played a significant role
in the success of the evening. The 131st anniversary of the holocaust at the Holy
Monastery of Arkadi, was also mentioned and honoured that day, as it was all around the
world by Cretans on the same day. A similar contribution was made by the Cretan Folkloric
Musical Group at a similar function for “EROTOKRITOS”, which was directed once again
by Dr. Vincent on the 6th March 1997. |
“FESTIVAL OF CULTURES ‘97”.
Another photographic snapshot, from yet
another honourable representation and promotion of the cultural elements of our Cretan
traditions, by the Musical-Dancing School “Platyrrahos”. This photo is just before the
Musical-dancing performance of the School, at the multi-cultural “Festival of
Cultures”, back in July ‘97. In the same festival many traditional dancing groups took
part of different ethnic backgrounds, promoting each one individually, the traditional and
cultural elements of it’s place of origin.
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THE CRETAN FOLKLORIC COMPANY, is always present at whatever
and whichever invitation, to present Cretan culture and tradition, through dance and song.
In this photo, we can see one of the dancing groups of the Cretan Folkloric Company, which
took part in a fund-raising event at the Cypriot Community Hall for philanthropic
purposes.
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NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION
Many were the functions organised by the
various Greek organisations of Sydney, on Wednsday 31st December, the eve of the New Year
of ‘98. The Cretan Folkloric Musical group, took part in the dance of Cretan United
N.S.W. The Marrickville Town Hall was full of Cretans and friends of the Cretan community,
who had a very enjoyable evening, and with the turning of time, were found in high
spirits. On the same night the Ladies Auxilliary Committee organised a surprise birthday
for their president Mr. Anthony Glambedakis.
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There were many occassions throughout the passing year,
where the Cretan Folkloric Musical Group and the Cretan Folkloric Dancing Group of the
Cretan Folkloric Company, took part in many social events of our many compatriots. They
took part in various weddings, christenings as well as many birthday parties, offerring
with their participation a Cretan “flavour” at all these functions. Above, a group of
dancers as they performed at the wedding of Miss Kavalos which occurred on the 3rd January
1998.
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TRADITIONAL WEDDING IN CANBERRA
On Saturday 21st February, the Cretan
Folkloric Musical Group, of the Cretan Folkloric Company, was in Canberra, as it took part
in a traditional wedding, which occurred at the Holy Church of St. Nicholas. The groom was
Frank Katsanevas, a young member of the Cretan community of Canberra, son of Mr. Lambros
Katsanevas. The bride was the Cypriot Rena Mylordi. The bride arrived to Church on a
donkey, the groom, relatives & friends and many others were accompanying her. Amongst
all these people, Michael Platyrrahos and John Krasadakis, with the sounds of the lyra and
the laouto, as well as the suitable poetic “mantinades”, made this wedding as pure as
weddings used to be in the villages of Crete a few decades ago. After the wedding
ceremony, at the courtyard of the church, the Cretan musical instruments, once again
spread the Cretan colour, to this beautiful occassion, as friends and relatives of the
bride and groom, joined in for the bridal dance. Most of the Cretans of Canberra, were
present at this traditional wedding, as the Cretan Community of Canberra, is small and Mr.
Lambros Katsanevas played a significant role through the Cretan Association of Canberra.
Frank, also took part in the dancing group of the Cretan Association in Canberra, for a
number of years. They all danced to the sounds of the Cretan instruments played by Michael
Platyrrahos and John Krasadakis. Once again, the young generation, honoured their cultural
heritage and were very proud in doing so. |
CRETAN NIGHT
On Saturday, 7th March, 1998, in the
hospitable “Bankstown City Bowling Recreation Club”, Cretans and many friends of the
Cretans, gathered as a sign of support towards the Cretan youth of our community, for whom
arecontinuing to preserve and flourish the traditions and cultures of our place of origin,
to a“Cretan Night” which was the first function of the newly established body, and it
was a great success which ended in the early hours of the next day. It was also emotional,
to witness our young musicians of the Cretan Folkloric Company, perform, traditional
pieces of Cretan folklore. The same pride and joy, as well as the parents, was felt by
everyone that was present, when the leading dance group of the Cretan Folkloric Company,
made it’s presence felt. Firstly, through the presentation of ancient Cretan dances,
such as “Laziotis”, “Trizalis” and “Mikro Mikraki”, and throughout the course
of another successful cultural evening. |
WITH A “FESTIVAL” OF MEXIS, DONIKIAN AND PLATYRRAHOS, THE FESTIVAL
BEGAN
Only the choir and the music of our great
maestro, Themos Mexis, the professionalism of George Donikian and the pure Cretan spirit
of young Michael Platyrrahos, saved the 16th Greek Festival of Sydney from the averageness
and guarded for yet another year the image of our greatest cultural festivity. These were
the words that were written in the newspaper “O Kosmos”, on Tuesday 10th March 1998,
two days after the opening of this years Greek festival. Words which honour, the 20
year-old musician Michael Platyrrahos, whom was overapplauded as he won the hearts of all
the Greek compatriots that were present on the day listening to his full of passion
“mantinades”.
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ELEFTHERIOS VENIZELOS: 62 YEARS FROM HIS DEATH
62 years after the death of the great
Hellene politician, Eleftheriou Venizelou it was our duty as a sign of admiration and
respect to honour the memories of our nationalist leader. And we believe that once again,
the Cretan Folkloric Company, made proud the Cretan community, with it’s participation
in the lecture which was given by the famous lecturer of our community, Mrs. Anastasia
Anastasiadis on Thursday 19th March 1998.In a full hall at the Cypriot Community Club, she
spoke about this great personality of our island, with a very informative speech without
gaps, giving the audience to understand everything that occurred in his life.
Mrs.Anastasiadis was presented by the well-known journalist Themis Kallos. The whole
program began with the Cretan Folkloric Musical Group of the Cretan Folkloric Company.
After Mrs. Anastasiadis’ speech which was enrichened by overhead transperacies, and the
voice of Eleftherios Venizelos, the lecturer Mr. Vrasidas Karalis concluded with his
speech. Finally, the Cretan Folkloric Musical Group, closed the whole evening, with
“Mantinades”, about the great politician. |
CELEBRATION OF THE 25TH MARCH
It was yet again another great
celebration Greek Independence Day which was celebrated on the 28th March 1998, by the
Greek Community of Sydney and N.S.W., who were also celebrating the 100 years from their
establishment (1898-1998).In a great atmosphere, full of nationalistic feelings, our
heroes of 1821 were once again honoured. In the celebration, with traditional Cretan Folk
dancing and music, the Cretan Folkloric Company also took part, with the Cretan Musical
Group and the leading dancing group of the Company with the ancient title “KOURITES”.
Michael Platyrrahos and John Krasadakis performed twice. Firstly, for the dancing group of
Cretan United N.S.W., and secondly for the dancing group of the Cretan Folkloric Company.
The great enthusiasm which was a result of the dancing groups and our young talented
musicians, was similar to the enthusiasm and atmosphere which they created at the same
venue, for the opening of the 16th Greek Festival at the beginning of the month.
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FROM THE MUSICAL CONCERT “NEW GENERATION NEW HORIZONS”
On Saturday 4th April 1998, at the
Marrickville Town Hall, the 600 compatriots that literally filled the hall, for the
musical concert directed by the great musician of our community Vaggelis Papageorgiou,
“New Generation New Horizons”, with most of the musical talents of our community
taking part, were amazed at the professionalism of these musicians on stage, from the
proud manner in which the dancing groups presented traditional dances, and the fantastic
choreographed dancing which enriched the second part of the concert. They were amazed at
the passion and the Hellene colour which flowed naturally by these Australian-born
Hellenes with their involvement that evening. From the Cretan Folkloric Company’s point
of view, we would like to thank Vaggeli Papageorgiou, who came up with the idea of
gathering all these diamonds of our community, whom offered to everyone that evening,
those unforgettable Greek moments. The Cretan Folkloric Company once again left its mark,
with the participation of both the Cretan Folkloric Musical Group, and the Cretan
Folkloric Dancing Group “KOURITES”, as they both highly represented the Cretan
community of Sydney as well as our Cretan culture and traditions. We hope that this
successful evening, will be the beginning of future co-operation of all these talented
artists, to honour us, and most importantly their parents birthplace. |
STREET FAIR: On Sunday April 5th, under the Greek Festival of Sydney, for
the first time a “Street Fair”, occurred in the Brighton Le Sands area. Bay St., was
closed and from 10 a.m., till midnight of the same day, there were many performances of
musical and dancing groups. It was estimated that approximately 30,000 Greeks, would have
been present through the course of the day. Around 1.30 p.m., the male dancing group of
the Cretan Folkloric Company, was overapplauded for yet another excellent presentation of
Cretan traditional dance. In the evening around 6.30 p.m., where there would have been
approximately 5,000 people present, the Cretan Folkloric Musical Company, with Michael
Platyrrahos and John Krasadakis made it’s presence felt. Almost immediately the dance
floor filled, as many people danced to the sounds of our traditional instruments.
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