To mark the centenary of the birth of two iconic figures in Greek music, Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis, the Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne are dedicating the 2025 school year to these legendary composers. Throughout the year, a series of events and activities will honour their immense contributions to Greek culture. The celebrations will culminate in the end-of-year event on Saturday, 29 November, at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University — a grand tribute to their diverse and timeless body of work.

This year-long tribute pays homage to two of Greece’s most influential composers, whose music helped shape modern Greek culture and introduced it to audiences around the world. Students across the Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne will have the opportunity to engage with their work through concerts, presentations, projects, and a variety of educational activities both inside and outside the classroom.

The highlight and finale of these initiatives will be the end-of-year celebration on Saturday, 29 November. This large-scale event will bring together students from all campuses in a united performance dedicated to the two composers. Following the success of last year’s School Olympiad, this event once again showcases the strength of collaboration across the school network, reinforcing the unity of our educational community while celebrating the richness of our cultural heritage.

The performance will feature classic songs by Theodorakis and Hadjidakis, traditional Greek dances, a student choir, and dramatized scenes from iconic Greek films enhanced by their music. The aim is to bridge generations — young and old — in an imaginative journey full of captivating, ocean-kissed imagery and all things Greek, brought vividly to life on stage.

As the Director of the Schools, Ms Maria Bakalidou, stated:

“Our goal for this final celebration is to fill the hall with students, parents, grandparents — a whole community coming together for an unforgettable experience, singing and dancing to cherished melodies. It is our duty to bring our students — young Greeks of the diaspora — closer to the towering figures of Greek culture who helped shape our collective identity. Through this year’s activities, our students will not only learn about these two great composers but also the values they stood for: freedom, creativity, and humanism. We hope it will be a year rich in experiences that leave a lasting impression and deepen their connection to their cultural roots.”