DIALOGUES: The History of Rebetiko

The SNF DIALOGUES series of monthly events took its first trip outside Athens. A great number of friends of the event, which was open free and open to all, accompanied the SNF Dialogues in its first “escape” outside Athens, and traveled to Syros, the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris. The visit to Syros took place in accordance with the event’s theme, which was dedicated to the history of rebetiko. The event, which was hosted at the premises of the unique Syros Textile Factory, featured Dimitris Mistakidis, musician and teacher at the School of Arts in the Department of Traditional Music at the University of Ioannina, Giorgos Kokkonis, Assistant Professor in the Department of Music Studies at the University of Ioannina, and Karolos and Tanya Veanus Tsakirian, luthiers. The speakers shared their rich knowledge of the roots and influence of Rebetiko on the world music scene, its sociological value, its relatively recent destigmatization, and the cultural trends that have transported it across the globe. The DIALOGUES are curated and moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou.