by John Faraclas
What a gathering that was last night at the Great Hall of London’s Hellenic Centre for the cutting of the traditional Vasilopita; what a splash coupled with Tanguero Passion!
Nearly 150 members, guests and friends of the Hellenic Centre, all in a jovial mood, attended this splendid event, indeed a passionate start to 2025! It was a musical feast from the Tango 44 ensemble who put on a great display.
Ms Nayia Yiakoumaki (pictured above and below), director of the centre, introduced the event.
The music was arranged by pianist Mark Troop who also acted as a moderator so to speak with fascinating narratives for each song and performance. Corina Piatti, a London based vocalist, songwriter and guitarist, hails from Santa Fe, Argentina; Jonathan Truscott is on violin; and Pavlos Carvalho, cello – an exceptional musician emanating from at least three continents and partly Greek!
A great programme, which you can see here below, the group were warmly applauded by all present as was the special guest star, Laetitia Carvalho-Dubost, daughter of Pavlos, who excellently performed Mihalis Sougioul’s “As erhosoun yia ligo”. Wonderful!
Super drinks and dips at the mobile bar kept everyone in the mood, particularly that red wine!
We are still trying to locate the lucky prize winner and will revert on the first update.
Many congratulations to Evangelia Roussou, the language courses and cultural events manager, for supporting Ms Yiakoumaki and the team of the Hellenic Centre.
For us in the Shipping Industry it was a reminder of the lovely times we had in Argentina – from the Recalada Roads awaiting to berth in Buenos Aires, the capital itself and even Tierra del Fuego, Santa Fe by the River Parana and Necochea port. Apparently, there is a strong Greek community in Argentina.
Good to see some Greek friends from the 80’s, and many members of the centre including Evan Zaranis from the HESGB, Eva Kousiora, physiotherapist accompanied by a group of friends, all back Mrs Edmee Leventis, Mrs. Agatha Kalisperas, Katerina Kalogeraki, all back again after the event’s COVID break…
The next event is on the 23rd of January. British School at Athens: Artist’s Talk by Tina Rowe. Free entry; booking required via the centre’s website or call +44 207 487 5060.
