Greek Folk Songs of Resistance to Meet Korean Audiences

Greek Rebetiko Performances and Seminar
at the National Intangible Heritage Center

Vocalist Stavroula Manolopoulou (center) and bouzouki player Grigorios Vasilas (right)

The National Intangible Heritage Center will host three performances of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage invitational event, "Greek Rebetiko," at the Eolssu Maru Grand Theater in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on September 26 and 27.

This is part of an annual invitational performance program that has been ongoing since 2014. This year, the featured genre is Rebetiko, a form of Greek folk music. Originating in the early 20th century in prisons and taverns of port cities, Rebetiko is the music of the people, preserving community identity and solidarity even under oppression. Its international significance was recognized in 2017 when it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Eight musicians active in Greece will participate in this performance, delivering the unique emotional depth of Rebetiko. The lineup includes bouzouki player Grigorios Vasilas, renowned for his playing, and vocalist Stavroula Manolopoulou, known for her clear and powerful voice. Together with other musicians, they will present a vibrant stage that combines instruments, dance, and song.

The program will also feature music from the films "Rebetiko" (1983) and "Zorba the Greek" (1964). Additionally, the Korean Orthodox Church Byzantine Choir will perform "Byzantine Chant," a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage that represents the musical traditions of Eastern Greece.

On September 27, an academic symposium titled "The Path of Rebetiko: From Prisons and Taverns to International Musical Heritage" will be held at the Eolssu Maru Small Theater. Professor Lampros Liavas from the University of Athens will give a lecture on the history and cultural significance of Rebetiko.

Both the performances and the symposium are free of charge. Starting September 17, reservations can be made for up to 300 people per session, with a maximum of two tickets per person, through the National Intangible Heritage Center website.