Areti Ketime to illuminate Australia’s Zeibekiko Festival with her iconic voice

The soul of the zeibekiko will once again come alive in Australia this spring, as the Zeibekiko Festival Australia returns for its third year with an expanded and deeply meaningful program in both Sydney and Melbourne. Starring as the main act, Areti Ketime to illuminate Australia’s Zeibekiko Festival with her iconic voice

Running from October 3 to October 12, the 2025 festival promises ten days of concerts, workshops, talks, and community events dedicated to the spiritual and cultural power of the zeibekiko—from its roots in Asia Minor to its place in modern Greek identity.

At the heart of the festival stands Areti Ketime, one of Greece’s most beloved singers and santouri players, whose angelic voice and devotion to musical tradition have captivated audiences across the world. Ketime will perform a one-night-only concert in Melbourne on Sunday, October 5, presenting a rich selection of zeibekika, rebetika, Smyrneika, and traditional Greek songs from her acclaimed repertoire.

Her Melbourne concert will take place at the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar Performing Arts Centre at 7:00pm, in what promises to be a powerful celebration of Hellenic memory and expression. Sydney audiences will have the opportunity to see Ketime live on Friday, October 10, at the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL.

Discovered by George Dalaras and internationally recognised following her performance at the 2004 Athens Olympics Opening Ceremony, Ketime brings not only technical brilliance but also an emotional depth that speaks to the very essence of the zeibekiko—raw, proud, and profoundly personal.

Joining her from Greece will be Dr Christos Theologos, a respected researcher and teacher of traditional zeibekiko, karsilamas, aptaliko, and other Asia Minor dances. Through a series of lectures and movement workshops, Dr Theologos will guide audiences through the historical and regional variations of the dance, connecting participants with forgotten rhythms and stories from Smyrna to Cappadocia.

Also arriving from Greece is his long-time collaborator Stefanos Kyriazakos, a specialist in island and Rhodian folk dances, who will lead practical dance sessions on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, alongside Dr Theologos.

Festival Director Sophia Ventouris describes the Zeibekiko Festival as more than just an arts event—it’s an act of remembrance and revival.

“Zeibekiko is not simply a dance. It’s a language of pain, pride, and perseverance. Through it, we honour generations of displaced Greeks and reassert the value of our cultural heritage in today’s world,” Ventouris said.

This year’s program also includes:

A Bouzouki Spectacular featuring 20 performers, including Tassos Lambrou and students of the Tassos Bouzouki School.
A special Cretan Rebetiko performance titled Tabachaniotika Tragoudia, presented by the Cretan Music Group under the direction of Michael Platyrrahos.

Whether you’re a first-time learner, a seasoned dancer, or simply a lover of Greek music and history, the festival welcomes all ages, cultural organisations, and dance groups to take part in this shared celebration of Hellenism.

Event Details – Melbourne

Date: Sunday, 5 October 2025
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar Performing Arts Centre, 123 Marshall Street, Ivanhoe
Bookings: www.zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au

Event Details – Sydney