NEWS
The first-ever Greek Arts Festival takes place, this week at Millfield Theatre. The 3-day event, set to run from 28th to 30th June, promises to be “an amazing mini-week of Greek and Cypriot culture and entertainment!”
Talent contest, children’s play, paintings, books and other exhibitions. Also Byzantine, Greek and Cypriot traditional and folk music by professionals and participation of students from Greek Community schools.
Wednesday 28th June at 7pm
Dances from Walker Greek School. Traditional music & songs.
Byzantine Music brought to you by the School of Byzantine Music of our Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, under the direction of Father Iosif Paliouras.
A children’s play coming from Athens by Evaggelia Gkioni “Mia grammi ke mia telia” (“Μια γραμμή και μια τελεία”).
A children’s theatrical play by Omilos Eksipiretiton (The Servers’ Society), Athens, Greece. If you search the Fairytale Map, two ice creams up and one somersault to the right, somewhere near Wonderland, you will discover a Land truly worthy of wonder. It is the Great Land of WoWs! It is there that our hero, the Little Miracle, lives. One morning, the Little Miracle wakes up from a really strange dream… what dream did it have? And what has our hero been seeking to find since then? Does anyone know the answer?
The Little Miracle’s adventure will lead it to the House of the Wise Man. Will our hero go in? And anyway, what role does the Fairy Godmother play in all this, and what about that stumbling, blundering Exclamation Mark? It is all this and much more that you will discover in our play.
Thursday 29th June at 7pm
Talent Contest “Show Me Your Talent” (singing, dancing, comedy, acting, magic, or any other talent you have). We will find talent through local newspapers and social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. The Lewis Sisters and Elizabeth Chapman have been confirmed as the judges, on the night.
PRIZES ON THE NIGHT
1ST PRIZE
1 WEEK HOLIDAY FOR 2 IN CYPRUS
FIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
SONG PRODUCTION BY LGR TEAM
TV AND RADIO EXPOSURE
2ND PRIZE
2X FIGHTS TO CYPRUS FOR 1 WEEK
SONG PRODUCED BY CYPRUS COMPOSER – PRODUCER
TV AND RADIO EXPOSURE
3RD PRIZE
A MEAL FOR 4 AT A TOP LOCAL GREEK RESTAURANT
TV AND RADIO EXPOSURE
All Contestants will perform on the evening and judges will give professional industry feedback then it’s your chance to vote.
Winners will be selected by judges and Audience votes.
Friday 30th June at 7pm
Dinner & Dance. Live orchestra music with Mixalis Theodosiou, Giorgos Yerasimos, Sophia Pechlivani, Mihalis Minas (Bouzouki), & Spyros Paisios (keyboard).
Tickets £50 including a 4-course meal.
MENU
STARTERS:
mezze
A selection of traditional Greek dips, bread and olives.
MAIN COURSE:
Lamb kleftiko
Traditional Slow roasted lamb shank scented with cinnamon and herbs served with delicious Cyprus potatoes
Horiatiki salad
The classic Greek salad – served with feta
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTION
Moussaka
A popular Greek dish with layered roasted vegetables topped with a flavoursome sauce and oven baked for Perfection.
Horiatiki salad
The classic Greek salad
DESSERT:
Loukoumades
Freshly made crispy dough balls
Served with Tea or coffee
FRESH FRUIT PLATTER
If you are vegetarian or vegan please let us know by emailing nina@platinumperformingarts.co.uk
The producers have the right to make changes to the programme & cast if needed.
There will be paintings, books & photographic exhibitions during the festival.
Head on over to the Millfield Theatre website and secure your tickets now before they sell out! Whether you’re a die-hard Greek and Cypriot culture enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, the Greek Arts Festival 2023 has something for everyone. Don’t wait, book your tickets today and join us for a cultural extravaganza that you’ll never forget!
Media sponsors: LGR & Eleftheria Newspaper
Gold sponsors: Built it Builders Merchants and A&P Skips
Supporters: Autumn Gardens and Anastasia Lodge
Article written by London Greek Radio
It is with a heavy heart that LGR announces the tremendous loss and passing of our long-time friend and colleague, Vassoula Vronti Orchard.
She passed away peacefully on Sunday 7th May 2023 after a courageous battle with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. She was 68.
Vassoula was a long-serving LGR employee, since it was first founded over thirty-five years ago. She has been serving the Greek Cypriot community, through her dedication to her work at LGR ever since.
Vassoula was born in Trikomo in 1954, and attended the American Academy after moving to Larnaca before arriving in the West end of London and embracing the bright lights of City Life, whilst always honouring her heritage and traditional values.
Vassoula was one in a million. A vibrant, warm, kind and thoughtful soul who was always on hand to help her colleagues, friends and loved ones, to the best of her ability. She was a consummate professional, an asset to the community and was simply irreplaceable.
Her generosity knew no bounds and there will be a huge void in the hearts and lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, working with her and loving her.
Vassoula is survived by her husband Clive, her two daughters Maria and Alexia, grandsons Tate and Miles who she absolutely adored and doted on, and son-in-law Chris, sister Demetra and brother-in-law Costakis, brother Panicos and sister-in-law Yioulla, her nieces and nephews and their families, her grandchildren, extended family and friends.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday 24th May at 11.00am at St. Panteleimon Church, 660 Kenton Road, Harrow, HA3 9QN, followed by a burial at Pinner New Cemetary, 660 Pinner Road, Pinner, HA5 5RH at 1pm.
The wake will be held at St. Panteleimon Church Hall after the funeral.
Flowers are welcome and can be sent to Demetriou & English, 131-133 Myddleton Road, London N22 8NG. There will also be an option for those wishing to donate to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in Vassoula’s memory via a Web link / Charity box on the day.
There will also be a memorial book at the hall for people to share their thoughts and memories, if they wish to, in remembrance of a beautiful woman whose light will shine on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.
Everyone at LGR extend their condolences to the family, and we thank her for her services to our community and to London Greek Radio.
Memory eternal, Vassoula. You will be missed.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Well done Andrew Lambrou came a highly respectable 12th out of 26 countries at the Eurovision Song Conest final at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, on Saturday night, the 13th of May 2023.
The Cypriot artist has written himself into Eurovision immortality, with one of the best Cypriot results in the event.
Cyprus broadcaster CyBC confirmed that up-and-coming Cypriot Australian star Andrew Lambrou would fly the flag at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool last year.
After weeks of teasing the world with only the singer and a snippet, “Break a Broken Heart”, the Cyprus Eurovision entry by Mr Lambrou was finally released.
We were promised a strong mid-tempo song and Andrew has certainly lived up to that script, releasing his Eurovision music video for “Break a Broken Heart” in March.
The Cypriot song is certainly catchy and a radio friendly number, which has already entered London Greek Radio playlists.
Born in Sydney to Greek Cypriot parents, Andrew learnt piano, and at 5-years-of age he won 1st place in a school competition. He originally sung his way to relative stardom, covering the likes of Evanescence, Harry Styles, Camilla Cabello and Sam Smith.
In 2015, when Andrew was just 17 years old, he finished in the top 20 in The X Factor Australia. This included a stopover in London at the five-seat challenge with his mentor, singing legend, Chris Isaak where he performed in front of music mogul Simon Cowell and pop star Rita Ora.
That same year, he was noticed by Sony ATV and was signed by Maree Hamblion. Since then, he has released a string of singles, “Throne”, “Lemonade”, “Confidence” and “Electrify”.
Next stop, Liverpool. Tony Neophytou caught up with Andrew Lambrou while in between soundchecks and tours of the press circuit at the arena.
Q. You’ve finally made it to Liverpool, and you’ve been rehearsing on the stage, it must be a special feeling, right?
A. Yeah, it really is. It’s so special, to be finally on the stage and to see what it all looks like has been mind-blowing for me. And there is so much anticipation when it comes to Eurovision. Such a build-up and so to finally get up on stage… I could picture it; I could picture all the people in the crowd. And I could picture what I will all feel like special and mind-blowing.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann and Ross Nicholson from London’s world-renowned directors Black Skull. The involvement of the Austrian and British creatives highlights the Cypriot ambition to impress at this competition.
A. Yeah, sure did, Marvin and Russ are absolutely amazing at what they do, and I really feel like I’m working with the best in the world and that’s something really encouraging for me for an artist to feel that support, to feel that level of expertise on the team. I can’t fault a single thing that Marvin and Russ they know what they’re doing and for me that’s extremely special because I know I am in great hands.
Q. The Cypriot entry ebbs and flows constantly with a built-up, excitement throughout the song. The visuals are matching the growth and dynamics and elevates the song’s strengths and it culminates with fire-lit stage!…
A. Yeah for sure, I really wanted to build when it comes to the song, I want the end to have built up to a point where it is just the big explosion at the end you know, and I’m really proud of the song and I’m excited to get on stage and deliver that for everybody. The most important things for me are the ability to connect to the song. I want people to feel what I am singing. I want people to feel the lyrics, the passion coming out of my body through the tv screens, to the people in the arena. And if I can execute that plan than I’m over the moon.
Q. “Break a Broken Heart”, why was this the song which spoke to you?
A. It is a big decision when it comes to a Eurovision song, I wanted it to be something authentic. I wanted it to be something I could relate to personally. Because I feel that really shines through on stage and I want people to connect to it. And the song has such a great impact for me it did anyway. When I first heard it and I heard that big Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh… note at the start, it just captivated me. And I said ok, what is this song, and then I just wanted to listen to it more and more after that. So when it comes to Eurovision there are so many fans who keep up to date with what’s happening in the Eurovision world, but there are many people who tune in and don’t actually listen to the songs beforehand. They are just ready to watch the show. So, for me I wanted it to grab you quickly and I feel that this song did that for me, so the goal was to do that for the people at home.
The song was written to suit Andrew’s vocal and is a rather vocally demanding song, requiring his full skills as a singer to be on-point.
Q. Impressive vocals Andrew, did you want a song that would actually stretch you vocally?
A. Yes, I did. I wanted a song’s that gonna be impactful and to show what I am capable of on the biggest stage on the world. Although it might be a bit daunting with such a big vocal. I have really worked as hard as I can to make this song really comfortable myself and I feel comfortable at this point, which is great.
Andrew Lambrou delivers an impassioned vocal performance that gives voice to anyone who has felt like at the lowest point. Because of a break-up and lyrics speak of perseverance and strength developed through strength.
The vocals are on-point and sung with emotional intensity and sincerity.
A. Yeah, thank you so much that’s probably one of the greatest compliments I have gotten so far, and people are really loving my vocals, and that all comes down to how hard I’ve been working and practicing this song and feeling as comfortable as I possibly can. It’s just trying to compliment the visuals with the audio.
Q. What is the ambition, Andrew? It’s your 25th birthday in May, what would be a lovely birthday gift, qualification, I am guessing reaching the final? I am sure you will do just fine; you won’t be breaking Cyprus hearts (to coin a phrase).
A. (Laughs) 100% correct that would be the ultimate birthday gifts for me, I don’t think anyone has to get me birthday gifts for the rest of my life after that (laughs).
Q. I’ve been following your Eurovision journey for quite some time, with Australia Decides 2022, looking back on it, do you think that gives you much needed Eurovision experience?
A. Yeah, I believe everything happens for a reason and to introduce me to the Eurovision world and going on to the stage it gave me some experience and it also taught me a few lessons too and now that I am fortunate enough to be in this position now, I am using all the knowledge I’ve got from the past into play now.
Q. There is a minor tradition with diaspora artists in Eurovision, such as Lisa Andreas and Andy Paul, former UK Cypriot acts of past Eurovision editions. What was the reaction from fellow Australians and Aussie Cypriot diaspora to your act?
A. It’s been fantastic, I can’t really complain at all. The love and support I’ve been getting over in Australia from the Greek Cypriot community has been something giving me so much motivation, so I am a very happy man with a big smile on my face. I can’t wait to make as many people as proud as I can.
Q. Was time taken aside for Greek Easter, amidst the rehearsals…
A. I had a typical Greek Orthodox Easter making flaounes and pafkia which is a version of flaouna with meat inside it that only comes from Paphos where my grandparents come from in Cyprus. So, we kept with the traditions, and we went and saw some family and it was really great just to unwind and to forget about things for a minute, and just to spend time with loved ones.
I can see from Instagram you were ‘baking’ flaounas, in terms of keeping up with tradition and culture I heard you love modern Greek music, Laika and zeimbekika…?
A. That’s for sure, at any event you can see me dancing the kalamatiano to all the classics and I’m not as good as my dad at doing the zeimbekiko that’s for sure. My dad is the professional but I’m trying to follow in his footsteps.
Q. What do you think about before a performance?
A. For me it’s about staying calm. To stay calm I think about what is important to me. I think about things outside the Eurovision world, I think about my family, my loved ones, my passion for music, and grateful I am to be here right now. I’d like to take a deep breath and understand I’m here to do what I like to do. So that’s my goal, my little ritual beforehand. It’s all about staying calm for me.
Q. Post-Eurovision, any thoughts…
A. I want to travel, and I want to release more music…
Thank you, Andrew Lambrou and the best of luck, to you and the Cypriot delegation.
The Cypriot star absolutely smashed that performance, absolutely fair play to him!
You can follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_lambrou, where he already boasts almost 500k followers. Andrew was doing impressive TikTok numbers before announcing Eurovision, now at 700k followers and climbing.
May 2023
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greece has selected Victor Vernicos Jorgensen as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Liverpool arena.
16-year-old singer-songwriter who is of Greek-Danish descend, born in Athens, is the youngest Greek act ever to compete.
Victor with a deep, unique vocal-timbre is performing his introspective song about stress and anxiety.
“What They Say“, a song that oozes a mid-tempo ballad flair, also delivers an optimistic message to encourage those struggling mentally to overcome stress. Victor wrote it as a 14-year-old boy.
He released a song “Hope It’s In Heaven” at the age of just 14. Victor was then signed to Royal Music and 25/7 Management. Last year, Victor released his official debut song as a professional artist “Fake Club”.
Victor was taught piano at the age of 4-years-old, with vocal and guitar lessons which followed. Victor then went into music production and has been writing his own songs since he was 11. He has been editing the production of his own music and in attendance of Music Technology classes.
With his rehearsals under way for Liverpool at the M&S Bank Arena, Tony Neophytou caught up with Victor to learn a little more…
You’ve stepped onto the Liverpool Arena. What’s it like performing on stage?
I love the Liverpool Arena. It is amazing, the M&S Bank Arena!…
You’re of mixed heritage, half-Danish, half-Greek, born and bred in Marousi, Athens and you speak quite good English, at home which language prevails?
We speak both English and Greek, not much Danish. I speak more Greek with my mum; my dad has been living in Greece for 25 years. when we’re all together we speak English. In Liverpool we speak English… (Tony: are you learning Liverpudlian?) I am trying too (laughs).
You have a unique vocal fibre and it’s a mature voice. After playing your song to fellow colleagues without revealing your age, they were completely astounded to know you are just 16…
It’s a huge compliment. I am working on the voice, I’ve always thought my strength was song-writing, and it’s come to the stage (voice) its likeable at least, and people like the fact its deep and I’m young, that’s cool.
“What They Say” is a self-penned song. You’ve stamped your personality and authenticity and honesty on the song.
I write and produce my own songs. I wrote this song when I was 14 years old. it is truly one of the most open and honest songs I have ever written. I try to write my songs with honesty and that’s the most important part for me, and that’s why I think it has a stamp on it and my personality comes because of the honesty. I mean we are all unique, and when you’re honest that uniqueness comes out because you allow it too.
(Tony) The lyrics have a great depth about anxieties, and stress you felt once. The introspective song is fusing intense feelings, melancholy, frustration, angst and finishes with optimistic undertone…
It was about my first ever experience with anxiety when I was 13 years old and that was my understanding reality. I got overwhelmed by the feeling of anxiety hit me, the fear of responsibility of fear in my heart. Because managers from the US and UK started to get involved. It was a lot of responsibility to take on at such an age, and in that moment, I picked reality, it was a defining moment where I understood it was reality, you get what you give out. In that moment, I picked is it going to be reality or stay anxious or stay at home, no it’s not going to happen, and two and years later I’m at Eurovision.
It is a liberation of the end of it. The song is a monologue, and I can feel it in the second verse. It’s like ranting to your best friend and I when I get on that stage, I’ll be ranting to let go of my fears and getting on the biggest stage in the world and actually becoming an artist. My goals are huge. It’s going to be a defining moment and with all my strength finally let go of everything, I think. I hope. Honestly, it’s going to be the best experience.
I just put it all together in my head right now, as we’re speaking. I really feel it honestly. Now you’ve really helped me to clear my head… (Tony Neo: that’s what I am good at conversation), you’re good, I am not surprised. I understood that from the first moment we spoke… you’re amazing man!
(Tony) I instantly liked it from the first verse, “Late August” it’s because 26th August, it’s my birthday. August, it’s the eight-month, too, lucky number eight.
Late August… that’s really cool I’ll send you a happy birthday on the 26th of August. Ooh that was smart… yes, we are coming up in the second semi-final, we are performing eight place and yes “late August”, so I hope we’re not going to be late. I guess that’s the lucky number…
Konstantinos Rigos is responsible for the stage concept, and it’s quite creative. There’s youthful exuberance with bits of choreo, digital selfies and Greek alphabet letters, on the graphics. Victor, you move quite a bit on stage...
The staging is to show my athleticism because I do sports (not to show I am sporty), but to express the song to bring that energy forward, because I have a lot of that energy. I mean it’s the release we talked about before when it comes to balancing the vocal and the movement. We have 100% sat that down. It is all about technique and the voice. It is counting your breath.
With Eurovision I am learning to be a better performer every day. Eurovision is honestly turning me into the best version of myself when it comes to an artist. No matter what, Eurovision is a really great experience and it’s given me a lot to think about and practice on.
You are studying online from a London school, is that right?
Minerva’s Virtual Academy I love that school it has honestly given me a lot of flexibility and freedom to do what I need to do Eurovision and music in general. I stopped going to physical school and started going to this school in September (last year). I have gained 20 to 25 hours per week on music. and I wouldn’t have made that change to (online schooling) to do Eurovision.
LGR wishes you and Greece, the best of luck, in the competition.
You can follow Victor on instagram @victorvernicos.
Greece competes in Semi-Final 2 on Thursday, May 11th. Victor is #8 in the running order of 16 countries.
May 2023
Article written by Tony Neophytou
London Cypriot Cancer Campaigner Dies Aged 32
Jo Georgiou, a young London Cypriot has died at the age of 32.
Jo passed away on 12th February after launching a public campaign against cancer and devoted her energy to raising awareness of her rare cancer diagnosis, fighting for changes to how patients are helped in terms of receiving the appropriate treatment.
Jo was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer in August 2021. After a year and a half of chemotherapy, surgery and other treatments, she sadly succumbed to the disease.
Synovial Sarcoma is a cancer that can come from different types of soft tissue such as muscle or ligaments. It is often found in the arm, leg or foot, and near joints such as the wrist or ankle. Only about 1 to 3 individuals in a million people are diagnosed with this disease each year. It can occur at any age, but it is more common among teenagers and young adults. The exact cause isn’t clear.
Speaking to London Greek Radio in 2021, Jo underlined the ethos of her campaigning work as absolutely vital in raising public awareness, because it was sometimes perceived as taboo, especially for young people.
Jo said that her aims were: “For synovial sarcoma to be spoken about and made aware of especially as so many people go undetected for years – and it’s very common in young people. For cancer to not be taboo… And for people knowing that nothing will prepare you for chemotherapy and I wish there was a help or guide, where people sit 1 to 1, relaying what is going to happen. What to be prepared for. And what benefits they’re entitled to. There are benefits cancer patients are entitled to that aren’t offered unless requested.”
Jo Georgiou shared her story with LGR about how her Instagram account would be helping people in similar circumstances, and to offer some reassurance.
She said, “I started an Instagram journey of my life since my diagnosis, and it is amazing that people contact me to inform me I’m helping them. It means so much to me. I’m helping people who have loved ones going through it, people just starting chemo, and people in remission. People who’ve got other health issues to , even mental health. It’s incredible what sort of platform it’s become. My Instagram following isn’t big by all means, but it feels like a community is forming on there. In my time, if I do anything, id love to form a handbook. A real handbook for patients about to start chemo who’ve just been diagnosed. From one real person who’s been through it, hand over everything to a newbie… the challenges they’ll face could be helped if I can just make them aware and prepare them for what’s going to happen.”
Jo grew up in Larnaca, Cyprus and moved to London in 2004. She attended East Barnet School where she achieved her GCSEs and A-levels. After leaving school, Jo worked her way up from a Retail Sales Assistant to an Area Manager.
She passed away at the North London Hospice surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind her mother, sister, extended family and friends. Her funeral service was held at Green Acres in Epping Forest on 27th February.
LGR extend their condolences to her family and friends and thank Jo for being a passionate, tireless campaigner and inspiration to others with her bravery and spirit.
Article written by London Greek Radio
My Name Is Eftihia, a film about the life of the greatest Greek female lyricist is released in UK cinemas.
My Name is Eftihia, the 8-time Hellenic Academy-Award winning biographical drama, including Best Film, about the life and times of the Greek lyricist and songwriter Eftihia Papagiannopoulou is coming to the big screen across the UK on Friday, March 24!
The film narrates the life story of one of the most important Greek lyricists, Eftihia Papagianopoulou, whose songs rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s and still remain popular, and who wasn’t widely known or recognised until her death in the early 1970s.
It’s a great opportunity to gather family members and friends to experience this true story and moving film on the big screen.
A young girl, recently married, is traveling from Aidini to Greece with her mother and her two daughters. On board the ship she decides not to let life pass her by, but to live her own way. And she goes ahead! She writes endlessly wherever she can, on napkins and cigarette boxes, to bills. She smokes, she passionately falls in love, casually gambles in luxurious salons, but also in illegal basements. A teacher who becomes an actress and plays in streets and in theatres, a poet who becomes the greatest Greek folk songwriter. She collaborates with all the famous music personalities of the country, from Vassilis Tsitsanis and Apostolos Kaldaras to Manolios Ηiotis, Antonis Repanis and Manos Hadjidakis, bravely asserting herself to a cruel and typically male-dominated world.
Eftihia stands as the 5th highest grossing Greek film of all-time. The film is written by Katerina Bei, directed by Angelos Frantzis and starring Kariofilia Karabeti, Katia Goulioni, Pigmalion Dadakaridis, Thanos Tokakis and Dina Michailidou. EFTIHIA is produced by Tanweer Productions with Dionyssis Samiotis serving as Producer, alongside Costas Lambropoulos, Yiorgos Kiriakis and Natali Douka serving as Executive Producers.
Eftihia is a Tanweer Production with Co-producers: COSMOTE TV, Splendidway Universe, Viewmaster Films, and Executive Producers Viewmaster Films. With the support of EKOME.
In your local Cineworld, Odeon, and Vue Cinemas from March 24th.
Art House cinema Crouch End London from 31st of March.
Cineworld: Enfield, Wood Green
Everyman Cinema: Barnet
Odeon Cinema: Holloway, Lea Valley (Edmonton)
Vue Cinema: North Finchley, Harrow
As advertised on London Greek Radio.
#mynameiseftihia
Published: 24/03/2023
London Greek Radio is available on 103.3FM in London | Digital Radio in Birmingham, London & Manchester | Mobile | Tablet | Online at www.lgr.co.uk | Alexa Enabled Devices & Smart Speakers “Play London Greek Radio”
Article written by London Greek Radio
Everyone at LGR was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Takis Fellas on Saturday 18th February 2023. He was 74.
He was one of the architects of HellasSat. A former director at London Greek Radio (LGR), and the Founder, and Managing Director of Hellenic TV, a digital channel broadcasting from studios in London.
He leaves behind his mother Paraskevou, sons Nikos and Thomas, and daughter Evi. And siblings Mary, Elenitsa, Androulla, Myroulla, Panagiotis and Giorgos.
A Greek Cypriot from Pano Zodeia, Astromeritis – in the occupied north of the island – came to London at a young age and attended Wood Green School. He studied at Aston University Birmingham, Surrey University and Manchester University. He obtained the qualifications BSc in Physics, MSc in Nuclear reactor technology and a Phd in Physics.
Speaking to Cyprus Mail, before his death, Mr Fellas recollected: “It was a momentous moment in the history of the Greek and Cypriot communities in the UK. As all the founding members huddled together in a small studio, the first Greek language television programme aired for three hours to thirteen homes in the Camden area, establishing Hellenic TV (HTV) as the first fully operating Greek language television channel outside of Greece and Cyprus.
“Since that historic day in 1990, HTV has evolved into a thriving digital platform…”
Chris Fellas was a firm believer in preserving and promoting the Cypriot and Greek cultural heritage in the UK and act as a bridge between the British Cypriot diaspora and Cyprus.
“I never imagined I would be making history when I first went out to accomplish my work. I enjoyed what I was doing, and I feel it is my duty to provide a platform that inspires people, especially the younger generation, to become ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus while growing up in the United Kingdom.”
The Church service will be held this morning at St Demetrius Greek Orthodox Church in North London, Edmonton. His body will be flown to Cyprus for the funeral and burial in the Cypriot village Astromeritis on March 16th.
Everyone at LGR extend their condolences to the family and we thank him for his services to our community.
Published: 13th March 2023
Article written by London Greek Radio
London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.
The definitive Chart rundown this February 2023.
This month’s biggest, most in demand hit songs.
1 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Prepi Den Prepi
2 Natasa Theodoridou – Perifania Mono
3 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino
4 Nikos Vertis – Se Afisa Sto Xtes (Eisai Treli) [NEW]
5 Anna Vissi – Gazoza [Radio Edit]
6 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari
7 Petros Iakovidis – Na Na Na (Tragoudo Gia Sena)
8 Aspa – Ela
9 Giorgos Mazonakis – Pnigomai (Den Pnigomai)
10 Thodoris Ferris – Terma [NEW]
11 Anastasia – Mystiko
12 llias Kampakakis – Vrohi
13 Panos Kiamos x Oge – De Se Vlepo (Apopse Vazo Terma)
14 Melisses – Crayon
15 Giorgos Sabanis – Poios Ticheros
16 Nikos Makropoulos – O Vardaris Stin Athina
17 Dimos Anastasiadis – Ena Thelo Mporei
18 Christos Menidiatis – Dinata Mazi
19 Christos Cholidis – Mi Thimonis [NEW]
20 Konstantinos Argiros Feat. Konstantinos Tsahouridis – Matonoun Oi Skepseis
21 Nikiforos – Erotas Ine [NEW]
22 Elli Kokkinou – Gia Fantasou
23 Christina Salti – Savvato
24 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Sakis Rouvas – SoK [NEW]
25 Giorgos Kakosaios – I Nihta [NEW]
26 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pos Tin Eheis Dei
27 Christina Salti – Parallili Agapi [NEW]
28 Ilias Vrettos – Se Kapio Minima
29 Konstantinos Argiros Feat. Light – Iliovasilema
30 Paola – Na To Thymitheis
31 Onirama – Metaniono [NEW]
32 Loukas Yorkas – S’ Efharisto [NEW]
33 Aspa – Palies Fotografies [NEW]
34 Stamatis Gonidis x Marley – Monos Mou Boro
35 Antonis Remos – Na Ksanametriso [NEW]
36 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Esi Ise Pano Ap’ Ola
37 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Den Mas Horizoune [NEW]
38 Charis Savva – Distihos [NEW]
39 Giannis Livanis – Enas Alitis Eimai [NEW]
40 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Me Ponaei [NEW]
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Article written by London Greek Radio
Cypriot music star swaps his mic for a seat at cabinet, “as a patriot”, to serve his nation.
The Cypriot President-elect Nikos Christodoulides has revealed that the singer Michalis Hatzigiannis has been appointed the Deputy Minister of Culture of his incoming administration.
The renowned Cypriot singer, songwriter and producer Hatzigiannis, is known to be a staunch patriot and is conscious of his parents’ background, as refugees.
Born in Nicosia in 1978, his parents are refugees from occupied Kyrenia.
“I accepted the proposal, because I wanted to help my country as much as possible”, (translated). Michalis said.
The award-winning artist debuted his first album in 2000, “Paraxenia Giorti”, with countless albums and hits under his belt.
Hatzigiannis has been a relevant force in the Greek music context, of Cyprus and Greece for many years, and furthermore, his latest releases, showing he is still top-of-his game.
Michalis had flown the Cypriot flag in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, which was staged in Birmingham, with a song called “Genesis.”
It’s been ten years since his performance in London at a LGR and Privé Events production. Michalis wowed a sold-out crowd at Camden Town’s Koko, with London being one of his favourite stops.
Hatzigiannis is entering the world of politics, at a time when still producing new music. The current single, “Me Ponaei”, a melodic ballad, recently, entered LGR’s website chart.
The question remains: is his ‘conversion’ to politics only a short-term exercise? Has this spelt a change of careers, will we ever hear a Hatzigiannis new song (again)? Will he be using his position to elevate the prestige of Eurovision to his compatriots? Time will tell.
In the words of his Eurovision banger, it’s a new “beginning”, into adult politics that’s for sure.
Published: 04/03/2023
Picture source: Michalis Hatzigiannis, Koko, Camden Town, 2013. LGR & Privé Events
Article written by Tony Neophytou
London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.
The definitive Chart rundown this January 2023.
This month’s biggest, most in demand hit songs.
1 Natasa Theodoridou – Perifania Mono
2 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Prepi Den Prepi
3 Ilias Vrettos – Se Kapio Minima
4 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari
5 Anna Vissi – Gazoza [NEW]
6 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino
7 Nikos Makropoulos – O Vardaris Stin Athina
8 Petros Iakovidis – Na Na Na (Tragoudo Gia Sena)
9 Giorgos Mazonakis – Pnigomai (Den Pnigomai) [NEW]
10 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Esi Ise Pano Ap’ Ola
11 Anastasia – Mystiko
12 llias Kampakakis – Vrohi
13 Panos Kiamos x Oge – De Se Vlepo (Apopse Vazo Terma)
14 Melisses – Crayon
15 Giorgos Sabanis – Poios Ticheros
16 Christina Salti – Savvato
17 Christos Menidiatis – Dinata Mazi
18 Aspa – Ela
19 Dimos Anastasiadis – Ena Thelo Mporei [NEW]
20 Konstantinos Argiros x Konstantinos Tsahouridis – Matonoun Oi Skepseis [NEW]
21 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro
22 Elli Kokkinou – Gia Fantasou
23 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
24 Stamatis Gonidis x Marley – Monos Mou Boro
25 Helena Paparizou x Marseaux x Joanne – Katse Kala (Arcade Remake)
26 Anna Vissi Feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
27 Josephine – Pirkaya
28 Konstantinos Argiros Feat. Light – Iliovasilema
29 Paola – Na To Thymitheis [NEW]
30 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)
31 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous
32 Christos Mastoras – Ego Gia Dyo (20 Hronia Eleana Vrachali, Paidi Diko Sou)
33 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo
34 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
35 Nikos Vertis – Zise
36 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pos Tin Ehei Dei
37 Petros Iakovidis – Mono Esena
38 Giorgos Livanis – Osa Eho Zise
39 Katerina Lioliou – To Katerinaki Sou
40 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po
The radio station you can trust, for over 30 years
103.3 FM London
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website: lgr.co.uk
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Article written by London Greek Radio
