Well-known Greek-Cypriot singer Michalis Hatzigiannis arrived in Melbourne in order to take part in the city’s festival. The singer stated that he likes visiting Australia since it is a place where he can enjoy his relative anonymity. “It gives me perspective, it’s nice,” he said.
Hatzigiannis’ career was kick-started at the age of 17 when he represented Cyprus at the Eurovision song contest that was held in Birmingham, UK. Since then, he has released numerous albums both in Greece and Cyprus. He has performed at the official EU enlargement ceremony as well as the closing ceremony for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
On Saturday night, October 18, he will perform at Melbourne Festival, at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. “I’m very proud to be invited to this festival, really,” he stated.
The singer’s set includes several of his own hits from recent albums, as well as timeless Greek songs. “They’re songs that all Greeks know,” he said.
Over the course of his career and specifically during his visit in Melbourne in 2004, Hatzigiannis forged a friendship with celebrity chef George Calombaris. “He’s from Cyprus, I’m from Cyprus,” Hatzigiannis explained. “He’s a great cook… you can tell a lot about a man from the way he makes food.”
While in Melbourne, Hatzigiannis attended the Greek Film Festival premiere on Wednesday, October 15, he performed at a fundraiser for the Greek Cultural Center on Lonsdale Street and, of course, he was present at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra rehearsal on Friday morning, where he met the musicians. “Really, it’s fantastic,” he said. “These guys are the best.”
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