Euterpe Collective: a new space for women musicians who love Greek traditional music

Euterpe Collective is the brain child of Katerina Stevens and Stav Thomopoulos. The two experienced musicians who've been making waves in Melbourne's Greek music scene, wanted to provide a safe and inclusive space for all women who share a love for traditional Greek music.

Euterpe Collective's first meeting focused on songs from Asia Minor Credit: Facebook

The response to the first meeting of the Euterpe Collective was enthusiastic and almost overwhelming for Katerina and Stav. The meeting focused on the songs of Asia Minor, with the young women who turned up eager to join in the melodies shared by Katerina and Stav.

Speaking to SBS Greek Stav Thomopoulos said that this initiative started from women musicians and it is for women musicians who love traditional Greek music.

"We noticed that there aren't many women musicians in the bands in the community and if we see them in bands women are usually in the role of the singer. But there are many women and young girls who play musical instruments. Katerina had the idea to start a group only for women" says Stav Thomopoulos.

The two run with this idea and started advertising on social media. They named the group after one of the nine muses, Euterpe, protector of music and lyric poetry.

Although Melbourne's Greek music scene offer opportunities for jamming sessions these sessions are dominated by men. The women who join are counted on the fingers of one hand and often sessions with no women musicians.

The idea of a women's only group was attractive to those who hankered for a less masculine environment to express their musical aspirations.

The first meeting brought together about fifteen, mostly young, women who played violin, accordion, guitar, percussion and gaida. They played to their hearts content to the soulful melodies of Smyrneika songs and Asia Minor tunes.

Stavroula Thomopoulos Credit: SBS Greek/Dina Gerolymou

"It's not just jamming" says Stav Thomopoulos "we also share our skils, teach and support each other and listen to each other respectfully. At the end of the session we go out together to the local cafe. There's a social aspect to Euterpe, not just music. We foster a friendly environment where everyone feels welcomed and part of the group".

Euterpe Collective will meet again on Sunday 29 June at the Pontiaki Estia, 540 Sydney Rd., Brunswick at 10am. It is open to all women regardless of age, musical level and ethnic background.

“Euterpe Collective is open to all women and girls who love Greek traditional music, they are all welcome,” said Stav Thomopoulos and stresses that the point of this initiative is to provide an inclusive, safe space where women can share their art and skills regardless of their expertise or experience.

The meeting on June 29 will focus on songs from the Thrace region.

Listen to Stavroula Thomopoulou's interview by clicking on the icon next to the photo.

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