The live performance of rebetika inside a Greek Orthodox church in Brighton, England caused a stir in the Greek diaspora community and prompted a reaction of disapproval from the Archdiocese.
According to a skai.gr report, a rebetiko concert was organized by the group Rebetiko Carnival to take place inside the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Brighton. Specifically, the Greek music groups Plastikes Karekles and Amagalma, were scheduled to play inside the church.
The report says that permission was given by Archimandrite Germanos Kourkounis, head of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Brighton, with consent given by the Ecclesiastical Commission.
However, the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain reacted strongly after the event.
The Archdiocese statement
“The Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain expresses its profound sorrow and strong abhorrence regarding the regrettable musical event that took place at the venerable Church of the Holy Trinity in Brighton, southern England, under the leadership of Archimandrite Germanos Kourkounis.
Neither the Holy Archdiocese, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, nor the Bishops had any prior knowledge of this event. The Holy Archdiocese has implemented the appropriate measures prescribed for such instances of disobedience to Ecclesiastical Authority, as well as for acts of disrespect and desecration of holy sites. We fervently hope that the Lord will protect the Church from similar unfortunate incidents in the future.”
Rebetiko Carnival
There are no references to the church event on the Rebetiko Carnival Facebook page, nor on the group’s webpage.
The group describes themselves as “a community organization dedicated to widening access to music and supporting people in need. Run by rebetiko lovers in London, they hold regular shows and a biennial festival to fund their community work, and explore the life of rebetika and related genres in the city”
The idea of Rebetiko Carnival began in 2014 rebetika performers in London invited leading musicians from Greece for a series of shows. It proved to be a great success. However, the group realized that the music was not reaching people who did not frequent bars or live music venues and decided to interact with people by performing in the homes of those unable to come to them.
“Our mission as a charity is to widen participation in music through interactive performances held in people’s residences. Since 2016, we have held 4 festivals, hosted multiple visiting musicians, and funded visits with numerous institutions, including hospitals, hospices, special needs residences, communal centers, and prisons. We also work with schools by providing workshops and opportunities for young children to explore their musicality and gain teamwork and intercultural skills.”
The group also helps people who want to get involved with rebetiko with actions such as a community choir, jam sessions for students and amateurs, opportunities for new bands, and workshops and seminars ranging from instrument history to instrument making.