Psaltries CHOIR OF MELBOURNE

The Official Choir of the Women in Byzantine Music Worldwide Association, “Psaltries”, was established in Greece on December 2017, four years after the Association was established by Nektaria Karantzi, the prominent Greek vocalist of sacred music who is acclaimed as one of the most important female voices in byzantine chant worldwide.

The Psaltries Choir of Melbourne stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural preservation within the realm of Byzantine music. Established in 2022, this esteemed vocal group is a proud member of the Women in Byzantine Music Worldwide Association, the world’s first official and largest platform for women in Byzantine Ecclesiastical Music.

Under the guidance of Professor Nektaria Karantzi, a renowned female Byzantine Cantor and scholar, the choir presents a musical exploration revealing the subtle complexities and deep spirituality of Byzantine music. Through regular rehearsals and classes, Nekatria imparts her expertise and passion to the choir members, nurturing their understanding of this ancient musical form.

The Choir’s local director is Ioanna Nikoloulea, a dedicated student of Professor Nektaria Karantzi. Together, they cultivate a deep appreciation for Byzantine chanting, specializing in the dissemination and study of sacred hymns.

Byzantine music is more than a mere composition of melodies and rhythms. It is interwoven with history, theology, and artistry, transcending earthly boundaries and offering a spiritual language that connects the human soul with the divine. Each chant, hymn, and psalm carries centuries-old tradition, reflecting human connection and need for spiritual enlightenment.

At the heart of Byzantine music are the Psaltries—female cantors who embody the essence of this heavenly dialogue. They are not only singers but also custodians of a sacred legacy, preserving and transmitting a spiritual heritage that traces its roots back to the early days of Christianity. Through their voices, the Psaltries bring to life the ancient hymns, transforming them to resonate deeply with the soul.

The Psaltries Choir of Melbourne is fostering a new generation of Psaltries, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to carry forward this ancient tradition. They are not only mastering a musical form; they are becoming stewards of a living tradition—a spiritual legacy transcending time and space.

The future of Byzantine music hinges not only on preserving its past but also on adapting these timeless hymns to resonate with modern sensibilities, ensuring that this musical and spiritual heritage continues for generations to come.

Reaching out to new generations and diverse audiences, the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne paves the way for a future that honours the past and embraces the present.

The Psaltries Choir of Melbourne are proudly supported by the Greek Australian Cultural League.

The Psaltries Choir accepts requests for new members and hearings via email: women.byzantinemusic@gmail.com

PSALTRIES CHOIR OF MELBOURNE
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

38th Annual HACCI Excellence Awards Gala Ball

Last night, the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne had the immense honor of performing at the prestigious 38th Annual HACCI Excellence Awards Gala Ball, held at the magnificent Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne. This celebration brought together the best and brightest of the Greek-Australian community for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and cultural pride.

Under the luminous chandeliers of the Plaza Ballroom, the Psaltries Choir showcased the timeless beauty of Byzantine music, weaving harmonies that resonated with the rich heritage of our shared history. Their performance captivated an audience of leaders, innovators, and trailblazers, offering a moving tribute to the enduring cultural legacy of the Greek-Australian community.

We are deeply grateful to the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) for the opportunity to contribute to such a momentous occasion. Congratulations to all the award recipients who inspire us with their achievements and to HACCI for its dedication to celebrating excellence within our community.

HYMNS TO THE THEOTOKOS

On 14 August 2024, the Psaltiries Choir of Melbourne was honoured to present hymns dedicated to the Theotokos for our beloved elderly Greek Orthodox community at St. Andrews Aged Care in Ardeer and Fronditha Care in Clayton South.

The experience was incredibly uplifting and heartwarming, particularly as the residents joined in by joyfully chanting along with the hymns.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maryanna at St. Andrews Community Aged Care and Sofia at Fronditha Care for your kind invitations and warm hospitality. You are truly earthly angels, caring for our elderly community with dedication and love, just as we should.

50 years of occupation in Cyprus REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

The Psaltries Choir of Melbourne participated in today's significant remembrance ceremony, marking 50 years of occupation in Cyprus.

Take a listen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6qwkrz6v1g
https://fb.watch/tsMi7SzQxL/
https://fb.watch/tsMiR1UnvA/

More information:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/YiwMNTvDT7m7naJP/

THE GREEK HERALD

As featured in The Greek Herald on Saturday 18 May 2024, The Psaltries Choir of Melbourne stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural preservation within the realm of Byzantine music. Established in 2022, this esteemed vocal group is a proud member of the Women in Byzantine Music Worldwide Association, the world’s first official and largest platform for women in Byzantine Ecclesiastical Music.
Click here to read the full article

GREEK-AUSTRALIAN FILM SOCIETY LAUNCH

On Friday, October 27th, the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne gave a performance at the launch of the Greek-Australian Film Society Inc. at the Abbotsford Convent.

Watch a moment of their performance here

inaugUral launch of women in philanthropia

On the evening of Friday, 26 May 2023, the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne performed at the inaugural launch of Women in Philanthropia, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The night was truly spectacular; no detail was left unattended. Flawless!

It was a true honour for the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne to be a part of a historic event, alongside strong, hard working, philanthropic, like-minded Greek women.

BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

On the evening of Saturday, 1 April 2023, the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne had the great honour of performing in an exclusive concert with virtuoso pianist Vassilis Tsabropoulos, the acclaimed international female chanter Nektaria Karantzi and celist Sava Djukic in the enchanting courtyard pavilion of the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne.

From left to right: Kyriaki Tsagalidis, Kaliroy Kanavos Kirkopoulos, Ioanna Nikoloulea, and Georgia Vogdanis.

Between East and West Sold Out

9 March 2023

Following their success at the global Orthodox Arts Festival in October 2022, we are pleased to announce that the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne, held under the direction of the world-renowned Orthodox female chanter, and our Founder of this Association, Nektaria Karantzi, will perform at the sell-out concert, Between East and West, on Saturday, 1 April, at the Hellenic Museum.

Also released this week is brand new footage of the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne singing “Let the Heavens Rejoice” filmed locally in Sandringham:

https://youtu.be/bgeSAc7BzFs

AWARD IN CHANTING EXCELLENCE

18 October 2022

The international Orthodox Arts Festival has today announced that the Melbourne-based Women in Byzantine Music Worldwide Association members won the Chanting Excellence Award.

This year, the Melbourne-based Women in Byzantine Music Worldwide Association members participated in The Orthodox Arts Festival, an online event devoted to Orthodox Artists to share their combined creativity and inspiration with the rest of the world.

They were the only chanters within Australia who were shortlisted to participate in the festival and called upon the Greek Community of Melbourne for their support.

"We are overwhelmed and overjoyed by the outpouring of support and kindness from the Melbourne community who voted for us!"

The Women in Byzantine Music Worldwide Association members hold regular rehearsals under the guidance and direction of Nektaria Karantzi, a globally acclaimed vocalist and icon of the contemporary Byzantine music community.

They specialise and are devoted to the dissemination and study of Byzantine chanting, highlighting the beauty of the female approach to Byzantine Hymns.

Click here to see the Orthodox Arts Festival winners of various categories