Sounds of the Cities: The New Sounds of Greek Traditions
The New Sounds of Greek Traditions marks the kickoff of Sounds of the Cities, a project that, between 2026 and 2028, introduces you to the musical cultures of various migrant communities in Antwerp and Brussels. Across six concert series, you’ll discover musical influences from around the world that today form the beating heart of the city. Traditions that continue to evolve, reinvent themselves and connect people across borders and genres.
Greek Musical Culture
Between the 1950s and 1980s, Greek music made its way to Antwerp via the port, carried by sailors. In the Red Light District (Schipperskwartier), it grew into a vibrant nightlife culture. Live Greek music could be heard in all the cafés, often performed by musicians and dancers brought over directly from Greece.
On the initiative of Poli Roumeliotis and Kris Kaerts, the heritage project IN ΣKIPPERΣTREET documented this Greek musical heritage. In May 2026, Sounds of the Cities celebrates the achievements of this project with music and storytelling.
Program The New Sounds of Greek Traditions
For this occasion, the group KÁLESMA was specially formed. With a repertoire that brings rebetiko music, past and present, to life, KÁLESMA weaves the story of migration in Antwerp and Brussels into a contemporary perspective. The ensemble shows how younger generations of musicians in Belgium carry forward this Greek heritage, giving it new meaning across cultural boundaries.
Line up
Nikos Prosilias bouzouki and vocals
Dimitris Rossidis guitar and vocals
Clémence Devaux clarinet and vocals
Alina Sapranidou accordion and vocals
Nicolas Hauzeur violin
Jenny Pillet double bass
Robbe Kieckens percussion
Documentary Screening
Before the concert, the documentary BOUZOUKI EULOGY will be shown. On May 20, 2023, the Muziekmuseum Vleeshuis officially added the bouzouki of Giorgos Dalaras to its collection. The instrument, donated by the Greek star, was transported from Brussels to Antwerp aboard the riverboat Ark of Brussels. With this gesture, Dalaras honors his father, who lived and worked as a musician in Belgium for many years. Roumeliotis and Kaerts documented the musical journey of the bouzouki.
Sounds of the Cities is a collaboration between Muziekpublique, MIM, Muziekmuseum Vleeshuis and vzw Wesp / Merodefestival, with the support of the Flemish Government.
