On Friday, 19 June 2014 a filled to capacity Linder Auditorium applauded SAHETI and its pupils who undertook an ambitious initiative to perform alongside international award winning bouzouki virtuoso and composer Thanasis Polykandriotis.

Over 200 pupils performed in this highly anticipated concert which was organised under the auspices of the Embassy of Greece in Pretoria and featured the school’s bouzouki band, choirs and marimba bands. SAHETI’s bouzouki teacher Mr Babi Papas, dedicated months preparing SAHETI’s young musicians for this musical spectacular and performed together with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra and Polykandriotis on bouzouki.

A distinctive feature was the performance by the very talented SAHETI Alumni Band. The band, which was formed under the guidance of Vaso Valassis (former SAHETI music teacher), is comprised of the following past pupils: Pano Nicolaides (2004) on drums, Joanne Valasis (2001) and Desi Nicolopoulos (2002) on violin; Alexi Stephanou (2013) on guitar, Marko Vidalis (2013) on bouzouki, supported by vocalists Katerina Krystallidis (2000), Nicole Stephanou (2011) and Nico Thomaides (2012).

The contribution by the SAHETI Alumni band and their participation in the life of the school reinforces that there is enormous goodwill in the SAHETI Alumni Community, which should be fostered and grown to ensure that SAHETI sustains itself as a school that not only produces academically exceptional graduates, but artists who can perform and share the international stage with world class performers.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable performance, and especially to both Tonia Papazoglou (Principal: Greek Studies) and Diana Cowen (H.O.D. Music, Cultural Activities Primary School) who turned what was a dream into reality.