OPA! A Night of Greek Delights

DJ Adriana, Ellinikes Fones Choir, Essence of Greece band, Pana Kalatzis, DJ ELG, and The Hellenic Dancers

Sat 2 Aug

OPA! A Night of Greek Delights

Join us on the lawns of HOTA’s Outdoor Stage for the ultimate celebration of Greek culture, feasting and fun, as we present OPA! This spectacular event has something for everyone, including live traditional and festive performances, a 50-member choir and lots of dancing!

Be swept away by the ten-piece band, Essence of Greece, as they perform a vibrant repertoire from across the regions of Greece — blending the old with the new in a powerful musical journey. Feel the energy rise as the 50-member Ellinikes Fones Choir fills the night air with traditional harmonies, accompanied by authentic Greek folk dancers in full costume. And when the sun sets, DJ Adriana keeps the celebration going with her electric mix of Greek and global beats to get everyone dancing.

You’ll also be spoilt for choice with a Greek feast fit for the gods. OPA! is a free ticketed event, so be sure to register to indulge in an epicurean adventure with mouthwatering Greek-inspired food trucks.

Suitable for the whole family, and a perfect Saturday night to soak up the atmosphere under the stars – register now to join us for this ‘one night only’ party where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours of Greece for a unique culture event that will have you screaming ‘OPA!’

This event is presented in Chill Out Mode. Please see FAQs and conditions of entry here.

HOTA is an accessible venue. For more information on accessibility at HOTA, click here. Experience Gold Coast and Gold Coast Airport – committed to creating and improving accessible events.

Dates

Sat 2 Aug

Where

Outdoor Stage

Duration

Open 5pm-10pm

Tickets

Free, registrations required

Food & Beverage Package available to purchase at checkout:
GREEK MEZZE PLATE $35

Times

Sat 02 August - 5:00pm

#Acknowledgements

Thank you to the National Film & Sound and Archive for its contribution.

#Food & Beverage Package

If you’re looking for the ultimate Greek feasting experiences alongside the festival, you can upgrade your OPA! ticket to one of the following packages. Add to your basket at checkout.

GREEK MEZZE PLATE

$35

Fresh from the Mediterranean, pre purchase and enjoy the finest selection of Greek flavours in a tasting box of; Pita, hummus, muhammara, roasted eggplant, tahini, cucumber, pomegranate, marinated peppers, grilled zucchini, and marinated artichokes, complete with Baklava and your choice of wine or soft drink.

Greek Mezze Plate is available for collection from the Lawn Bar from 5pm.

#About the performers

DJ Adriana

Whether it’s returning to airwaves for PBS or behind the decks Adriana brings infectious energy to everything she does. After being a staple curator in Melbourne’s community radio scene, Adriana’s Tuesday 7-8 slot, Opalakia, was a fertile space for sharing flavours of dance-inflected world music to an eager band of fans, subscribers and listeners. Since leaving PBS, Adriana has launched SPASTA, her instant classic party which has rapidly garnered a cult audience for its unpretentious, rhapsodic moments in the dancefloor. Spasta, which means ‘to break’ has smashed plates, thrown flowers at live Bouziki players, hosted traditional Pontian dancers and cracked eggs, with traditional Greek food and a daring programme of Australia’s, and the globes best record collectors and selectors. It’s a party made for the heads, with all your notions left at the door mat.

In the booth, Adriana is bound by nothing, coasting between traditional and contemporary sounds her sets are a sonic jaunt, touching down on all four corners of the globe on a rollercoaster that excites as much as it surprises. A favourite for dancers, Adriana has delivered famous sets at Freedom Time and a fabled Hopkins Creek which still echoes today as one of the most memorable d-floor moments in recent memory. Equally as popular amongst the heads, Adriana has been sought out for mixes from some of the globe’s most esteemed tastemakers with mixes for Planet Trip and Brilliant Corners.

With unstoppable energy that radiates in any room, Adriana’s passion for the eclectic makes her one of the cities finest and most down to Earth diggers. Expect a riot of genres, enthusiasm and curiosity, all delivered with smiles and an OPA!

Ellinikes Fones - Choir

Ellinikes Fones is a community choir based in Brisbane who are passionate about preserving the Hellenic language and culture through music. Established in 2022, Ellinikes Fones was founded by choir conductor and musician Christina Xydi-Lignou, musicologist and music producer George Lignos, and music therapist and singer Katerini Manolatos, with the support of the Chairman Tom Drakopoulos, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George, Brisbane.

Essence Of Greece - Band

 Immerse yourself in the total Greek music experience—traditional and legendary melodies reimagined and refined. The most excellent golden Greek melodies from the 30’s to modern day. From Smyrna to Piraeus to a sentimental musical journey all around Greece.  The Essence of Greece presents a spectular live music performance, creating a uniquely warm and friendly atmosphere of high-quality aesthetics. Indulge yourself in this authentic Greek experience at the fun’n’festive OPA! event.

Christina Xydi- Lignou – Choir Conductor

Christina is a musician, choir conductor and pedagogue with over 15 years of expertise. She is a musicologist with diplomas in Western contemporary music composition, piano, vocal, opera and choral music, attaining high distinction grades. She has given concerts in venues such as the "Megaron Athens Concert Hall" and the historic monument theatre of Herodes Atticus. 

George Lignos – Musical Director

George Lignos was born in Greece and raised in a vibrant musical family, which shaped his passion for music and culture from a young age. He is a musician, musicologist, audio engineer, and educator with a focus on the philosophy of aesthetics. Based in Brisbane, he lectures Music and Audio at JMC Academy and co- founded the Ellinikes Fones Choir. Deeply devoted to Hellenism and the arts, George has played a vital role in enriching the Greek community through high-quality cultural productions that celebrate and preserve Greek music, language, and identity.