Алла Экзархо, можно сказать, несла в себе корни нескольких культур. Этнически греческого происхождения, она родилась 21 июля 1951 года в городе Мариуполь, Украина, получила образование на русском языке и последние 23 года прожила в Австралии.
Alla Ekzarkho
Ethnically of Greek origin, but born (21 July 1951 in Mariupol City) in Ukraine, educated in Russian and living in Australia, Alla, one can honestly say, was truly both multilingual and multicultural.
Tertiary educated, she held a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theory and History of World Culture from the Kharkov University of Culture, Ukraine.
She had more than 20 years experience working in the cultural sphere as the Deputy Head and then Head of the Department of Culture of Mariupol City Council (Ukraine). Her responsibilities included coordinating theatres, cinemas, libraries, music schools, symphony orchestras, ethnic societies as well as organizing festivals in a city with a population of more than 600,000.
In 1993 she was elected to the Presidium of the Association of Greek Societies of Ukraine being responsible for coordinating cultural activities of all Greek societies in Ukraine.
In 1996 she migrated to Australia to marry Dr. Vladis Kosse, moving to Brisbane in 1999 when Dr. Kosse received tenure at Qld University of Technology.
In 2000 she, with the help of her husband, established in Brisbane the folkloric ensemble «Samotsvety» (Samotsvety means semi-precious jewels) and remained its Artistic Director right to her very end. The ensemble includes descendants from seven countries and performs Russian, Ukrainian, Cossack and Gypsy songs. In its 19 -year history the ensemble gave approximately 300 concerts and performances at different folk festivals (including National Folk Festival in Canberra), ethnic clubs and centres, and aged care facilities. Four years ago, she founded the trio «Russian Tunes» that also actively performs at different venues and communities.
As well as her work with the «Samotsvety» Alla had been very active in the community’s cultural life, taking part at various times in the management committees of the Russian Club and the Queensland Russian Community Centre.
Her activities extend well beyond the Russian community and make significant impact on the cultural life of Brisbane and Queensland. For example, she and the «Samotsvety» actively supported every event organized by the Canon Garland Memorial Society to remind the general community of the Origins of ANZAC Day and of it’s architect, Canon David John Garland.
Amongst her other achievements, she has been coordinator of cultural activities of the Pushkin Foundation that raised funds to enable exchange with the Russian universities of Queensland students studying Russian language.
For four years she has been a program developer and radio host with the 4EB Ethnic Radio, Russian Group.
Her work as the Artistic Director in the Russian Arts Festival of Brisbane — «From Russia with Love» has greatly contributed to the Festival’s undeniable success over the years.
In 2017 and then again in 2019 when the Festival of Slavic Culture took place, Ms. A. Ekzarkho was elected the Artistic Director of the Festival. The Slav Fest involves about ten Slavic communities of Queensland and has already become a remarkable event on the cultural life of Brisbane and Queensland.
Alla’s contribution to community spirit, education, and cultural endeavours through her volunteer work in the cultural landscape of Brisbane has received many acknowledgments including a Certificate of Achievement in the Griffith Australia Day Awards.
Alla Ekzarkho was a person with a big heart and a generous nature who will never be forgotten by people who had the fortune of knowing her.
Awards:
Griffith Australia Day Award — 2018.
Medal and Certificate of Achievement from the Russian — Australian Representative Council.
Several Certificates of Achievements from Diversicare.
On the 4 November 2019 she passed away after a long battle with cancer.
May she rest in peace.
