Maria Farantouri

Greece
“people’s Callas” - The Daily Telegraph

“Joan Baez of the Mediterranean” - Le Monde

Artist information

Maria Farantouri sings THEODORAKIS

For generations of Greek music fans, two names have come to symbolize the country and its social and political struggles: the internationally acclaimed singer Maria Farantouri and the composer whose music she took to the world, Mikis Theodorakis. Accompanied by a chamber ensemble, the legendary Greek singer and politival activist will sing some of the best-loved songs from the composer’s unforgettable oeuvre
Farantouri, whose voice has been described as “a gift from the gods of Olympus” (The Guardian), is revered by her country and is considered the voice of Greece. The international press has called her a "people’s Callas" (The Daily Telegraph), and the "Joan Baez of the Mediterranean" (Le Monde). 
 
Born in Athens, Maria has been singing since she was a small child. While immersing herself in the Society of Friends of Greek Music, she refined her voice and met lifelong friend and collaborator Mikis Theodorakis at the age of only 16. She's been known for her full and rich contralto voice and together with Theodorakis’s music she influenced an entire generation with their sounds of peace. Albums such as The Ballad of Mauthausen, The HostageRomancero Gitano, and Canto General became well-known messages across Greece and beyond. The duo’s important themes of love and harmony still continue to inspire new generations through their melodic poetry.
 
DEEPLY MEDITERRANEAN!

Watch Maria Farantouri - Live on Youtube