Role

:

Performer

Country

:

Greece

Birth

:

November 28, 1947 in Athens, Greece

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Maria Farantouri is a renowned Greek classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on November 28, 1947, in Athens, Greece, Farantouri grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Her father, Giannis Farantouris, was a composer and a singer, and her mother, Aliki Argyropoulou, was a pianist. Farantouri's parents recognized her musical talent at a young age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Farantouri began her musical training at the Athens Conservatory, where she studied classical music and opera. She also studied Byzantine music and traditional Greek music, which would later influence her style of singing. Farantouri's talent was evident from the start, and she quickly gained recognition as a gifted singer. In 1963, Farantouri made her professional debut at the Athens Concert Hall, where she performed a selection of classical songs. Her performance was well-received, and she soon became a popular performer in Greece. Farantouri's popularity grew even more when she began collaborating with the legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. Theodorakis and Farantouri first met in 1964, and they quickly formed a close bond. Theodorakis was impressed by Farantouri's voice and her passion for music, and he began writing songs specifically for her. The two artists went on to collaborate on numerous projects, including albums, concerts, and political events. One of the highlights of Farantouri's career was her performance at the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh, which was organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar. Farantouri was one of the few non-Indian performers at the concert, and she sang a selection of Greek songs that captivated the audience. Her performance was widely praised, and it helped to introduce her music to a global audience. Farantouri's collaboration with Theodorakis also led to some of her most iconic performances. In 1974, she performed at the Herodes Atticus Theatre in Athens, where she sang Theodorakis' "Epitaphios" suite. The performance was a tribute to the victims of the Greek Civil War, and it was a powerful and emotional experience for both the performers and the audience. The concert was recorded and released as an album, which became one of the best-selling Greek albums of all time. Farantouri's career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She released numerous albums, performed in concerts around the world, and collaborated with other artists. In 1993, she performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway, where she sang Theodorakis' "Axion Esti" suite. The performance was a tribute to the Greek poet Odysseas Elytis, who had won the Nobel Prize for Literature that year. Farantouri has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1985, she was awarded the Order of the Phoenix, which is one of the highest honors in Greece. She has also been awarded the French Legion of Honor, the Italian Order of Merit, and the Spanish Order of Arts and Letters. In 2010, she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Greek Music Awards. Farantouri's music has had a profound impact on Greek culture and society. Her collaborations with Theodorakis helped to shape the sound of modern Greek music, and her performances have inspired generations of Greek musicians.

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