Mysterious … haunting … enchanting. Such is the essence of the ruins of Mystras. Such is the sound of Maria Antonakos.

For her release Mystras: Siren Songs of the Mediterranean, singer/songwriter Maria Antonakos draws inspiration from a journey back to Greece to explore her heritage. The new album is named for Mystras, an ancient Greek fort located just outside of Sparta and near the birthplace of Maria's father.

“Mystras is a unique and timeless location, produced by the overlaying of Byzantine, Turk, and Venetian cultures,” says Ms. Antonakos. “Similarly, music can be a great example of the power of creation born from different cultures, sounds, rhythms, and languages.’

Mystras reflects “the power of creation” described by Antonakos, featuring original and traditional songs in English, Spanish, Greek, and Italian, Mystras takes its listener on an intimate musical journey rich with sweet melodies and sublimely dramatic lyrics that evoke the haunting power of the human voice. On Mystras, Maria is joined by some of Canada's most talented instrumentalists, including Rob Allen, Ben Grossman, George Koller and Rob Piltch. Mystras was produced by Philip Stanger.