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Singer/songwriter Maria Antonakos has a very lovely voice. The soprano singer’s increasing popularity is evident, especially in Europe. Born in Carleton Place Antonakos came from a very musical family. She was classically trained in vocal performance at the University of Toronto. Her training gave Antonakos the confidence to begin composing. Her songs reflect her Old World training and the modern world she lives in. “I had to find a way to find a balance for both worlds and part of that came from writing my own music,” Antonakos explains. Her latest album Mystras: Siren Songs of the Mediterranean features songs in English, Spanish, Greek and Italian. 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 Sparta. “Mystras is a unique and timeless location, produced by the overlaying of Byzantine, Turk and Venetian cultures,” says Antonakos. “Similarly,music can be a great example of the power of creation born from different cultures, sounds, rhythms and languages.” Her Greek immigrant father (born near Mystras) and Scots-Irish/French-Canadian mother engendered in her an interest in different cultures.“It’s not a coincidence that we can be drawn to music the way we are,” she reflects. “It crosses cultural boundaries because fundamentally our souls are fairly similar.” Antonakos is grateful for any opportunity her music offers her to communicate. She loves hearing that her songs have soothed someone.Antonakos is very spiritual and wants her music to comfort others. “If I can touch one person and make that person feel good, then aren’t I lucky?,” she muses. Her gracious spirit is also reflected in her work with the Canadian Women’s Foundation, a national organization that grants funds for programs designed to help women and girls achieve greater self-reliance and economic independence.Antonakos says she loves working with women who are helping other women. “Nothing feels as good as giving, whether it’s time, money or talent and I think women are great at giving.” Antonakos hopes to keep on making great music that continues to explore different cultures and resonates with listeners worldwide. Mystras: Siren Songs of the Mediterranean is sold online at www.marquisclassics.com. |
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Maria has just finished a music video for BravoFact with Paulus Productions at the Opera House in Toronto. The video features the song Stars of Sparta, written by Maria, Jennie Niokos and Philip Stanger. Here are some photos from the day.
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MARIA ANTONAKOS:CROSSES CULTURAL BOUNDARIES
