On this day: Greek Singer Maria Farantouri was born

·

By Victoria Loutas

Maria Farantouri is a remarkable Greek singer and political activist, who has made immeasurable contributions to Greek music industry and greater society. She was born on November 28 in 1947 and has gone on to lead a successful and enriching life.

Maria Farantouri was born in 1947 in Athens Greece, to a working-class family. Like much of Europe, Greece was recovering from the devastation of WWII and the German Occupation, meaning most of her childhood was spent in hardship. 

By adolescence, she discovered her passion for singing by participating in the choir of The Society of Greek Music, a progessive organisation which worked to support new music based on Greek traditions. 

At age 16, Farantouri met the legendary Miki Theodorakis while she was training to become a classical singer. They immediately connected and formed the beginning of a life-long, artistic relationship. 

Four years later, in the spring of 1967, a group of right-wing army colonels seized power in Greece, and the brutal junta lasted until 1974. Under the junta, politically active Theodorakis was imprisoned and his progressive music was banned. During this time, Farantouri went into exile in Paris and later in London, where she became part of the social unrest sweeping the world.

Over the seven years that the junta lasted, Theodorakis managed to smuggle out manuscripts of his music to Farantouri, which she would record and release. In this time, Theodorakis and Farantouri produced several iconic protest recordings and contributed to the protest canon that was inspiring students and demonstrators globally.

Maria’s smoky contralto was the perfect vehicle for Theodorakis’ music, says Gail Holst-Warhaft, who published a biography of Theodorakis in 1981. Together, they made the perfect artistic pair. 

(Maria Farantouri and Mikis Theodorakis)

After the junta ended in 1974, Farantouri continued to develop her artistic career as she expanded her sound in a variety of directions, including jazz. 

While her career was blooming, she met Tilemachos Chytiris, Greek poet and politician who also aided in the anti-Junta movement. Together, they married and had one son, Stephanos. 

In the meantime, Farantouri continued her political activism and eventually was elected to the Greek parliament. She represented the Panhellenic Socialist Movement and served from 1989 to 1993. 

On 23 September 2004, the President of the Hellenic Republic recognized the contribution of Maria Farantouri to the Greek music industry, awarding her the Gold Cross of the Order of the Phoenix. 

The contributions Maria Farantouri made, not only as an artist but as a political activist in the anti-junta movement will forever be honoured and cherished. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Turkey confirms release of jailed man to attend son’s funeral in Greece after train crash

Turkey's Foreign Minister confirms release of jailed man to attend son's funeral in Greece after deadly train crash.

Australia’s first fully dedicated Battle of Crete memorial to be unveiled in WA

After several years of planning, works on the installation of the Battle of Crete Memorial at Kings Park in Western Australia are underway.

‘Greeks became an example of resistance’: Archbishop Makarios marks OXI Day

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has issued a message today to mark the 81st anniversary of OXI Day.