Travelling in our Roots
Traditional Greek music is a valuable cultural heritage with roots that go back centuries, shaped by the geographical diversity and historical influences of the Greek territory.
From the Byzantine period to the Ottoman rule and the modern era, the musical tradition has evolved, creating local idioms.
A special place is occupied by the Acritic songs, which praise the locusts, the guardians of the borders of the Byzantine Empire. The epics of Digenes Akritas form the basis of this musical tradition, which preserves memories of heroism and everyday life in the border regions.
Iconic artists such as Giorgos Papasideris, Domna Samiou and Chronis Aedonidis contributed to the preservation of acritic and other traditional songs. Simon Karas has done important ethnomusicological research, while musicians such as Ross Dali and Savina Giannatou have revitalized tradition, combining it with modern influences.
Greek traditional music remains alive and is an integral part of the national identity.