CULTURE

Mining the depths of lost classics of the 60’s and 70’s, these songs are on the most part unrecognizable at first listen but many will remember them playing on the greek radio years ago.  Anastasia’s voice carries them to the present and they morph into brand new songs that sonically are lush and layered yet evoke the same joy as they did decades ago.

There is the standout original track (#3) co-authored by Composer Konstantine and Anastasia herself, along with the timeless classic Odos Aristotelous from 1974, which in this new rendition will stir ghosts of those that first heard it in 1974 at the end of the Greek Dictatorship, even though the song was recalling even worse times during the Occupation of Athens in World War Two.

This album reaches far deeper than just a tribute or a collection covers.  The soul of each song has been left untampered while Anastasia’s new renditions serve as a poignant bridge to contemporary listeners.

It is a robust emotional musical experience that is invested with all the great themes and notes of Greek passion and longing.

It is also a timely gateway to songs that deserved to be shared with the world once more.  The dedication and sincerity in Bethanis’ voice for these wonderful gems is at once alluring and defines this beautiful work.

BIO

Passion. It is the most obvious aspect of Anastasia Bethanis’ voice. Her voice draws you in and envelopes you with its rich powerful tone, but it is the passion you hear that will keep you coming back for more. Anastasia began singing at about the same time she began speaking. She was pretty shy at first – choosing to belt in the shower rather than sing in front of her family; but with a musical father, who also sang professionally, it wasn’t long before Anastasia was putting her passion on display. Singing is as essential as breathing, and she has found a way to make it a significant part of her life.

Anastasia began singing professionally at the age of sixteen, and is a founding member of one of North America’s most dynamic Greek band, First Generation. She has performed throughout Canada, the United States and in Venezuela thrilling audiences with her soaring and versatile voice. Anastasia moves effortlessly from the power ballads of Whitney Houston and Adele to the warmth of sing songs of Haris Alexiou and Nana Mouskouri with equal passion and presence.

Her distinct voice has been featured on one of the most successful Greek dance compilations ever produced, Party Mix volume 1 and 2, have become staples for any DJ who plays international music.

Graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from the University of Toronto, Anastasia is also an accomplished classical pianist. Anastasia has also worked as the choirmaster for various churches, conducting and arranging four-part mixed choirs for the challenging repertoire of Greek Orthodox church services. She also has a Bachelor Degree in Education from York University. Currently, she is a fiercely dedicated music teacher who conveys her passion for music to all of the students she teaches, striving daily to impart her love of music to them.

With her first solo CD, Culture completed, Anastasia is planning to tour this new material, adding yet another avenue for her passion to be shared.