Glykeria
Encyclopedia
Glykeria is a Greek
singer active in Greece
and Cyprus
, while also gaining fame in Israel
, France
, Turkey
and England
. Her career has spanned over 30 years and is marked by several multi-platinum releases. On 14 March 2010, Alpha TV
ranked Glykeria the third top-certified female artist in the nation's phonographic era (since 1960).
music boites and gave performances with well-known artists, singing songs by M. Hadjidakis
, M. Theodorakis
, M. Loizos
and others.
She began her discographical career by signing with Lyra Music, releasing her first album alongside another rising artist Giorgos Gerolymatos called "Min Kaneis Oneira" in 1978. This release caused a stir in the industry, showcasing Glykeria's unique voice to the nation.
. During the following years, Glykeria performed at well-known clubs and bouzoukia, gaining momentum and many fans, and collaborating with other well-known singers, including George Dalaras
.
The same year she released her debut album "Sta Matia Koita Me", which was composed entirely by Stelios Fotiadis and marked the beginning of their successful continuing collaboration.
In 1982 she was selected to represent Greece
in the Europalia '82 festival in Brussels, together with Sotiria Bellou
, George Dalaras
and Margarita Zorbala.
The following year, Glykeria released her first official live concert "Omorfi Nyhta" and due to its massive success Lyra released her first live album, "I Glykeria Stin Omorfi Nyhta", which went on to break every musical sales record in Greece up to that point.
In April 1985, the release of the double-disk album "Tragoudi Aisthimatiko" brought to life some of Glykeria's biggest hits, like "Magisses", "Pentohiliara", "Ta Dahtilidia" and "Fantaraki", pointing the new artist to first place in the album sales of 1985 amongst national and international sales.
In 1986 she sang “Earini Symfonia” (poem by Yiannis Ritsos
, music by Yiannis Markopoulos) for the song’s premier performance, at the opening ceremony of the World Championships held for the first time at the Athens Olympic Stadium, broadcast to 120 countries all over the world.
, Israel
) and Turkey. Due to the successful concerts she gave in Israel she was proclaimed most popular foreign singer; the Mayor of Jerusalem awarded her the golden key of the city (1994). Three albums were released in Israel at the same time, all of them gold in a very short time: Glykeria golden-hits, Far away, Glykeria – 14 classics, and her first album in France: Golden hits – The voice of Greece.
In 1998 her second album was released in France. She took part in two albums for the American label Putumayo and in compilations released in Europe.
In 1999 she performed two concerts in Tel Aviv
with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
. A few months later the concert’s album was released and, immediately afterwards, Glykeria and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was released throughout the world by Sony Classical.
In 2001 she participated in the album Alif of the world-renown musician Omar Faruk Tekbilek
.
In 2002 she gave concerts with the “Mikis Theodorakis
Orchestra”, the “Estudiantina” orchestra, and gave a personal tour all over Greece as well.
In the same year her album “Open Heart” was released in Israel and “Glykeria’s Rebetika Songs” in Turkey. In the First Arion Awards in Greece she was awarded the prize for best Greek popular singer.
Glykeria, "The Sweet one" in Greek, has been a successful female singer in Greece for many years. In the of summer 1993 she performed in Israel for the first time. She ended her performance with her own captivating version of an Israeli folk song
"Shabechi Yerushaly'im" ("Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!") in Hebrew.
Glykeria became the most loved Greek singer in Israel and a major part of Israel's cultural scene in the 90s. Her special style full of depth, melancholy and endless emotion captured the heart of the Israelis, and her songs, both in Hebrew (with perfect pronunciation) and Greek became all-time classics. She became a "household" name in Israel, an "honorary citizen", a platinum and gold albums seller, and the favorite of Israel's top leaders and celebrities. Her deep connection to Israel culminated in 1998 when she was the only foreign artist to be invited to sing in the special memorial event for Yitzhak Rabin
, the beloved leader who was assassinated three years before. With tears in her eyes she sang and wailed in front of 200,000 people in Rabin Square
in Tel Aviv
. In the summer of 1999 she was invited to perform with The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra
.
Also in 2006 during The Israel–Lebanon conflict she came to Israel with her son and met Ehud Olmert
and sang for the soldiers
at the borders.
Glykeria collaborated with world renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis on a two-disc album composed of songs written by the famed composer in 2008.
Collaborations in concerts and discography with: A. Kaldaras, S. Fotiadis, Natacha Atlas
, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
, Loukianos Kilaidonis, Mary Linda, Pantelis Thalassinos Sotiria Bellou
, George Dalaras
, Marinella
, Ofra Haza
, Ricky Gal, Chava Alberstein
, Amal Murkus
, Babis Tsertos
, Paschalis Terzis
, Ilias Aslanoglou, Antonis Vardis, Sarit Hadad
, Fortuna
and more.
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
singer active in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
and Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
, while also gaining fame in Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
and England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Her career has spanned over 30 years and is marked by several multi-platinum releases. On 14 March 2010, Alpha TV
Alpha TV
Alpha TV is a Greek terrestrial channel . The station features a mix of Greek and foreign shows with an emphasis on entertainment programs. The studios are located near Athens...
ranked Glykeria the third top-certified female artist in the nation's phonographic era (since 1960).
Early Solo Career
Glykeria began her career in 1974 working in the Athens PlakaPlaka
Pláka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens...
music boites and gave performances with well-known artists, singing songs by M. Hadjidakis
Manos Hadjidakis
Manos Hatzidakis was a Greek composer and theorist of the Greek music. He was also one of the main prime movers of the "Éntekhno" song ....
, M. Theodorakis
Mikis Theodorakis
Mikis Theodorakis is one of the most renowned Greek songwriters and composers. Internationally, he is probably best known for his songs and for his scores for the films Zorba the Greek , Z , and Serpico .Politically, he identified with the left until the late 1980s; in 1989, he ran as an...
, M. Loizos
Manos Loïzos
Manos Loïzos was considered to be one of the most important Greek music composers of the 20th century.-Biography:...
and others.
She began her discographical career by signing with Lyra Music, releasing her first album alongside another rising artist Giorgos Gerolymatos called "Min Kaneis Oneira" in 1978. This release caused a stir in the industry, showcasing Glykeria's unique voice to the nation.
1980-1985: Rise To Fame
At the beginning of the 1980s, Glykeria released her first solo album, "Ta Smyrneika", a compilation album with traditional songs from SmyrnaSmyrna
Smyrna was an ancient city located at a central and strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Thanks to its advantageous port conditions, its ease of defence and its good inland connections, Smyrna rose to prominence. The ancient city is located at two sites within modern İzmir, Turkey...
. During the following years, Glykeria performed at well-known clubs and bouzoukia, gaining momentum and many fans, and collaborating with other well-known singers, including George Dalaras
George Dalaras
George Dalaras , also possibly spelled as Yorgos or Giorgos Dalaras, is a Greek singer. He is of international fame and has recently been selected as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency. He was born in Nea Kokinia, Piraeus. His father was Loukas Daralas, a singer of rebetiko.-Early...
.
The same year she released her debut album "Sta Matia Koita Me", which was composed entirely by Stelios Fotiadis and marked the beginning of their successful continuing collaboration.
In 1982 she was selected to represent Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
in the Europalia '82 festival in Brussels, together with Sotiria Bellou
Sotiria Bellou
Sotiria Bellou was a famous Greek singer and performer of the Greek rebetiko style of music. She was one of the most famous rebetisas of all, mentioned in many music guides, and a contributor to the 1984 British Documentary entitled Music of the Outsiders...
, George Dalaras
George Dalaras
George Dalaras , also possibly spelled as Yorgos or Giorgos Dalaras, is a Greek singer. He is of international fame and has recently been selected as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency. He was born in Nea Kokinia, Piraeus. His father was Loukas Daralas, a singer of rebetiko.-Early...
and Margarita Zorbala.
The following year, Glykeria released her first official live concert "Omorfi Nyhta" and due to its massive success Lyra released her first live album, "I Glykeria Stin Omorfi Nyhta", which went on to break every musical sales record in Greece up to that point.
In April 1985, the release of the double-disk album "Tragoudi Aisthimatiko" brought to life some of Glykeria's biggest hits, like "Magisses", "Pentohiliara", "Ta Dahtilidia" and "Fantaraki", pointing the new artist to first place in the album sales of 1985 amongst national and international sales.
In 1986 she sang “Earini Symfonia” (poem by Yiannis Ritsos
Yiannis Ritsos
Yiannis Ritsos was a Greek poet and left-wing activist and an active member of the Greek Resistance during World War II.-Early life:...
, music by Yiannis Markopoulos) for the song’s premier performance, at the opening ceremony of the World Championships held for the first time at the Athens Olympic Stadium, broadcast to 120 countries all over the world.
International career
She has sung in concerts in Greece and abroad (Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, CyprusCyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
) and Turkey. Due to the successful concerts she gave in Israel she was proclaimed most popular foreign singer; the Mayor of Jerusalem awarded her the golden key of the city (1994). Three albums were released in Israel at the same time, all of them gold in a very short time: Glykeria golden-hits, Far away, Glykeria – 14 classics, and her first album in France: Golden hits – The voice of Greece.
In 1998 her second album was released in France. She took part in two albums for the American label Putumayo and in compilations released in Europe.
In 1999 she performed two concerts in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is the leading symphony orchestra in Israel. It was originally known as the Palestine Orchestra, and in Hebrew as התזמורת הסימפונית הארץ ישראלית The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (abbreviation IPO; Hebrew: התזמורת הפילהרמונית הישראלית, ha-Tizmoret ha-Filharmonit...
. A few months later the concert’s album was released and, immediately afterwards, Glykeria and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was released throughout the world by Sony Classical.
In 2001 she participated in the album Alif of the world-renown musician Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Ömer Faruk Tekbilek , also known as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, is a Turkish flautist. He is known for his performances with the ney in a Sufi style...
.
In 2002 she gave concerts with the “Mikis Theodorakis
Mikis Theodorakis
Mikis Theodorakis is one of the most renowned Greek songwriters and composers. Internationally, he is probably best known for his songs and for his scores for the films Zorba the Greek , Z , and Serpico .Politically, he identified with the left until the late 1980s; in 1989, he ran as an...
Orchestra”, the “Estudiantina” orchestra, and gave a personal tour all over Greece as well.
In the same year her album “Open Heart” was released in Israel and “Glykeria’s Rebetika Songs” in Turkey. In the First Arion Awards in Greece she was awarded the prize for best Greek popular singer.
Glykeria, "The Sweet one" in Greek, has been a successful female singer in Greece for many years. In the of summer 1993 she performed in Israel for the first time. She ended her performance with her own captivating version of an Israeli folk song
Music of Israel
The music of Israel is a combination of Jewish and non-Jewish music traditions that have come together over the course of a century to create a distinctive musical culture. For more than 100 years, musicians have sought original stylistic elements that would define the emerging national spirit...
"Shabechi Yerushaly'im" ("Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!") in Hebrew.
Glykeria became the most loved Greek singer in Israel and a major part of Israel's cultural scene in the 90s. Her special style full of depth, melancholy and endless emotion captured the heart of the Israelis, and her songs, both in Hebrew (with perfect pronunciation) and Greek became all-time classics. She became a "household" name in Israel, an "honorary citizen", a platinum and gold albums seller, and the favorite of Israel's top leaders and celebrities. Her deep connection to Israel culminated in 1998 when she was the only foreign artist to be invited to sing in the special memorial event for Yitzhak Rabin
Yitzhak Rabin
' was an Israeli politician, statesman and general. He was the fifth Prime Minister of Israel, serving two terms in office, 1974–77 and 1992 until his assassination in 1995....
, the beloved leader who was assassinated three years before. With tears in her eyes she sang and wailed in front of 200,000 people in Rabin Square
Rabin Square
Rabin Square , formerly Kings of Israel Square , is the largest open public city square in central Tel Aviv, Israel. Over the years it has been the site of numerous political rallies, parades, and other public events...
in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
. In the summer of 1999 she was invited to perform with The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is the leading symphony orchestra in Israel. It was originally known as the Palestine Orchestra, and in Hebrew as התזמורת הסימפונית הארץ ישראלית The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (abbreviation IPO; Hebrew: התזמורת הפילהרמונית הישראלית, ha-Tizmoret ha-Filharmonit...
.
Also in 2006 during The Israel–Lebanon conflict she came to Israel with her son and met Ehud Olmert
Ehud Olmert
Ehud Olmert is an Israeli politician and lawyer. He served as Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009, as a Cabinet Minister from 1988 to 1992 and from 2003 to 2006, and as Mayor of Jerusalem from 1993 to 2003....
and sang for the soldiers
Israel Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
at the borders.
Glykeria collaborated with world renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis on a two-disc album composed of songs written by the famed composer in 2008.
Collaborations in concerts and discography with: A. Kaldaras, S. Fotiadis, Natacha Atlas
Natacha Atlas
Natacha Atlas is a Belgian singer known for her fusion of Arabic and Western electronic music, particularly hip-hop. She once termed her music "cha'abi moderne" . Her music has been influenced by many styles including Arabic, hip hop, drum 'n' bass and reggae.Atlas began her career as part of...
, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Ömer Faruk Tekbilek , also known as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, is a Turkish flautist. He is known for his performances with the ney in a Sufi style...
, Loukianos Kilaidonis, Mary Linda, Pantelis Thalassinos Sotiria Bellou
Sotiria Bellou
Sotiria Bellou was a famous Greek singer and performer of the Greek rebetiko style of music. She was one of the most famous rebetisas of all, mentioned in many music guides, and a contributor to the 1984 British Documentary entitled Music of the Outsiders...
, George Dalaras
George Dalaras
George Dalaras , also possibly spelled as Yorgos or Giorgos Dalaras, is a Greek singer. He is of international fame and has recently been selected as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency. He was born in Nea Kokinia, Piraeus. His father was Loukas Daralas, a singer of rebetiko.-Early...
, Marinella
Marinella
Marinella is one of the most popular Greek singers whose career has spanned several decades. She has sung professionally since 1957. Since the beginning of her career, she has released 66 personal albums and has been featured in albums of other musicians.-Early life:She was born Kyriaki...
, Ofra Haza
Ofra Haza
Ofra Haza was an Israeli singer of Yemeni origin, an actress and international recording artist....
, Ricky Gal, Chava Alberstein
Chava Alberstein
Chava Alberstein is an Israeli singer, lyricist, composer, and musical arranger.-Biography:Chava Alberstein, born in Szczecin, Poland, moved to Israel with her family in 1950. She grew up in Kiryat Haim....
, Amal Murkus
Amal Murkus
Amal Murkus is a Palestinian Christian singer living in Israel. Her post-modern music style has a variety of Mediterranean influences. Her first album, Amal, was released in 1998, and her second, Shauq, in 2004...
, Babis Tsertos
Babis Tsertos
Haralambos Tsertos was born in Tropea of Arcadia, Greece on October 27, 1956. He is brother of the singer Nadia Karagianni. His father was a musician too, and he was playing the Mandolin...
, Paschalis Terzis
Paschalis Terzis
Paschalis Terzis is a popular Greek singer.-Biography:Terzis was born in Pylaia, a suburb of Thessaloniki in the region of Northern Greece. In his early teens he began to sing with friends, some of whom helped him in his career...
, Ilias Aslanoglou, Antonis Vardis, Sarit Hadad
Sarit Hadad
Sarit Hadad is an acclaimed Israeli singer. She stems from a musician family with both origins in the Tunisia and Caucases...
, Fortuna
Fortuna
Fortuna can mean:*Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck -Geographical:*19 Fortuna, asteroid*Fortuna, California, town located on the north coast of California*Fortuna, United States Virgin Islands...
and more.
Discography
- 1978: Min Kaneis Oneira Trela
- 1980: Sta Matia Kita Me
- 1981: Ta Smyrneika
- 1983: Apo ti Smyrni ston Peiraia
- 1984: Stin Omorfi Nyhta (Live)
- 1985: Tragoudi Esthimatiko
- 1986: Matia Mou
- 1987: Me Panselino
- 1988: Nea Selini
- 1990: Ola Mou Ta MystikaOla Mou Ta MystikaOla Mou Ta Mistika is a studio album by Greek singer Glykeria. It was released in March 1990 by WEA Greece and was her first release with the contract...
- 1991: XimeroseXimeroseXimerose is a studio album by Greek artist Glykeria. It was released in 1991 by the WEA Greece and is composed by Christos Nikolopoulos and Lefteris Papadopoulos.- Track listing :...
- 1992: I Hora Ton ThavmatonI Hora Ton ThavmatonI Hora Ton Thavmaton is a studio album by Greek artist Glykeria. It was released in 1992 by the WEA Greece.- Track listing :# "Kai Oti Po" – 3:26...
- 1992: Nyhtes Magikes ki Oneiremenes (Live)
- 1994: Se Mia SchediaSe Mia SchediaSe Mia Schedia is a studio album by Greek artist Glykeria. It was released in 1994 by the WEA Greece and was her last release with the music label.- Track listing :...
- 1996: I Glykeria Tragoudai Antoni VardiI Glykeria Tragoudai Antoni VardiI Glykeria Tragoudai Antoni Vardi is a studio album by Greek artist Glykeria released in 1996 by Sony Music Greece. It was her first release on her 10 year contract with the company...
- 1998: MaskaMaska (Glykeria album)-Chart performance:Maska was a successful album in Cyprus and Greece. The album was certified Gold in Greece with in four months of its release....
- 2000: Harama 2000 (Live)
- 2002: Ta Rebetika
- 2004: AniksiAniksiAniksi is a successful studio album by Greek artist Glykeria. It was released in mid 2004 by Sony Music Greece...
- 2006: Vrohi Ton AsterionVrohi Ton AsterionVrohi Ton Asterion is a studio album by Greek artist Glykeria. It was released on November, 2006 by Sony BMG Greece and also is her first studio album since the Gold 2004 release of Aniksi....
- 2008: Ta Themelia Mou Sta Vouna
- 2010: I Agapi Einai Eleftheri
External links
- Glykeria
- Glykeria on Europopmusic.eu (English)
- http://www.myglykeria.gr
- http://www.glykeria.com.ar (Spanish)