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Michalis
Alefantinos
"PEOPLE
CHOOSE TO LISTEN TO CRETAN MUSIC"
Michalis Alefantinos is a young man who was born in Ayios
Mamas of Mylopotamos, but was raised and spent most of his time in Athens. He
was first initiated to Cretan music by his father, an amateur musician and
professional instrument craftsman.
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Three years ago he was unanimously elected president of the
Cretan Artists Association, a title reflecting lasting recognition of character
merits by younger and older colleagues.
His last CD release, "Erotikos Kyklos/Love's Circle",
with music and lyrics of his own, will certainly stir fresh excitement among his
fans who are enchanted by his honest and inspiring voice with the characteristic
Mylopotamitan tone and parlance.
In spite of his young age, Michalis has accomplished a
lot:
he has released seven CDs so far and is the owner of the MUSIC ARC record
company. He recently returned from a tour to Europe (Paris, Strasbourg,
Luxembourg) having responded to numerous invitations to perform for philhellene organizations. His appearances in European halls and theatres attracted large
audiences and Michalis had the opportunity to do justice to his name, fame and
skill while the Cretans abroad felt proud of their musical inheritance and
tradition.
Michalis says, "I certainly do not agree with what
most people say about the 'good old times', when Cretan Music Halls were as many
as cigarette kiosks. Allow me to have a different idea about those days, since I
am of an age that bridges the gap between the new generation and the older one.
This is true because my music appeals to both young and old. The Cretan Music
Halls are very popular today – thank God for that. The people who choose this
kind of entertainment do not do so out of lack of other options. Their choice is
a conscientious one; they enjoy Cretan music. In the 'good old' days, when
Cretan Music Halls were lining the streets, people had no or very limited
options for alternative entertainment. Therefore, those Halls monopolized
entertainment – mind you that we are talking about an era before the
"invasion" of television… Today the people who come to Cretan Music
Halls do so conscientiously, because they like to listen to Cretan music, it's
not because they have no alternatives for other entertainment. Therefore, for us
Cretan artists, I believe that things are much better today than they were in
the past."
CRETA SHOP - Search for
Michalis Alefantinos recordings and more Cretan music performed by the masters of the past and the
greatest contemporary artists
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