A leading interpreter of baroque, renaissance and early musics, Savina Yannatou is one of the most respected singers in Greek music. She is known not only of her mastery of older, formal repertoire but also for her experience in avant-garde jazz. Since 1983, she has been a member of the Early Music Workshop of Athens, performing at festivals across Greece as well as further afield. 

Her dedication to exploring and expanding her voice as an instrument and as a means of communication has led her to record a collection of Sephardic folk songs of the Balkans, heard on her album 'Primavera in Salonica' (1994). These are songs from the Jewish Diaspora, once the strongest community in the cosmopolitan port of Thessaloniki. This Jewish music of the Balkans has been renewed and modified through Savina's vocal experiments and the subtle treatment of her handpicked band of virtuoso instrumentalists, Primavera en Salonico. Their album's release couldn't have been timelier, for it emphasised the connections between all people of the Balkans at a time when others took up arms to stress their separation. 

Encouraged by the very positive reaction of audiences in Greece, Yannatou made an effort to enter the international touring circuit and has since enjoyed growing success abroad. Her performance at Reading, UK this year - her second WOMAD appearance - made a lasting impression on the audience, featuring an eclectic program with traditional songs from all over the world, transformed into fascinating explorations of sound and style by Savina's subtle but dynamic voice.

Discography:

Apoheretismoi tis Thalassas

Is King Alexander Alive?

Kariotakis - 13 songs

Masko

Mediterraneo

Musique des Chambres

Rosa Das Rosas

Sings Manos Hadjidakis

Songs Of The Mediterranean

Spring in Salonika

Sumiglia

Terra Nostra

Το '62 of Manos Hadjidakis

Traditional Lullabies

Tutti Baci

Virgin Maries Of The World

Savina Yannatou - Me To Feggari Pergato

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