Αγάπη, Τσίπουρο, Μπουζούκι & Roll is calling all stations to Πόντος, in the coast of the Black Sea. Our local informer is Βασίλης Γιορανίδης, and we will have the chance to have a deeper experience of the traditional music of Pontos, Ποντιακά, through the magnificient voice of Μελήνα Χατζικαμάνου – who presented the first live performance for the Dear Listeners of this show!
[and because the presenter himself is a little bit Pontian – proudly, by the way – he didn’t realise the microphone was disconnected when recording Μελήνα’s presentation, which will be left written:]
Μελήνα Χατζικαμάνου (Melína Jatzikamánu) was born in Thessaloniki and still lives there. Has 32 years old and since really young I remembers herself as part of the tradition. At first, as a traditional dancer, and later, as a musician. Completed her studies at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the Department of Political Sciences, and at the same time studied Byzantine and Contemporary European music. Obtained a Diploma in Monody and a Degree in Harmony, although had already started to work as a singer. From her point of view, traditional singing is not exactly a profession – but most of all a need for expression, existencial survival and psychotherapy. Feels happy and lucky for having had the opportunity to collaborate with almost all her colleagues within the Pontian music heritage, and with a substantial part of musicians from other musical traditions. Her goal is to be able to be in this musical world with all her vocal and mental strength for as long as possible.