Estoudiantina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Estoudiantina is a Mediterranean ethnic orchestra
[edit] History…
Our name draws its origins from the most famous Greek orchestras that were created in Asia Minor and gave the “tour of the world” between 1898 and 1921, ESTOUDIANTINA.
The dawn of the 19th century found the Greek city of Smyrne, the capital of Asia Minor, in an economic but also cultural orgasm, something that was strengthened by the commercial collapse of Constantinople, and thus formed the commercial centre of the east in the emerging Smyrne. The model of the French orchestra “estoudiantine”, a quartet with two mandolins, one mantola and one guitar, acquires interest in Constantinople. Two young and talented musicians both residents of Constantinople, Vassilios Sideris and Aristedes Peristeris, undertake the foundation of this first organised orchestra that was named "Politakia" and later "Smyrne Estoudiantina". The musicians created a more “Greek” style of the estoudiantine orchestra in its melodies and rhythms also adding lyrics. These melodies rapidly become popular among the people, inspiring many tenors and choruses. The success of these first Estoudiantinas inspired other talented musicians to create similar orchestras in Constantinople and Smyrna. Thus, an innovative model of orchestra and musical movement was developed, which created new forms of Greek music via the assimilation of elements of the East and West. However, the most important element, of these Estoudiantinas was that it enabled the birth of the Greek operetta, as well as, the rembetiko song and the Athenian serenade (kantada) and later the folk song and its variations. The “Treaty of Sevres” meant the arrival of the Greek army in Smyrna, which gave new impulse to the cultural life of Asia Minor and its regions for the next three years up until to the collapse of the Greek city state of Asia Minor in 1922…
[edit] “our ” Estoudiantina
Following the brilliant history of the famous musicians & orchestras, a new “Estoudiantina” was founded in 1999 by a group of 30 young musicians. The orchestra, located in a suburb of the city of Volos called Nea Ionia, is an unusual orchestra in terms of the current social trend. It not only imitates the previous models of orchestras but also absorbs new elements, creating and proposing new music forms aimed at attracting listeners both young and old, an objective that was achieved with hard work in only a short time. More than 200 concerts have been given from 1999 up until now in Greece and abroad. The concerts have taken place in some of the most famous concert halls in collaboration with some of the most important Greek singers and musicians, gaining exceptional reviews from the press. During a period where “qualitative” music is under rated, Estoudiantina has managed to gain ardent admirers and friends, mainly from the younger generations, who’s love of traditional music has brought them together. The interest so many people have shown in our musical style compels us to continue playing the music of Asia Minor and its counterparts: the folk songs of the Balkan, Armenian and Mediterranean nations. In January of 2004 our first album was released comprised of a collection of Asia Minor songs, with the title "Smyrne", produced by George Dalaras. This album won the Arion music award for best Greek compilation of the year and in two months reached and exceeded the sales of a gold record (40.000 copies). During the summer of the same year, Estoudiantina presented a live DVD from the concert at the Conservatoire of Herodes Attic with George Dalaras and Glykeria. In December of 2005 Estoudiantina published a limited edition live recording of its concert with the Odessa Folk Orchestra (Volos, April 2004). Finally, during the month of April in 2006 our second album with MINOS EMI was released, entitled “TEARS ON GLASS”.
