Nikos Karageorgiou

(1903–1997) | He was born in November 1903 in Makri, Asia Minor. Following the population exchange, he settled with his family in Athens, in the neighborhood of Nea Makri (Xylokeriza). He became known as a cantor and as a collector of the folk traditions of his homeland, with a particular focus on the repertoires of Makri and Levissi.

From 1935 onward, he collaborated systematically with the Centre for Asia Minor Studies, which honored him in 1955 with a commemorative plaque for his contribution. Domna Samiou worked with him on the documentation of songs from Makri and Levissi and presented him and his group in her radio programme «Από παντού της ελληνικής γης» (“From Everywhere in the Greek Land”, 12 April 1982). Her personal archive also includes tapes of recordings he himself had given her. In 1986 he published the book Μάκρη και Λιβίσι Μικράς Ασίας: Τόποι, ήθη, έθιμα, ενθυμήματα, εξορίες (Makri and Levissi of Asia Minor: Places, Customs, Recollections, Exiles).

Through his multifaceted work —as cantor, collector, and author— he played a key role in preserving the musical and cultural heritage of the refugees from Makri and Levissi, leaving a significant mark on the study of Asia Minor tradition.

Songs

Records

Here Domna collected some of her most favourable songs: slow and tranquil songs, melodious and sad; songs of sorrow and of love, of parting and of loved ones far away.
Songs of Asia Minor by Domna Samiou. Live recording from the concert ‘Songs of Asia Minor with Domna Samiou’ at the Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall, on 8/3/2005. Traditional songs from the western coasts of Asia Minor, Propontis, Constantinople, Pontus and Cappadocia.
On this LP, Domna Samiou presents songs and dances she recorded among refugees of Asia Minor: heartfelt interpretations dedicated to Baindiri, Domna’s hometown in Asia Minor. This LP marked the founding of the Domna Samiou Greek Folk Music Association.
On this LP, Domna Samiou presents songs and dances she recorded among refugees of Asia Minor: heartfelt interpretations dedicated to Baindiri, Domna’s hometown in Asia Minor. This LP complements ‘Songs of Asia Minor N° 1’ published in 1984.
Domna Samiou presents songs and dances she recorded among refugees of Asia Minor: heartfelt interpretations dedicated to Baindiri, Domna’s hometown in Asia Minor.
Unpublished collection of thirty-four traditional songs and tunes for the wedding feast, the bride, the groom, the best men and women and all the guests.

See also