“Chorostalites” is a traditional music orchestra of five musicians who love, play, and create traditional and “artistic” songs and music. Their name comes from Ikaria, from the verb “horostalizo” which means to dance constantly, non-stop. They have collaborated with many cultural institutions and traditional associations throughout Greece and Europe, reaching as far as Canada.
They have accompanied many dance groups in cultural events and are the music director of the A.S.I.S. Dance Festival (of all private schools in Athens). They have appeared on television shows presenting their work and as guests in musical tributes.
They have performed at many music festivals and concerts in Athens, and also in major Athenian theatre productions. They have performed live at the Athens Concert Hall for the great tribute held in honor of Domna Samiou. They have four recordings, where one of them was winning one of the top three places in Greece for its representation in the Eurovision music competition.
In 2024, they are celebrating 10 years since their creation and are celebrating with a double CD with 30 new songs! Their aim is to contribute, through their musical work, the transmission of Hellenic historical and popular heritage. They highlight traditional and contemporary music of with their own songs while referencing old and newer artists who influenced the Greek culture with their musical work. The “Chorostalites” passionately serve tradition, but oriented towards its evolution in the modern era, respectfully marrying the old with the new.
The band consists of:
VASILIS MESSARITAKIS: percussion, tsabouna, mandoura, vocals
FANIS FOTOPOULOS: clarinet, flute, bouzouki, vocals
EVDOKIA MORAITI: vocals
DIMITRIS BARMPAGIANNIS: lute, guitar, vocals
MANOS KONTRAFOURIS: violin, Cretan lyre