Songs of Roza Eskenazi

Many things can culturally connect people rooted in Greek, Anatolian, and Middle Eastern European traditions—but few as powerfully as the legacy of one remarkable artist: Roza Eskenazi. Her unforgettable voice and lifelong musical journey hold a special place in the hearts of Greeks, Turks, Armenians, and Jews alike, offering a timeless example of how music, empathy, honesty, and love can bring people together and open hearts across borders. 

In this concert, Roza Eskenazi’s extraordinary life and diverse repertoire are brought back to life by two devoted artists: Hungarian singer Veronika Varga and Cypriot oud player Andreas Andreou guide the audience on a journey through the Greek Asia Minor culture of early 20th-century. Their performance features songs from the 1920s and 1930s, originally or primarily sung by Roza Eskenazi—the queen of early rebetiko, the “canary of the Aegean,” and one of the most iconic voices of the Ashkenazi Jews of the Greek Mediterranean and Anatolia. 

By placing Roza at the heart of this performance, the concert presents authentic stories through iconic songs—reflecting the everyday lives, joys, and sorrows of the people of Anatolia. At the same time, it highlights the rich cultural heritage of former Smyrna—where Roza is deeply embedded—and its afterlife and echoes in the Greek motherland. The songs are performed in an intimate musical setting, where the oud—a symbolic instrument—accompanies the vocals, giving voice to timeless emotions and reflections on life. 

Veronika Varga – vocal
Andreas Andreou – oud 

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A world premiere – the concert was commissioned by 34. JCF