Apocheretismos from Aroma by Eleanna Pitsikaki

Apocheretismos is a beloved Cretan song by the legendary Kostas Mountakis, and I feel deeply honored to have received the rights to create my own version.

This song means a lot to me—not only because I’m from Crete, but also because I now live in Germany. It speaks to the pain and beauty of ξενιτιά (living far from home), something I carry in my heart every day.

Through this arrangement, I want to honor my roots and keep the spirit of our music alive—wherever I am.

Eleanna Pitsikaki is a Qanun virtuoso, composer, educator, lecturer music mediator and researcher from Crete, Greece. Recognized for her innovative ethno-jazz fusion, she blends influences from Asia Minor, the Balkans, Greece, and the Ottoman tradition with contemporary sounds and transcultural sounds.

eleannapitsikaki.com