Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, an internationally recognized folk music legend, announced her retirement from performing arts in an interview with Der Spiegel published on Thursday, according to AFP.
The artist’s announcement comes shortly before her 90th birthday PHOTO Archive
“I will continue to support some showsthen that will be itMouskouri told the German publication, adding: “I think I’ve done enough”.
The artist explained that she does not want to deceive her audience: “I can’t pretend to be a young woman. I don’t want to hurt people. I have no right to go on stage and sing badly, even if the audience applauds me for it”.
Nana Mouskouri, who has recorded more than 1,500 songs in various styles, from folk music to jazz and pop, also announced his retirement in 2008 during a concert in Athens. However, the following year she returned to the scene, confessing that she felt “too bored” to stay away from music.
On October 13, the artist will turn 90 years old, and on this occasion, an album will be released that includes reinterpretations of some of her most famous pieces, accompanied by an orchestra. “When I hear these recordings, I can’t stop crying”, revealed Mouskouri in the interview for Der Spiegel.
Mouskouri has sold over 300 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling female artists in the world.
Born in Crete, she sings in French, English, German, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Hebrew and Japanese, her label Universal says.
Mouskouri trained as a singer in Athens and performed at her first Greek music festival at the age of 25.
Since then he has recorded 1,500 songs and toured with artists such as Harry Belafonte.
Her life was a “fairy tale,” she said, and the farewell tour was a way of expressing her gratitude to her legions of fans.
“This tournament was an opportunity to thank people. I couldn’t leave without thanking them, because thanks to the public, I’ve been here for so many years because they listen to me”she says.
Mouskouri, who was a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, said he now wants to get more involved in humanitarian causes. She could also be a mentor to young singers.
