Χαρές και Λύπες: A Celebration of Life's Contrasts
Protasis Music proudly presents the new release, Χαρές και Λύπες (Joys and Sorrows), a heartfelt song by the talented composer and lyricist Yiannis Kalomiris. This piece masterfully encapsulates the essence of life’s contrasting emotions — the joys that lift us and the sorrows that shape us.

A Unique Collaboration
The song is brought to life through the emotive voice of Yiannis Kassotakis, accompanied by the angelic harmony of the Children’s Choir of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Crete. The choir, under the direction of Manolis Kanakakis, lends an innocent optimism to the piece, perfectly complementing its themes. The exceptional arrangement features traditional Cretan instruments, highlighting the authenticity and depth of Kalomiris’ artistic vision.

The Creative Process
Yiannis Kalomiris shared his inspiration for this project:
"When I wrote this song, I envisioned a children’s choir singing the chorus. Children’s voices carry the pure optimism that we all need as we navigate life’s alternating moments of joy and sorrow. I am deeply grateful to Manolis Kanakakis and the children for bringing this vision to life."

About the Composer
Born in Anogeia, Crete, Yiannis Kalomiris is a multi-faceted artist. Alongside his career as a dentist in Heraklion, he is a dedicated composer and lyricist, skilled in playing traditional Cretan instruments like the laouto and bouzouki. His musical creations draw from Cretan traditions, the broader music of the Eastern Mediterranean, and contemporary Greek folk styles.

Kalomiris has an impressive portfolio, including the 2021 album Αντάμωση (Reunion) and a series of singles, such as Πατρίδα μου είναι τα πουλιά and Στης ζωής μου το ταξίδι. In 2023, he debuted his unreleased collection Για ένα Ασπάλαθο, which features 15 traditional and urban folk songs.

Listen Now
Χαρές και Λύπες is available across all major digital platforms:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/J-HqnRSBPfY
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gxqi7m
iTunes/Apple Music: https://apple.co/4gvbE0u
Deezer: https://bit.ly/4fkuJkR

Credits
Lyrics & Music: Yiannis Kalomiris
Vocals: Yiannis Kassotakis & the Children's Choir of Agios Nikolaos
Musicians:
Yiannis Kalomiris: Laouto
Manolis Kanakakis: Kanun
Giorgis Kontogiannis: Guitar
Haris Bakas: Percussion
Stefanos Kouroupakis: Contrabass
Recording and Production:

Studio: Vasmaris Studio, Heraklion, Crete
Choir Recording: Municipal Cinema Theater REX, Agios Nikolaos
Sound Engineers: Dimitris Vasmaris & Yiannis Kassotakis
For additional information, visit www.yianniskalomiris.gr or contact Protasis Music at info@protasismusic.gr.

We invite you to share and celebrate this remarkable release. Enjoy listening!