It hasn't been an easy trek for Maria Antonakos. The daughter of a Greek chanter who emmigrated to Canada virtually penniless, she grew up in Ontario. Working as a waitress, bartender, and housekeeper for pig farmers in order to pursue her art, Antonakos received a degree in vocal performance. She also continued her studies in Europe, as well as North America, including the Juilliard School of Music. Working with Dave Paterson and Bill Carpenter, she mixed melodies from centuries past with present-day pop to create her debut album in 2001, Four Corners, No Walls. The album features a duet with tenor John McDermott. ~ Jason MacNeil