Few artists bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern innovation quite like Vasiliki Anastasiou. As the visionary behind the Amalgamation Choir and a global vocal force, Anastasiou has spent over a decade proving that the raw human voice, stripped of heavy instrumentation, is our most honest instrument. From the intimate rehearsal spaces of Nicosia to the grand halls of Westminster Abbey, her work blends London College of Music training with the deep emotional weight of the Greek-Cypriot dialect. Whether she is leading an all-female a cappella circle or lending her distinct Mediterranean soundscape to international cinema and hit video games like A Plague Tale, Anastasiou continues to create spaces where music slows down time, boundaries dissolve, and true human connection begins. 

Your music blends London College of Music training with Mediterranean traditions. What was the core philosophy you wanted to bring to the contemporary music scene when you started the Amalgamation Project?

I don’t think I ever started with the idea of bringing something to the music scene. I guess I was just trying to understand where I belonged as an artist.

Studying in London gave me technical tools but eventually I found myself returning to the sounds, the dialect and the stories I had grown up with.

The Amalgamation Choir recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. From Westminster Abbey to opening for Goran Bregović, what has been the most fulfilling part of leading this all-female circle?

Those milestones were incredibly special and constantly remind us how far this journey has taken us. But when I think about the past ten years (twelve now) I don’t immediately think of the big concerts. I think about rehearsals and travelling to different countries with a group of women laughing and talking about life! The Amalgamation choir is not just about making music it’s about creating a space where people feel they belong. That’s the achievement I’m most proud of.

You place a huge emphasis on singing in the Greek-Cypriot dialect. What do you feel happens to the emotional weight of a performance when you strip away heavy instrumentation and rely solely on the raw human voice and native language?

The human voice is probably the most honest and fragile instrument we have. You can’t really hide behind it. Our Cypriot-Greek dialect carries memories, melody, resilience, hardship and the contradictions of this place. In some of our performances abroad or when we have non-greek speaking audiences, people approach me after the concert and tell me that even though they don’t understand a single word they still feel something deeply emotional, they even cry sometimes. I think that’s because sincerity travels further than language. When you remove words you’re left with breath, silence and human connection. For me that’s music.

You’ve performed worldwide—from Hong Kong to Qatar—and won Madame Figaro Woman of the Year. How do you balance being a global artist with your dedication to teaching and community in Nicosia?

Performing allows me to keep growing as an artist but teaching reminds me why music matters in the first place. Working with children, students and singers keeps me curious and grounded. I am also a mother of two beautiful children. Being musical is a lifestyle. 

Looking at your collaboration with composer Olivier Derivière for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, how did this connection actually happen? Did they seek you out specifically for your unique cultural soundscape?

Yes, Olivier Derivière approached us because he was looking for a specific vocal sound. I am guessing they were searching for voices that carried a sense of place and tradition in the Mediterranean region. The voices on the soundtrack are myself (Vasiliki Anastasiou), Giorgos Kalogirou and the Amalgamation choir. What I appreciated the most was the respectful manner this inspiring internationally acclaimed composer treated us. There was no attempt to make us fit into something else. Instead, he and his lovely team of professionals, AMEO productions, embraced what made our choir unique and that created a very honest collaboration.

Between the choir, Montessori pedagogy, theater coaching, and the Cyprus Voice Center, you wear many hats. What is your main focus moving forward, and what legacy do you want to leave behind?

Although these roles may seem very different, they all come from the same place. Love for music. As I said before, being musical is my lifestyle and I am truly interested in everything I do, I do it with a lot of curiosity. I’m always trying to create spaces where people feel safe enough to express themselves honestly. We live in a fast paced world, music slows you down, stretches the moment. There isn’t a better way, in my opinion, to organise time in this life. 

It is hard to answer the second part of your question. I can’t think in those terms yet. 

The recording sessions for the game soundtrack took place between Paris and Cyprus (at Elbow Room and Hotsoap studios). What was the energy like in the studio when Olivier and his team came to the island to work with the choir?

It felt surprisingly easy and comfortable. 

In Paris it was just myself and it was the beginning of our collaboration. Of course there was a high level of professionalism, but there was also a lot of curiosity and love for what we do. In Cyprus, there was zero stress or negativity. Olivier and his team were genuinely interested in understanding who we are and how to make us feel comfortable so we can perform our best. There were moments of complete silence and concentration and many moments of laughter. Everyone felt comfortable to create something together.

About Vasiliki Anastasiou: 

Vasiliki Anastasiou is a Cyprus-based singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and the trailblazing artistic director of the Amalgamation Choir. Seamlessly bridging the gap between local heritage and global stages, she recently released her solo album “Tis Kardias” across all streaming platforms. As a solo artist, her vocal footprint spans performances in Hong Kong, Italy, Lebanon, Germany, and Austria, alongside high-profile vocal contributions to movies like Ariaferma and Dragonblade, the documentary Troiane, and major gaming soundtracks including Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy and Netflix's Highwater. Beyond the studio, Anastasiou lends her expertise to theater productions for the National Theatre of Cyprus and has led elite singing workshops in diverse locations such as the UK, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia, and Qatar.

At the heart of her community work is the Amalgamation Choir, an all-female a cappella group uniting women of diverse ages and backgrounds. Formed in a literal and figurative circle, the choir serves as a powerful symbol of inclusivity, unity, acceptance, and female empowerment through collective song. Under Anastasiou's direction, the group has commanded prestigious international platforms, with notable performances including Westminster Abbey and the House of Commons for Commonwealth Day 2023 in London, the EU Commission’s Christmas celebrations in Stockholm, and broadcasts on BBC Radio. Their celebrated tour history also features performances at the Chapelle Sainte Philomène & Temple du Change in France, the Voci de Europa festival in Sardinia, and locally at the Buffer Fringe Festival in Nicosia.

To follow their journey, explore upcoming workshops, or connect directly, follow them on Instagram at @anastasiou_vasiliki and @amalgamationchoir, visit www.amalgamationcollective.com, or get in touch via email at [email protected].