Laoura Gini, composer, is a resident of Santorini the last ten years and unfolds with us the fairytale of this exquisite island life…
What is your connection with Santorini?
I first came to Santorini 15 years ago for vacation. When I first saw the Caldera it was a breath taking experience that I still can’t forget. I could describe it as love at first sight. After 10 years of permanent residence here I could say that it became a true and deep love! I’m born and raised in Corfu; also an amazingly beautiful island but the light, colors and ground of Santorini have a vibration that has an essential impact on me.
Is your music inspired by your living in Santorini?
It definitely helps me a lot! The serenity and harmony of the nature here, creates the proper inner conditions which are necessary for inspiration to blossom.
What are the places that you love the most in the island? Do you have any secrets to share with us? Any special memories?
I love Oia, the location and architecture of the place is unique with a special characteristic. Also, if you like hiking, the back side of Santorini is full of old paths connecting villages and beaches through a rough but breathtaking landscape. That’s something I do very often, it relaxes me but also thrills me to discover different aspects and sides of Santorini.
Santorini was recently voted us the best island in the world in 2011 from International Travel & Leisure magazine by real travelers. What do you believe that visitors admire the most in the island?
I believe that Caldera View is a poem of nature and people can’t resist to its rimes! I would add on that, the excellent services provided at hotels and also the emphasis in gastronomy initiates the visitors in a magnificent world.
You composed music for the documentary “Pelican’s watch” that was filmed in Santorini. How did you work for the soundtrack? Did you start your work during the filming or at the end? What touched you the most in the film? What is your favorite character?
I met director Lea Binzer, who is also staying as permanent resident in Santorini, at the stage of the initial thought about this documentary, which is about a small winemaking community on the island and it’s battles to stop vineyards being sold off for development. I followed her in most shootings so I had the opportunity to live the characters, images and situations. Musical interpretation of the characters emerged directly from observation of the original characters of the protagonists of the movie, in their everyday life. This musical characterization was the foundation of the soundtrack. Through my music I express emotions that cannot be expressed with words.
You have composed music for Santorinian Katikies Hotels. Is it different from composing music for a CD or for a soundtrack? Was there a difficult part?
Composing a soundtrack is a totally different subject than any other composing style. It has to follow and complete the drama! It demands a musical scenario in a way. My composes for Santorinian Katikies Hotels was inspired by the serenity of the location and the balanced atmosphere of the Hotel. In that case we have music that embodies the environment. Completes it in a way. It is like music becomes a sound print of the location like photo is a visual print of it.
Do you drink Santorinian wines? What is your opinion about them? What do you find the best local product?
A glass of white wine accompanies always my relaxing moment. The Assyrtiko is one of the rare brands I like. Local winemakers have also produced high and unique quality wines that are equal to the finest wines of the world market. Because of the volcanic ash, the soil and consequently the wines, have a unique taste and aroma! My personal taste in local products goes for tomataki and fava which are the inheritage of Santorini!!
