Singing

Marianna Toli, an actress and singer, has died, after a long battle with cancer.

She studied Art History at the University of Kentucky, classic and modern dance in London and singing and acting in Athens, where she graduated from the National Theatre's drama school.

Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend will be among a host of singers to perform at a tribute concert for the late Aretha Franklin in January, the Recording Academy and other groups announced on Dec. 28.

The charity initiative "Bulgarian Christmas" in support of children with severe diseases and disabilities continues. Almost 2 million leva has reached the amount raised to date for the 16th edition of the campaign after the end of the charity performance, which took place on Christmas Day in the Ivan Vazov National Theater, the press office of the presidency announced.

The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir comes to Athens with a special tribute to the great Aretha Franklin, who passed away in August at the age of 76. The acclaimed ensemble will perform at Gazarte on Thursday, December 20, and tickets, starting at 18 euros, are on sale at www.viva.gr and tel 11876.

Acclaimed American jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux, hailed as a modern-day Billie Holiday, is coming to Greece for a single show at the Olympic Hall in Galatsi on Thursday, December 6. Part of a global tour, the show presents her latest studio achievement, "Anthem," made up mostly of original material, along with a few covers.

Hailed as the new Jimi Hendrix and a child prodigy since breaking out onto the blues-rock scene at the age of 16 in 1991, Eric Gales returns to Athens after a sold-out show last March. The American guitarist will perform original work and popular covers at Stavros tou Notou on Sunday, November 25, starting at 9 p.m.

The beautiful Hotel Grande Bretagne opens its Winter Garden City Lounge to opera aficionados every Thursday through December 27, when it will be hosting evenings of arias and duets by two acclaimed performers. This week and next are dedicated to Maria Callas, while December will be all about the festive season, with Christmas and New Year's songs. The concerts begin at 8 p.m.

Turkish popstar Tarkan has made a call to care for stray animals. 

It took three-and-a-half months for conductor and composer Bujor Hoinic to start the production of the opera "Troy" from scratch and complete it. "Troy" is gearing up to become one of the most important productions of Turkey's State Opera and Ballet (DOB) this year. 

Irish singer Sinead O'Connor has revealed she has renounced Catholicism and converted to Islam, taking the new name "Shuhada' Davitt."