Famous Greek Composers

Vangelis was a Greek musician, composer, and producer known for his work in electronic, progressive, ambient, and classical orchestral music. He gained recognition for his film scores, including Academy Award-winning "Chariots of Fire" and "Blade Runner." Vangelis began his career in rock bands before launching a successful solo career, releasing influential albums like "Heaven and Hell" and "China." He collaborated with artists like Jon Anderson and Irene Papas, reaching commercial success in the 1980s and 1990s. Vangelis is considered a pioneer in electronic music and film scoring, with a career spanning over 50 years and more than 50 albums.

Mikis Theodorakis was a prolific Greek composer and lyricist with over 1,000 works to his credit. He achieved international recognition for scoring films such as "Zorba the Greek," "Z," and "Serpico," earning accolades like BAFTA and Grammy nominations. His "Mauthausen Trilogy" is regarded as a powerful musical depiction of the Holocaust. Known for his leftist political affiliations, Theodorakis was an influential figure in Greek politics, serving as an MP and government minister while advocating for various social causes and speaking out against authoritarian regimes.

Giannis Klearchou Xenakis, also known as Yannis or Iannis Xenakis, was a pioneering Romanian-born Greek-French avant-garde composer, music theorist, architect, performance director, and engineer. He fled Greece in 1947 and later became a naturalized citizen of France. Xenakis revolutionized music by integrating mathematical models such as set theory and stochastic processes. He was a key figure in electronic and computer music development, and he also merged music with architecture, designing spaces for specific music compositions. Xenakis's notable works include "Metastaseis," percussion pieces like "Psappha" and "Pléïades," spatialized compositions like "Terretektorh," and multimedia performances known as polytopes.

Yanni is a renowned Greek composer, keyboardist, pianist, and music producer known for his unique blend of jazz, classical, soft rock, and world music. He gained international recognition for producing concerts at iconic monuments and creating videos broadcast on public television. His breakthrough concert, Live at the Acropolis, is one of the best-selling music concert videos. Yanni's albums have dominated the "Top New Age Album" category on Billboard, and he has received Grammy nominations. He is celebrated for popularizing the fusion of electronic music synthesizers with symphony orchestras and for his diverse, global approach to music creation.

Leonidas Kavakos is a highly acclaimed Greek violinist and conductor known for his remarkable achievements in the world of classical music. He has garnered numerous international violin competition prizes, including prestigious awards like the Sibelius, Paganini, Naumburg, and Indianapolis competitions. As an Onassis Foundation scholar, he has showcased his talent through recordings for renowned record labels like Sony/BMG and BIS. Kavakos has also made significant contributions as a conductor, holding positions such as artistic director of the Camerata Salzburg and guest conductor for esteemed orchestras like the London Symphony Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Apostolos "Tolis" Voskopoulos was a legendary figure in modern Greek music, known for his iconic contributions to the industry. In addition to his successful music career, he also made a mark in the world of film and theatre in Athens. His notable theatrical performance in "Oi Erastes tou Oneirou" alongside Zoe Laskari garnered widespread acclaim. Voskopoulos' discography is a testament to his enduring impact on Greek music, solidifying his status as a revered artist in the country's cultural landscape.

Haris Alexiou is a highly acclaimed Greek singer known for her commercial success since the 1970s. She has collaborated with prominent Greek songwriters and composers, performed at renowned musical theaters worldwide, and garnered numerous awards. With over thirty albums to her name, she has made significant contributions to the Greek music industry. Notably, she has a substantial following in Turkey, with her songs being sung by various Turkish artists. Alexiou's professional journey is marked by artistic excellence and widespread recognition.

Nikos Skalkottas was a Greek composer known for his diverse body of work that spanned various styles and techniques. He composed a wide range of musical pieces, including symphonic works, chamber music, ballet suites, and concertos. Skalkottas was influenced by neo-classical ideals and incorporated elements of atonality, twelve-tone method, and Greek folk music into his compositions. Throughout his career, he remained faithful to classical forms while also experimenting with different musical styles. Skalkottas' music gained recognition posthumously, thanks to the efforts of his supporters and the release of recordings of his works by BIS records.

Dimitri Mitropoulos was a prominent Greek and American conductor, pianist, and composer. Known for his exceptional musical talents, he garnered widespread recognition for his contributions to the world of classical music. Mitropoulos conducted numerous renowned orchestras and opera companies, showcasing his deep understanding and interpretation of a wide range of musical genres. His innovative approach and passionate performances captivated audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the classical music scene. Mitropoulos's dedication to his craft and his commitment to excellence solidified his legacy as a visionary in the realm of music.

Eleni Karaindrou is a renowned Greek composer recognized for her exceptional work in scoring films directed by Theo Angelopoulos. Her career has been defined by a distinctive ability to create emotive and evocative musical compositions that enhance the storytelling in cinema. Karaindrou's collaborative efforts with Angelopoulos have resulted in critically acclaimed soundtracks that have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Her compositions are characterized by a unique blend of classical, folk, and contemporary elements, showcasing her versatility and artistry as a composer.

George Theodorakis, son of Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, had a brief career spanning 2 decades with 4 albums. He operated the SSR and Theta studios, showcasing a penchant for synthesized sounds and a departure from traditional Greek music. Despite not achieving the same level of success as his father, George Theodorakis made a mark in the music industry through his experimental approach and unique sound. His contributions to music production and exploration of new sonic territories set him apart during his professional tenure.

Eugenia Manolidou, also known as Eugenia Karagiannidou, is a prominent Greek classical composer, conductor, and entertainment television presenter. She has made significant contributions to the classical music scene through her compositions and conducting work. Additionally, Manolidou is recognized for her engaging presence as a television presenter, bringing entertainment to audiences through various programs. Her talents and expertise have garnered her respect and admiration within the music and entertainment industries, solidifying her reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished professional.

Angélique Ionatos, a Greek singer, composer, and guitarist, enjoyed a distinguished career spanning four decades. She specialized in setting and performing classical and modern Greek texts, notably works by iconic poet Sappho. Ionatos's musical endeavors have played a pivotal role in popularizing several modern and classical Greek texts. Through her talent and dedication, she has left an indelible mark on the music scene, showcasing the richness and depth of Greek culture to audiences worldwide.

Olympia "Lia" Vissi is a Cypriot singer, songwriter, and composer known for her involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest. She participated in the contest multiple times, both as a supporting singer and as a solo artist representing Cyprus. Vissi is recognized for her performances and compositions in the music industry. Additionally, she briefly ventured into a political career by running for a seat in the House of Representatives of Cyprus.

Alkinoos Ioannidis is a highly accomplished Greek Cypriot composer, lyricist, singer, and orchestrator. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the Greek music industry. Ioannidis is known for his unique blend of traditional and contemporary musical elements, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences. His work showcases a deep understanding of musical composition and storytelling, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base both in Greece and internationally.

Nikos Karvelas is a prominent Greek songwriter, producer, and singer known for his successful collaborations with artists such as Anna Vissi, Tolis Voskopoulos, and Sakis Rouvas. With a career spanning over three decades, he has sold millions of records and released multiple studio albums. Karvelas has established himself as a top-certified composer in Greece, with his work receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success. His contributions to the music industry have solidified his reputation as a talented and influential figure in Greek music.