A visit to the world of the eminent creator Stavros Kougioumtzis (1932–2005), whose simplicity and sincerity, lyricism and anguish—as expressed through his much-loved songs—left an indelible mark on Greek song and Greek culture as a whole.  At the same time, his lesser-known autobiography (Ανοικτά παράθυρα με κλειστά παντζούρια [Open Windows with Closed Shutters]) and his collection of short stories (Στα διώροφα έμεναν οι όμορφες [The Beautiful Lived in the Two-Storey Houses]) also merit our attention, as they vividly convey his musical background, social sensitivity, eroticism, and distinctive sense of ecclesial spirituality.

The speaker of the evening, Dr Panagiotis Thomas, will reflect on significant moments in the composer’s creative trajectory and convey something of the atmosphere of choral Thessaloniki, the city of the composer’s origin. This will be followed by live performances of seven compositions by Stavros Kougioumtzis, presented by students and teachers of the AMusEd Music School, alongside the screening of audiovisual material from his life.

The event is organised on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the death of the great composer and constitutes a collaboration between KELOPOS and the AMusEd Music School.

Supporter: Municipality of Akanthou