Tribute to Mitsakis

Sunday 9th March 2025 @ Green Note

Born in 1921 in Istanbul, Giorgos Mitsakis was a prolific composer of Greek folk music. He was drawn to music from an early age, initially playing on the harmonica the French tunes and operetta songs that would reach the streets of his neighbourhood in Ferikoy. In the 1930s, after relocating with his family to Kavala and later to Volos, he set off for Thessaloniki in search of new opportunities. Immersed in the city’s thriving rebetiko scene, Mitsakis eventually moved to Piraeus, where he embarked on a professional career as a bouzouki player, later rising to prominence as one of the instrument’s greatest virtuosos.

Mitsakis’ career flourished in the post-war years, and by the 1950s, he was one of the most sought-after songwriters in Greece, composing for legendary artists like Stelios Kazantzidis, Kaiti Grey, Poly Panou, and in the 1960s, Giannis Kalantzis, Giannis Parios, and Giorgos Dalaras. In addition to his influence in music, Mitsakis was a mentor to younger musicians, earning the nickname “The Teacher”. His guidance helped shape the careers of several generations of Greek folk singers and musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

His compositions reflect the rich tapestry of musical traditions that prevailed in early 20th-century Greece, including the urban folk music of the eastern Mediterranean, the rural folk music of the Balkans, and the harmonies of central Europe. Beyond his talent as a composer, Mitsakis was also an artful lyricist. Often referred to as a “rebetiko poet” Mitsakis’ lyrics display rare humanity and romanticism, and an authentic folk ethos; they speak of the joys and pitfalls of love, the pain of foreign lands, and the quotidian concerns and struggles of the Greek folk.

Giorgos Mitsakis continued composing and performing throughout his life. He passed away in 1993, leaving behind him a large body of work consisting of more than a thousand songs. His legacy endures, with his songs still performed and celebrated today. As a composer, musician, and poet of the people, he remains a towering figure in the history of Greek folk music.

Musicians

Dimitris Kalogiannis: Voice, baglama

Thanos Papageorgiou: Voice, bouzouki

Ioannis Eleftheriadis: Voice, guitar

Event Details

Doors open: 13:45

Music starts: 14:15

Music finishes: 16:30