Mikis Theodorakis

Mikis Theodorakis was born in the island of Hios, in Greece in 1925.

His first symphony was composed on the prison island of Makronisos. In 1954 he graduated from the Athens Conservatorium, and was awarded a scholarship to Paris Conservatoire, studying composition with Olivier Messiaen and conducting with E. Bigot. He has composed hundreds of songs and song cycles like "Epitaphios" "Politeia" and others sung by many artists all around the world. His recent big project is the album with Greek- born singer Vicky Leandros and the Kamerata Orchestra of Athens presenting his most beautiful songs (plus some new) in a new way. The album is released already in Greek and German and an English international edition will follow (BMG Germany/ SONY CLASSICAL EUROPE)