Remembering Greek composer and theorist, Manos Hadjidakis

·

On this day, the Greek public remembers composer and musical theorist Manos Hadjidakis. Widely considered one of the greatest Greek songwriters of all time, his legacy has been maintained through modern Greek music in the second half of the 20th and into the 21st century.

Born in the northern town of Xanthi, Greece, on October 23, 1925, his love for music came from an early age, starting piano lessons at age four.

In 1943, he met the revered surrealist poet, Nikos Gatsos, who would go on to become his favourite lyricist and work with him on the vast majority of his vocal compositions.

Composer and musical theorist, Manos Hadjidakis.

Hadjidakis is mainly responsibly for helping usher in a new era of Greek music in the post-WWII era, elevating the earthiest strains of Greek folk and popular song into respected art forms. 

In the process, he found tremendous popular success in his home country, chiefly through his work as a pop songwriter, and became familiar to international audiences through his movie soundtracks.

The critically acclaimed personality received an Academy Award in 1960, for Best Original Song for his song Never on Sunday from the film of the same name.

Dying in Athens on 15 June 1994 at the age of 68, from acute pulmonary edema, the City of Athens dedicated Technopolis in his memory in 1999.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Twin pays heartfelt tribute after shark attack claims surfer Mercury Psillakis’ life

The brother of surfer Mercury Psillakis, killed in a shark attack off Dee Why Beach, has shared a tribute describing their unbreakable bond.

‘Greece and Romiosyni have no borders’: Renos Haralambidis brings his films to Australia

Renos Haralambidis will be honoured with a retrospective at the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney this October, showcasing five films.

Nico Lazaridi wines shine at exclusive Sydney hospitality dinner

Nico Lazaridi organised a wine dinner at Alpha Dining on Tuesday night to promote the PGI wines they produce across northern Greece.

Box Hill couple Michael and Rita Nicolaou deny delaying $27m school project

Michael and Rita Nicolaou, who sold their Box Hill property to the state, have denied claims of holding up construction of two new schools.

Former MP Philip Dalidakis slams Daniel Andrews over Beijing parade appearance

Former Victorian Minister Philip Dalidakis has criticised ex-premier Daniel Andrews for attending a military parade in Beijing.

You May Also Like

Greek maestro, Themos Mexis, pays tribute to Mikis Theodorakis

Greek maestro, Themos Mexis, pays tribute to Mikis Theodorakis by sharing a memory of the moment his met him.

President George Phillips opens up on future of the Inner West Hawks FC

President of the Inner West Hawks FC George Phillips has opened up to The Greek Herald about the future of the club.

East Med, energy crisis and Prespes: Hot topics at the 7th Delphi Economic Forum

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has called for a joint EU response to the energy crisis at the 7th Delphi Economic Forum.