Andreas, a young man from Sotira has left Cyprus for his great love. He made the decision years ago, as a student, to start and build his life and career in Greece. The risk was great but Andreas chose the difficult path, although everyone prevented him from his decision, fearing that in Greece there will be no professional opportunities.
Although he left behind in Cyprus, friends and relatives, he took with him in his new beginning his best and most faithful friend, his greatest and strongest love - his bouzouki. Andreas, armed with his love for music, began his most successful journey, during which he learned and continues to learn a lot, alongside great artists.
Andreas knows bouzouki, three-string bouzouki, baglama, tzoura, guitar, and sings. He has studied Folk and Traditional music at the TEI of Epirus in Arta while today he teaches bouzouki at the National Conservatory of Ilioupolis.
Interview with Diamanto Anastasiou
When did you first get a bouzouki in your hands?
Before the bouzouki I had a mandolin in my hands, on the occasion of elementary school lessons. A little later, after my father realized my interest in music, he sent me to a conservatory, where there was a teacher who taught bouzouki and violin. I was 12 years old, 6th grade when my father noticed that I was anxious to listen to music, I was dancing, playing percussion and so he decided to send me to learn a musical instrument.
When did the song enter your life?
When I came to Greece at the age of 20. Then I took vocal lessons and now I have a degree in vocal from the National Conservatory and I am now able to teach singing.
You now live permanently in Greece. How did this come about and how do you experience it?
But it was not easy, I took the risk. I knew it would be difficult, but I did not regret it. I think that in Greece I have to gain experiences and get things. I have, for example, worked in "festivals" with traditional clarinets! I could not live these experiences anywhere else. I have been to many parts of Greece, to several villages of Arta, to Trikala, Karditsa, Larissa, Messolonghi. All of these were life experiences for me. Many even today tell me that things are better in Cyprus and ask me why I still live in Greece with everything that is happening. For my own work, however, I believe that there are bigger and better opportunities.
What is it like to do your job what you love?
Absolute happiness.
This time we find you?
Since last September I am in a nice store in Kallithea, "Raki Meze", Friday and Saturday, and I do some extras in other stores.
What were your most important collaborations with artists?
With Babi Stoka, Pizza Papadopoulou, Melina Aslanidou, Natasa Theodoridou, Peggy Zina and other famous singers. In these concerts I had played with the musical ensemble "The Next" by Thanasis Polykandriotis.
How did you manage to join Thanasis Polykandriotis' team?
Through an audition, where he listened to me and put me in the group. The concerts with the ensemble "I Epomenoi" are life experiences for me because apart from the singers we mentioned, I have played next to Nikos Tatassopoulos, son of Giannis Tatassopoulos with a long history and next to Giannis Moraitis. These are bouzouki players with a long history and it was a dream for me to meet them and work with them.
Do you have a bouzouki as a model?
Thanasis Polykandriotis, who I like very much, both as an organ player and as a composer, and I admire his work. I also like Thanasis Vassilas, Panagiotis Stergiou and others.
The moment that stuck in your mind?
A concert we played at the Pallas Theater and Papadopoulou Pizza came out in front of me and sang a tribute to Vicky Moscholou. I really remember, my hair was literally up to me playing and Pizza singing.
Which artist would you most like to collaborate with?
I would like to work with Angelos Dionysiou, although I have played once with Stelios Dionysiou.
Would you ever go to a TV talent show?
No, I would not go. Mostly singers go there. I play my bouzouki and sing but I am not entirely a singer.
Your biggest professional dream?
Collaborate with as many artists as possible. Already, those I play with have been in the field for a long time and have made a successful course. I learn a lot from them and their experiences.
What does music mean to you?
For me it is a way of expression. I could not do anything else in my life. Through music I can and do express myself. I feel that my bouzouki is my extension.
Interview: Diamanto Anastasiou
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