Mikis Theodorakis

Greek politician and composer was born on the island of Chios in 1925, and spent his childhood traveling around the country with his father, a respected Minister of Internal Affairs. Mikis became interested in music at an early age and as a boy participated in baroque church ceremonies. At the age of 13, he began studying at the Conservatory in Athens, where he learned composition and conducting. Unfortunately, in 1943 he had to join the Greek army to defend the country against the Axis invasion. During the civil war in the country (1947-1953) he was imprisoned. The artist was able to complete his studies by moving to Paris. There he was taught by Messiaen and Leibowitz.
The artist's compositions are music related to Greece, based on folk songs using 20th-century classical music techniques. His first symphonic works: piano concerto, I suite, I symphony turned out to be magnificent, recognized by the whole world. In 1957, he won a gold medal at the Music Festival in Moscow, and two years later, after presenting the ballet 'Antigone' at Covent Garden, Darius Milhaud nominated him for the American Copley Music Award as the Best European Composer of the Year.
Upon his return to his homeland, Mikis Theodorakis returned to his roots. By composing 'Epitaphios' he started a cultural revolution in his country. This work led to other brilliant pieces 'Epiphania', 'Little Cyclades', 'Romiossini', 'Romancero Gitano' using Greek and world poetry. In this way, he gave Greek music its dignity and honor, began to develop the concept of metasymphonic music and became a respected genius of music in the world. At that time, he also began to collaborate with the small Athens Orchestra and the Piraeus Music Society, with whom he performed many concerts. In 1963, he founded the Lembrakis Youth Democracy, of which he became president. The following year, he entered Parliament.
In 1967, a fascist junta invaded Greece, causing the artist, his wife, and children to be imprisoned. Later, he was transferred to a concentration camp in Oropos. Fortunately, thanks to the help of the international solidarity movement led by Dmitri Shostakovich, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Miller, and Harry Belafonte, Mikis Theodorakis was released and left the country in 1970.
In exile, he fought for the downfall of invaders and supported the armed forces of Greece. He gave many concerts around the world, which were a symbol of his fight for democracy in his country. He became an international symbol of resistance to dictatorship.
After the fall of the dictatorship, the composer returned to the country, continuing to perform concerts in Greece and abroad. At the same time, he became involved in public affairs, was elected to the Greek Parliament many times, and from 1990-1992 he was a Minister in the Government of Konstantinos Mitsotakis. He was then elected Chief Music Director of the Symphony Orchestra and Choir of the Hellenic Radio and Television.
He is a film music composer, including for 'Zorba the Greek', 'Z', 'Les Amants de Teruel', and 'Stage of Siege'. He also wrote two oratorios, the most famous of which is the main song, based on the poetry of Pablo Neruda. He also collaborated with the theater creating musical bases for 'Electra', 'Iphigenia', 'King Oedipus', 'Antigone'.
Mikis Theodorakis has always tried to combine his incredible talent with a deep love for his homeland. Currently, he is associated with many organizations fighting for human rights, peace, and environmental protection. He also initiated the Greek-Turkish Friendship Community, whose members include Turkish musicians and singer Zülfü Livaneli.