21 Greatest Greek Composers That You Should Know

Greece has long been a cradle of culture and creativity, and its rich musical heritage is no exception. From ancient times to the modern era, Greek composers have made significant contributions to the world of music, blending traditional elements with innovative techniques to create timeless works.

These composers have not only shaped the sound of Greek music but have also influenced global musical trends across various genres, including classical, electronic, and avant-garde.

This article explores the lives and legacies of some of the greatest Greek composers, highlighting their impact on both the national and international music scenes.

21 Greatest Composers From Greece of All Time (Must Hear List)

These composers have each made significant contributions to music, both in Greece and internationally, spanning a variety of genres and styles.

Here’s a list of 21 of the greatest Greek composers, known for their contributions to classical, contemporary, and traditional Greek music:

#1 Mikis Theodorakis (1925–2021)

Mikis Theodorakis was one of the most influential Greek composers of the 20th century, known not only for his music but also for his political activism. Born on the island of Chios, Theodorakis became a symbol of resistance against oppression, particularly during the military junta in Greece (1967–1974). His compositions blend traditional Greek music with classical and contemporary influences, making his work accessible yet profound.

Theodorakis is perhaps best known internationally for his score for the film Zorba the Greek (1964), which includes the iconic “Sirtaki” dance. His other notable works include Axion Esti and Canto General, a collaboration with Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Throughout his life, Theodorakis was an advocate for human rights and democracy, and his music continues to inspire people around the world.

#2 Manos Hatzidakis (1925–1994)

Manos Hatzidakis was a Greek composer whose work spanned film scores, popular music, and classical compositions. Born in Xanthi, Hatzidakis is perhaps best known internationally for his Academy Award-winning song Never on Sunday from the 1960 film of the same name.

His music often fused elements of traditional Greek folk music with Western classical forms, creating a unique and evocative sound. Hatzidakis was a key figure in the post-war Greek music scene, influencing many younger composers and musicians. His works include orchestral suites, piano pieces, and songs that have become standards in Greek popular music. Hatzidakis’s ability to blend cultural influences while maintaining a distinct Greek identity has made him a beloved figure in both Greece and abroad.

#3 Iannis Xenakis (1922–2001)

Iannis Xenakis was a groundbreaking Greek-French composer, architect, and engineer, known for his innovative contributions to contemporary music. Born in Romania to Greek parents, Xenakis moved to France after World War II, where he worked as an assistant to the famous architect Le Corbusier. Xenakis’s music is characterized by its use of mathematical concepts, such as set theory and stochastic processes, which he applied to create complex and dynamic compositions.

His works often blur the boundaries between music, mathematics, and architecture, making him one of the most influential avant-garde composers of the 20th century. Notable works include Metastaseis, Pithoprakta, and Persephassa. Xenakis’s unique approach to composition has had a lasting impact on both music and the broader field of multimedia art.

#4 Nikos Skalkottas (1904–1949)

Nikos Skalkottas was a prominent Greek composer and a member of the Second Viennese School, a group associated with the development of atonal and twelve-tone music. Born in Chalcis, Greece, Skalkottas studied in Berlin under composers like Arnold Schoenberg, who greatly influenced his musical style. Skalkottas’s work is known for its complexity and modernist approach, often integrating elements of Greek folk music with atonal structures.

Despite his talent, Skalkottas’s music was not widely recognized during his lifetime, and much of his work remained unpublished until after his death. Today, he is celebrated as one of Greece’s most important composers, with key works including his 36 Greek Dances and various orchestral and chamber pieces. Skalkottas’s legacy is that of a composer who bridged the gap between tradition and modernism, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work.

#5 Vangelis (1943–2022)

Vangelis, born Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou, was a pioneering Greek composer and musician, best known for his work in electronic music and film scores. Born in Volos, Greece, Vangelis began his career in pop music before turning to electronic and orchestral compositions. His most famous works include the Oscar-winning score for Chariots of Fire (1981) and the influential soundtrack for Blade Runner (1982).

Vangelis’s music is characterized by its lush, atmospheric soundscapes, often created using synthesizers and traditional instruments. He is considered a pioneer in the use of electronic music in film and has had a profound impact on the genre. Throughout his career, Vangelis released numerous albums that explored a wide range of musical styles, from classical to jazz to new age. His ability to evoke deep emotion through his compositions has made him one of the most respected and influential composers of his generation.

#6 Dimitri Mitropoulos (1896–1960)

Dimitri Mitropoulos was a renowned Greek conductor, composer, and pianist, known for his contributions to both the classical music world and modern composition. Born in Athens, Mitropoulos showed early promise as a musician, studying in Greece and later in Berlin under Ferruccio Busoni. He became one of the leading conductors of his time, serving as the music director of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

Mitropoulos was known for his intense and passionate conducting style, often performing without a baton or a score. In addition to his conducting career, Mitropoulos was also a composer, with works that include operas, symphonies, and chamber music. His compositions reflect his deep understanding of modern musical techniques, as well as his ability to infuse them with emotional depth. Mitropoulos’s legacy as both a conductor and composer remains influential, particularly in the realms of 20th-century music and orchestral performance.

#7 Spyridon Samaras (1861–1917)

Spyridon Samaras was a Greek composer best known for composing the Olympic Hymn, which is still played during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. Born in Corfu, Samaras studied at the Athens Conservatoire and later in Paris, where he became influenced by the operatic traditions of the time.

His compositions are primarily in the genre of opera, with notable works like Flora Mirabilis and Mademoiselle de Belle-Isle. Samaras was highly regarded in Italy, where he spent much of his career, and his operas were performed in major theaters across Europe. His contribution to the Olympic Hymn in 1896 immortalized his name in the world of sports and music, and he remains a significant figure in Greek music history.

#8 Maria Callas (1923–1977)

Though primarily known as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, Maria Callas’s influence on the performance and interpretation of operatic music has had a profound impact on the classical music world. Born in New York City to Greek parents, Callas moved to Greece during her childhood, where she began her musical studies. Her career took off in the 1940s, and she quickly became known for her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and ability to bring characters to life on stage.

Callas’s interpretations of roles in operas such as Tosca, Norma, and La Traviata set new standards for the art form, blending technical mastery with deep emotional expression. Although not a composer in the traditional sense, Callas’s contributions to the interpretation of opera have influenced countless musicians and composers, making her an enduring icon in the world of classical music.

#9 Giannis Markopoulos (b. 1939)

Giannis Markopoulos is a Greek composer known for his ability to blend traditional Greek music with contemporary forms. Born in Crete, Markopoulos began composing at a young age and studied music in Athens and London. He rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, a time of political upheaval in Greece, and his music often reflects themes of social justice and national identity. His compositions range from orchestral works to film scores and popular songs, many of which have become staples of Greek culture.

Notable works include Chroniko and Ilios o Protos, both of which showcase his unique ability to fuse folk elements with modern compositional techniques. Markopoulos’s influence on Greek music is profound, as he has played a key role in shaping the country’s musical identity in the modern era.

#10 Nikolaos Mantzaros (1795–1872)

Nikolaos Mantzaros was a Greek composer, conductor, and teacher, best known for composing the music for the Greek national anthem, Hymn to Liberty. Born in Corfu, Mantzaros was part of the Heptanese School, a group of composers from the Ionian Islands who were instrumental in developing a distinct Greek classical music tradition. Mantzaros studied music in Italy and was deeply influenced by the Italian operatic style, which is evident in his compositions.

Besides the national anthem, he composed a variety of works, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music. Mantzaros was also a dedicated educator, teaching many students who would go on to become important figures in Greek music. His contributions to the development of Greek classical music and his role in establishing the Greek National School of Music make him a key figure in the country’s cultural history.

#11 Dionysis Savvopoulos (b. 1944)

Dionysis Savvopoulos is a modern Greek composer, singer-songwriter, and cultural icon, known for his significant contributions to Greek popular music. Born in Thessaloniki, Savvopoulos started his music career in the 1960s, blending rock, folk, and traditional Greek music into a unique style that resonated with a wide audience. His lyrics often address social and political issues, reflecting the turbulent times in Greece during his early career.

Albums like To Perivoli tou Trelou and Ballos became landmarks in Greek music, influencing both his contemporaries and younger generations of musicians. Savvopoulos’s ability to blend different musical genres and his poignant, often satirical lyrics have made him a beloved and influential figure in Greek culture.

#12 Christos Hatzis (b. 1953)

Christos Hatzis is a contemporary Greek-Canadian composer known for his innovative and eclectic musical style. Born in Volos, Greece, Hatzis moved to Canada in 1975, where he continued his studies in music composition. His work often incorporates elements from various musical traditions, including Byzantine chant, jazz, electronic music, and indigenous music of Canada.

Hatzis’s compositions are noted for their emotional intensity and intellectual depth, often exploring themes of spirituality and cultural identity. His works have been performed by major orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to contemporary music. Hatzis’s ability to blend diverse musical influences while maintaining a distinct personal voice has made him one of the most respected composers of his generation.

#13 Elena Fotiadou (b. 1965)

Elena Fotiadou is a contemporary Greek composer known for her work in both classical and electronic music. Born in Thessaloniki, Fotiadou studied composition in Greece and France, where she was influenced by both traditional and modern compositional techniques.

Her music often explores the interaction between acoustic instruments and electronic sounds, creating rich and complex soundscapes. Fotiadou has composed works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments, as well as electroacoustic pieces that push the boundaries of traditional music. Her work has been performed internationally, and she is recognized for her innovative approach to composition. Fotiadou’s ability to integrate technology with classical forms makes her a significant figure in contemporary Greek music.

#14 Nikos Mamangakis (1929–2013)

Nikos Mamangakis was a prolific Greek composer known for his film scores and contributions to modern Greek music. Born in Rethymno, Crete, Mamangakis studied music in Athens and Munich, where he developed a style that blends traditional Greek music with contemporary classical techniques. He composed music for numerous films, television series, and theatrical productions, becoming one of the most prominent film composers in Greece.

His work also includes operas, orchestral pieces, and chamber music, all of which reflect his deep connection to Greek musical traditions. Mamangakis’s ability to combine the old with the new made his music resonate with a wide audience, and his influence on Greek music remains significant. His scores for films like Zorba the Greek and The Travelling Players are particularly celebrated for their emotional depth and cultural richness.

#15 Andreas Makris (1930–2005)

Andreas Makris was a Greek-American composer known for his orchestral and chamber music, often incorporating elements of Greek folk music into his compositions. Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, Makris moved to the United States in the 1950s, where he became a prominent figure in the American classical music scene. His music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rhythmic vitality, and the fusion of Greek and Western musical traditions.

Makris served as the composer-in-residence for the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., where he composed several works that were widely performed and acclaimed. One of his most notable pieces, Aegean Festival Overture, reflects his deep connection to his Greek heritage and remains a popular work in the orchestral repertoire. Makris’s contributions to both Greek and American music have earned him a lasting legacy as a composer who bridged cultural divides through his art.

#16 Georges Aperghis (b. 1945)

Georges Aperghis is a Greek-French composer known for his avant-garde music, particularly in the field of experimental theater and vocal music. Born in Athens, Aperghis moved to France in the 1960s, where he became a leading figure in contemporary music. His work often explores the boundaries between music, theater, and language, creating unique and innovative performances that challenge traditional forms.

Aperghis’s compositions are noted for their use of extended vocal techniques, unconventional instrumentation, and the integration of visual and theatrical elements. He founded the Atelier Théâtre et Musique (ATEM) in Paris, where he developed many of his interdisciplinary works. Aperghis’s contributions to modern music have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Mauricio Kagel Music Prize. His ability to push the limits of musical and theatrical expression has made him a significant figure in the contemporary music world.

#17 Yannis Constantinidis (1903–1984)

Yannis Constantinidis was a Greek composer and pianist known for his work in integrating Greek folk music into classical forms. Born in Smyrna (now Izmir, Turkey), Constantinidis moved to Athens after the Greco-Turkish War, where he studied music before continuing his education in Germany.

His compositions often draw on the rich traditions of Greek folk melodies and dances, which he arranged for piano and orchestra in a classical style. Constantinidis’s works, such as 44 Greek Miniatures and Dodecanese Dances, are celebrated for their ability to capture the essence of Greek folk music while presenting it in a sophisticated, classical context. His music played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Greek musical heritage, making him an important figure in 20th-century Greek music.

#18 Athanasios Mouzakis (1906–1982)

Athanasios Mouzakis was a Greek composer and conductor known for his significant contributions to the traditional Greek musical genre known as rebetiko. Born in Athens, Mouzakis became one of the leading composers and arrangers of rebetiko, a genre often described as the Greek blues, which emerged in the early 20th century.

His work was instrumental in shaping the sound of modern Greek popular music, and he collaborated with many of the genre’s most famous artists, including Vassilis Tsitsanis and Markos Vamvakaris. Mouzakis’s compositions are characterized by their deep emotional content, reflecting the struggles and experiences of the Greek working class. His contributions to rebetiko have had a lasting impact on Greek music, and his work continues to be celebrated as an integral part of Greece’s cultural identity.

#19 Marios Varvoglis (1885–1967)

Marios Varvoglis was a prominent Greek composer and conductor, known for his role in the development of early 20th-century Greek music. Born in Brussels to a Greek family, Varvoglis studied music in Paris, where he was influenced by the Impressionist movement and the works of Debussy and Ravel.

Upon returning to Greece, he became a central figure in the country’s musical life, helping to modernize Greek classical music and incorporating elements of Greek folk traditions into his compositions. Varvoglis’s works include symphonies, operas, and chamber music, all of which reflect his interest in blending Western classical music with Greek cultural themes. His influence on Greek music extends beyond his compositions, as he also played a key role in music education and the promotion of contemporary music in Greece.

#20 Lina Tonia (b. 1985)

Lina Tonia is a contemporary Greek composer whose work is known for its emotional depth, innovation, and exploration of new musical languages. Born in Serres, Greece, Tonia studied composition in Greece and abroad, developing a style that blends modern techniques with expressive, lyrical content. Her compositions have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles in Europe and North America, earning her recognition as one of the most promising young composers of her generation.

Tonia’s work often explores themes of identity, memory, and the human condition, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to contemporary music. Her ability to create deeply moving and intellectually engaging music has made her a significant figure in the current landscape of Greek and international music.

#21 Anestis Logothetis (1921–1994)

Anestis Logothetis was a pioneering Greek composer known for his work in graphic notation and electroacoustic music. Born in Burgas, Bulgaria, to Greek parents, Logothetis later moved to Vienna, where he studied music and engineering. He is best known for his innovative approach to musical notation, using graphic symbols to represent sounds and musical structures, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity in performance.

Logothetis’s works often incorporate electronic sounds, visual elements, and multimedia, making him a key figure in the avant-garde music scene of the 20th century. His contributions to graphic notation have influenced many composers and continue to be studied for their impact on contemporary music. Logothetis’s work represents a unique fusion of art, technology, and music, positioning him as a trailblazer in the exploration of new musical possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Greek composer is best known for his film score for Zorba the Greek?

Mikis Theodorakis is best known for composing the iconic score for Zorba the Greek. His work blends traditional Greek music with contemporary styles, making him one of Greece’s most celebrated composers.

Who is the Greek composer recognized for his pioneering work in electronic music and film scores such as Blade Runner?

Vangelis is renowned for his groundbreaking electronic music and memorable film scores, including Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire. His compositions have left a lasting impact on both film music and the electronic genre.

Which Greek composer is a leading figure in the avant-garde music scene, known for his work in graphic notation?

Anestis Logothetis is known for his pioneering work in graphic notation and electroacoustic music. His innovative approach to composition has influenced many contemporary composers.

Who composed the music for the Greek national anthem, Hymn to Liberty?

Nikolaos Mantzaros composed the music for the Greek national anthem, Hymn to Liberty. His work played a crucial role in establishing a distinct Greek classical music tradition in the 19th century.