Yannis Pantazis

Multi-Instrumentalist | Composer | Instrument Artisan
Co-founder & Co-owner of Symposion Cultural Center
Santorini, Greece

Biography

Born: 1978 in the picturesque mountain town of Grevena, Greece, Yannis Pantazis grew up in a household steeped in musical tradition. With a father and grandfather who were both talented percussionists, his early life was infused with the rhythmic sounds of their craft. This rich upbringing laid the foundation for a deep-seated passion for music and cultural expression that would define his life's journey.

Education:

1997: Yannis took his first significant step towards becoming a professional musician by enrolling at "Delidimos Lazaros" Conservatory in Thessaloniki, where he studied music theory and honed his saxophone skills.
2002: His thirst for knowledge led him to continue his education at the "Christos Papoulakos" Conservatory in Larissa, where he expanded his musical repertoire.

Professional Journey

2001: Yannis began his musical career by joining Captain Sung and his Electric Tangerine, a vibrant band that provided him with early exposure to the live music scene.
2005: He took on a pivotal role in the ethno-Greek band Namaste, embarking on a journey that saw him tour across Greece and the Balkans, connecting with diverse audiences and deepening his appreciation for folk music.
2006: A serendipitous childhood memory drew Yannis to the enchanting sound of the tsabouna (Greek bagpipe). This passion led him to Naxos, where he learned the craft from a local shepherd. He then moved to Santorini, igniting a revival of this traditional instrument on the island.
2007: While studying language and music in the southern Italian region of Grecia Salentina, Yannis immersed himself in local festivals, further enriching his musical expression.
2011: Recognized for his dedication to preserving folk instruments, Yannis was elected to the committee of the Pan-Cycladic Meeting of Folk Wind-Instruments, where he played a pivotal role in promoting traditional music.
2012: Co-founding La Ponta, a workshop and exhibition space for the tsabouna within a historic Venetian castle in Akrotiri, Yannis began crafting instruments while also hosting educational workshops and performances, bridging the past with the present.
2013:
- His commitment to cultural heritage was affirmed when La Ponta was nominated for a National Geographic World Cultural Heritage Award.
- Yannis released his debut album, Aylos Aulos, which resonated with the themes of cultural identity and musical exploration.
2016: Yannis earned recognition as an Olympic Mentor in Rome, underscoring his role as a cultural ambassador who shares the profound stories of Greek music.
2018: The story continued with the expansion of La Ponta, culminating in the co-founding of Symposion Cultural Center, a vibrant hub for music, art, and the exploration of Greek mythology in Megalochori, Santorini.

Recent Endeavors (2020 - Present)

Innovative Research: Delving into the depths of Greek mythology, Yannis developed interactive music presentations that invite audiences to connect through the universal language of music.
Compositions for Film:
- He composed evocative music for Paramount Pictures’ Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, merging cinematic storytelling with rich musical traditions.
- Yannis collaborated with Universal Pictures on The Odyssey, directed by C. Nolan, designing specialized instruments that enriched the film’s narrative and aesthetic.

Artisan Craftsmanship

Custom Instrument Development: Yannis has crafted bespoke instruments for renowned artists, including Vangelis Papathanasiou and Brendan Perry and Lisa Garrard of Dead Can Dance, embodying a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistry.

Key Projects and Achievements

Cultural Representation: Participated in the EU cultural program "Folk Music in MusEUms" in Estonia, Norway, Italy, and Spain; contributed to the production of two albums.
Theater Collaboration: Performed and composed for the National Drama Theater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, as part of the European Capital of Culture project "The Traveling Man," based on Homer's Odyssey.
Educational Initiatives: Developed interactive music presentations linking Greek mythology with music, conducting workshops and academic lectures.

Media Coverage

Yannis Pantazis's work has been featured in various prestigious media outlets, highlighting his impact on the cultural and musical landscape:

BBC 2 (Scotland)
OTE HISTORY (Greece)
RAI3 (Italy)
TV5 (France)
ET3 (Greece)
National Geographic Magazine (UK)
Sunday Times (UK)
NDR (Germany)
VIV2 (Vietnam)
SONGLINES Magazine (UK)
Chanter Magazine (UK)
New Greek TV (USA)
https://www.symposionsantorini.com/press

Selected Projects