THYMIOS ATZAKAS
Dr. Thymios Atzakas is a musician, performer and assistant professor in Macedonian University of Thessaloniki. He holds a doctoral degree (PhD) from the Department of Cultural Technology and Communication, University of the Aegean (2013, dissertation title: “People of the Wood – The ud-istic art from the outskirts of eastern music world to the contemporary Greek urban culture”); a post-graduate degree with honours (Konzertexamen-Konzertgitarre) from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Felix Mendelssohn Barthold, Leipzig (2001); a Bachelor’s degree (Diplom-Künstlerische Instrumentalausbildung) from the Hochschule für Musik, Köln (1999); and a guitar diploma from the New Conservatory of Thessaloniki (1991).
His research interests focus on
- the performance and creative exploration of plugged traditional instruments of the wider eastern Mediterranean area specialising on the dipole of ud and guitar performance. - musical composition interacting with free or stylised improvisation - reflections on the meaning and the active experience of cultivated and urban folk traditional music through contemporary european music practice.
At the same time, for the last eight years, one of his main occupation is the planing, adjustment and direction of the artistic and educational part of the international music society “Music Village” (www.music-village.gr)
1. Research (2008 - 2013) 1.1 Publications
Conference proceedings (peer-reviewed) 2013 “Workshops and performances of the Department of Music Science and Art (University of Macedonia)”. Published in the e-book “Cultivation of the art of music in Greece of Europe”, Fagotto, http://www.fagottobooks.gr/details.php?isbn=978-960-98740-2-1
1.2 Workshops, lectures, seminars
09.11.2012 Lecture and seminar: “The ud in the music traditions of Asia Minor”, (Institut fuer Musikwissenschaft Wien).
27.05.2009 Lecture: “Ud and popular song in Asia Minor and Constantinople”, Department of Music Science and Art (University of Macedonia)
29.05.2009 Lecture: “The musical and educational input of Ross Daly”, Department of Music Science and Art (University of Macedonia)
2. Performance (2008 - 2013)
2.1 Performances
Personal recordings
2012 ω-ΣΩΜΑ: “Playing with Light” Antonis Anissegos (piano), Thymios Atzakas (el. guitar, oud), Shoji Hano (drums, voice), gligg 2012 www.gligg-records.com
2009 ΣΩΜΑ Antonis Anissegos - piano, Thymios Atzakas - ud/guitar, Michalis Siganidis – double-bass, Savina Yannatou - voice, Maria Thoidou – voice, defkaz/music village 2009
2009 MYRTATE Theodora Baka – mezzo-soprano, Thymios Atzakas – ud, lute, instrumentation, Βijan Chemirani - dombak, bendir. Raumklang (distribution: Harmonia Mundi)
Performances in international venues by invitation (highlights)
17 - 28.05.2013 ΣΩΜΑ, tour in Japan (Antonis Anisngos – piano, Thymios Atzakas – ud, electric guitar, Sohi Hano – drums)
09.11.2012 Vienna, Palais Kabelwerk Ex Silentio with Savina Yannatou (voice)
23.04.2012 Tiran – Albania, International Symposium on Polyphonic Music Εx Silentio
29.03.2012 Performance with Kemal Dinc, Ahment Aslan and Antonis Anisegos, Istanbul, CRR – Cemal Resit Rey Konser Salonu
08.04.2011 Berlin, Ausland Theater, ΣΩΜΑ, guest: Shoji Hano (Japan)
07.04.2011 Berlin, B Flat Theater, ΣΩΜΑ, guest: Shoji Hano (Japan)
05.04.2011 Passau - Germany, Cafe Museum, ΣΩΜΑ, guest: Shoji Hano (Japan)
18.12.2010 Cyprus, Realto Music Hall with Michalis Siganidis
20.09.2010 ΣΩΜΑ, Leukosia - Cyprus, University of Cyprus Festival guests: Michalis Siganidis, Maria Thoidou
16.09.2010 Cyprus, Realto Music Hall with Michalis Siganidis
13-14.09.2010 Austria, Wien, Alte Musik in St. Ruprecht 2010 - Konzerte auf historischen Instrumenten Ex Silentio
18.07.2008 Montenegro, 22nd International Early Music Festival of Montenegro, Grad Theatre Budva, Montenegro
Performances in domestic venues (highlights)
27, 28, 29.09.2013 Athens, St Paul Anglican Church – Argosaronikos Festival Εx Silentio with Savina Yannatou, Av’ Eva
23.06.2013 Athens and Epidavrous Festival Latinitas Nostra, A traveler in Levante
27.04.2013 Athens, Onassis Cultural Centre - Borderline Festival ΣΩΜΑ guest: bestbefore (Berlin)
13 - 14.04.2013 State Orchestra of Thessaloniki Rehearsal Hall 1st Series of Contemporary Improvisation in Music
25 - 27.01.2013 Athens, Onassis Cultural Centre Works by: Antonis Apergis – guitar, Eugenios Voulgaris – yayli tambour, Thymios Atzakas – ud, Katerina Papadopoulou – voice, Kyriakos Gouventas – violin, Loukas Metaxas – percussion, Manos Ahalinotopoulos – clarino, Martha Mavroeidi – lute & voice, Nikos Praoulakis – ney & percussion, Sokratis Sinopoulos – lyra
07.06.2011 Thessaloniki, Vafopouleio Cultural Centre
29.05.2011 Thessaloniki Concert Hall Ex Silentio, Lucente stella. Medieval music from the Mediterranean, secular music from Escorial & Rossi, Libre Vermel codex
31.03.2011 Thessaloniki Concert Hall ΣΩΜΑ guest: Shoji Hano (Japan)
01 - 02.04.2011 Athens BAUMSTRASSE – ΣΩΜΑ guest: Shoji Hano (Japan)
24.09.2010 Athens, St Paul Anglican Church Ex Silentio, Medieval music from the Mediterranean
29.08.2010 Agios Laurentios, Music Village 2010 with Christos Tzitimikas, Sokratis Sinopoulos, Eugenios Voulgaris, Haris Lambrakis, Antonis Apergis, Giorgos Ventouris, Loukas Metaxas
18.08.2010 Agios Laurentios, Music Village 2010 with Hayden Chisholm (saxophone) and Chris Dahlgren (double bass, viola da gamba)
14.08.2010 Mytilini, Arhontico Georgiadi with Alkinoos Ioannidis, Michalis Siganidis
17.05.2010 Volos, open architecture theatre A ship for Gaza with Nena Venetsanou, Haig Yazdjian, Ziad Rajab
13.04.2010 Thessaloniki, Royal Theatre A ship for Gaza, Die Festiche Eier
18.03.2010 Thessaloniki, Mylos Trio Tzane (France)
4 -11.03.2010 Tour in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra, Volos with Kara Deniz (Thessaloniki/Berlin)
03.12.2009 Thessaloniki, Small Musical Theatre Thymios Atzakas – ud, Kostas Theodorou – double bass & percussion
01.11.2009 Athens, Aulaia With Haris Lambrakis –ney and Kostas Tatsakis – drums 01.11.2009 Athens Concert Hall Ex Silentio, Stella splendens
31.10.2009 Athens, St Paul Anglican Church Ex Silentio, Stella splendens
30.08.2009 Agios Laurentios, Music Village 2009 with Haig Yazdjian
28.03.2008 Thessaloniki, Pringipessa Maria Thoidou’s Ensemble: Thymios Atzakas – ud, Efren Lopez – viola da roda, Kyriakos Tapakis – bass, Loukas Metaxas – percussion, Kostas Raptis – bajian
25 - 26.07.2008 8ο Epidaurous Festival Participation (on ud) in the production Love ends in Tragedy by M. Hadjidakis and G. E. Lazarides – soloist: Maria Farantouri
23.12.2008 Florina, Contemporary Art Museum with Dimitris Kountouras – recorders, Kostas Raptis - bajian
15.12.2008 Thessaloniki, Pringipessa Minimally Perceivable Differentiations with Chris Dahlgren (double bass/USA) and Floros Florides (bass clarinet)
04 - 11.12.2008 Tour in Thessaloniki, Patra, Athens and Serres Savvas Paulides’ project: Kara Deniz
30.08.2008 Agios Laurentios, Music Village 2008 Udopia (music and instrumentation by Thymios Atzakas) with Sokratis Sinopoulos – lyra, Eugenios Voulgaris – yayli tambour
Curation of concert/recording programs
29.09.2013 48th Dimitria Festival, Thessaloniki Opening concert: Synfagomen Organization, repertoire teaching and artistic direction
22.02.2013 Institute of Tinian Culture, Tinos Department of Music Science and Art (University of Macedonia), traditional music ensemble Organization, repertoire teaching and artistic direction
21.12.2012 Archeological Museum, Thessaloniki Music performance The Twelve Days Carols Organization and artistic direction along with S. Sinopoulos and A. Katsanevakis
26.05.2012 Bey Hamam, Thessaloniki 80+1, music performance in seven musical positions for S. Gubaidulina’s 81st birthday Organization and artistic direction along with G. Kiriakakis and K. Raptis
04 - 06.05.2012 Music workshop Café Aman Organization and artistic direction along with Sokratis Sinopoulos
01 - 30.05.2012 Department of Music Science and Art (University of Macedonia) May of Musical Methexis 2012 Coordination of events and educational projects Συντονισμός
18.03.2012 Kakoyianni Intitute, Athens Concert and workshop cycle Meeting the music and the musicians DMSA ensemble New Pans , organisation and artistic direction
23.11.2011 Tellogleio Culture Institute, Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art DMSA traditional music ensemble, organization and artistic direction
16.11.2011 University of Macedonia 68th Synod of Deans Artistic direction and coordination of the DMSA traditional music ensembles
15.11.2011 Moni Lazariston Festival, Thessaloniki DMSA traditional music ensemble, organisation and artistic direction
30.06 - 04.07.2011 SANDATER International Music Universities’ Festival DMSA traditional music ensemble, organisation and artistic direction
21.06.2011 Thessaloniki Concert Hall International Day of Music Ensemble New Pans, organization and artistic direction
27.05.2011 Witches and Eunuchs Another insight on the instrumental secular music from the European Medieval times and from the Ottoman Court
14.03.2011 New Ensembles in the New Concert Hall, Thessaloniki DMSA traditional music ensemble in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Music Hall Production, coordination, preparation of musicians, recording engineering and editing
01 - 31.05.2010 Member of the committee organizing May of Musical Methexis 2010 Artistic coordination, coordination and production of publicity material
25.03.2010 Volos, University of Thessaly Concert of the DMSA traditional music ensemble Artistic direction and project curation along with Sokratis Sinopoulos and Yiannis Zarias
29.05.2009 University of Macedonia, May of Musical Methexis 2009 Concert and workshop with Ross Daly Artistic coordination and event curation
23.05.2008 University of Macedonia, May of Musical Methexis 2008 Organization of workshop on the Balkan kaval with Nedyalko Nedyalkov
22.05.2008 University of Macedonia, May of Musical Methexis 2008 Organization of workshop on the Macedonian and Thracian gaidas (bagpipes) with Vasilis Karakousis
2.2 Masterclasses, workshops, seminars
24.02 - 04.03.2013 Ud masterclass addressed to professional French musicians DROM ASSOCIATION FOR MODAL MUSIC http://www.drom-kba.eu
2012 - 2013 Avgo of the Music Village, Thessaloniki Experiential, spontaneous composition workshop Trygos www.music-village.gr/avgo
2.3 Radio and television broadcasts, film productions (highlights)
2012 Music’s Secrets (ΤΑ ΜΥΣΤΙΚΑ ΤΗΣ ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗΣ) (episode: Music and education) ERT Production http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED29H8w0a3s
2013 MUSIC VILLAGE: THE DOCUMENTARY Dangerous Productions, First screening at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni4sfPB7834
2013 ΜΕDITERRANEA ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΟΣ (episode: Macedonia – Thessaloniki) ERT Production http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kohGby2zv9U&list=PLU4KPmG1We5q2UEl SR5O7EA04I9BIx5TE