Synthesis Cultural Foundation Presents: Friday, April 11th 8pm
Featuring:
Anthi Aggelou
Amanda Homi
Nikos Kouroupakis
Olympia Milonas
Stella Lymberis
Yianni Papastefanou
Roula Vassos
Julie Ziavras
Christophoros Zissoulis
With:
Lefteris Bournias - clarinet
Megan Gould- violin
Kostas Psarros - bouzouki
Angelos Papadatos - bass
Steve Vavagiakis - drums
Richard Khuzami - percussion
Horacio Jimenez - guitar
Glafkos Kontemeniotis - piano
Chris Papson - bouzouki
Exclusive Interview
THE MYSTIC MASTER
In the soft light of a New York jazz club, Spyros Kardamis sits at the piano, his fingers moving effortlessly over the keys. His music, a complex combination of classical wisdom, jazz fluidity, and Eastern mysticism, has captivated audiences for decades. Born in Athens and based in the United States since 1986, Kardamis has woven a unique sonic tapestry that reflects his multifaceted musical journey.
“Music is not just a profession for me,” he begins, his voice filled with passion, just like his compositions. “It is a calling – a way to connect the material with the spiritual, the past with the present.”
A LIFE IN HARMONY
Kardamis is a multi-talented pianist, composer, arranger and producer. He performs throughout the metropolitan area, transitioning with ease from conducting a full orchestra to a solitary, expressive pianistic performance. His personal style is unmistakable, deeply influenced by classical music, jazz, pop, Greek and oriental musical traditions.
“My compositions always have an element of mysticism,” he explains. “It’s a
journey into the soul, an exploration beyond the notes.”
His work has been performed in some of the most distinguished venues, from Boston University and the Eastman School of Music to the legendary Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and international stages in Tokyo and Greece. His influence is undeniable, with his music heard in libraries, art galleries, dance theaters, hospitals and even spiritual transformation workshops.
A SOUND HERITAGE
Kardamis' contribution to the musical tradition of the Greek-American community is immense. His music has been included in important productions, such as the 1998 documentary Greek Americans, produced by George Veras. The film featured his iconic composition We the Hellenes, a piece that resonates with the pride and heritage of the Greek diaspora. His recording career spans more than three decades:
- Of Mystic Places & Troubadours (1991)
- Soothing to the Savage Beast (1994)
- Voyage '89 (1989)
- Mystic Transportation (1989)
- Piano & Soul (2021)
- Homage 1989-2022 (2022)
Each album is a reflection of his evolving
artistic journey, a testament to his dedication to pushing musical boundaries.
SCHOLAR AND MENTOR
In addition to his artistic career, Kardamis is also an academic. He holds a Master's degree in Music from the distinguished Eastman School of Music. Interestingly, he also obtained a law degree from the University of Athens, although he never practiced law.
“Law sharpens the mind,” he comments. “But music gives voice to my soul.”
He has also taught advanced theory and orchestration techniques at the National Conservatory of Athens, where among his students was Pericles Koukos, a distinguished contemporary Greek composer and former artistic director of the National Opera.
AWARDS AND AWARDS
Kardami's talent has been honored with numerous awards, such as:
- First prize in the Chamber Music Competition of the Greek Ministry of Culture (1979)
- Special award for the best orchestration at the Thessaloniki Pop Music Festival (1978)
- Distinction in piano and cash prize at the age of 15 from the National Conservatory of Athens
DREAMS IN MUSIC
Over the years, he has led many musical projects:
-DREAMBAND (1993): Four-member group with dancer Shamira Shahinian, dedicated to New Age music.
- 2ND & 3RD GENERATION (1997): Eight-member band that performed Greek music to poetry by Dinos Makropoulos.
- DREAMBAND 2004: Nine-member band with the participation of soprano Julie Ziavras, tenor Yannis Papastefanou and oriental dancer Amira Mor.
A UNIQUE EVENING
On June 8, 2004, Spyros Kardamis and Dreamband 2004 took to the stage at the Satalla Club in Manhattan, offering a magical concert.
“That night was like a homecoming,” he recalls. “A musical embrace of the past, present, and future.”
THE CONTINUATION OF THE JOURNEY
On April 11th at 8pm, Chiotes Hall in New York (337 E 74th St ) will host an extraordinary concert in honor of the life and work of Spyros Kardamis. Distinguished musicians and singers will join forces to honor the great artist.
This evening promises to be an unforgettable celebration of his musical legacy, keeping his spirit alive for generations to come.
Petros Hatjopoulos Board member, Music Director
Petros was born in Thessaloniki, Greece and has played the piano since the age of 5. He studied piano, composition and choral conducting in Greece and Europe.
He represented his hometown in a series of concerts and recitals around Europe and represented Greece in the Sonenberg European conference of young conductors at the age of 20 in 1987.
played numerous classical and Greek music performances in the US, and he composed music for radio, TV, ballet, as well as orchestral pieces, children’s musicals and theater. He has conducted choirs and orchestras in recordings and performances around the world.
He represented the US in the International Festival of Sydney, Australia in 1997, served as organist at St. Nicholas in Flushing, taught music at the Holy Trinity Cathedral School in NYC and in 1999 founded the Archdiocesan Children’s Choir and was its first director. He also directed the choirs at the Church of our Savior in Rye, NY for 21 years.
He founded and served as President of GMTV- the first global Greek music TV channel which broadcast to the Americas, Asia Pacific and Australia via satellite. Currently, Petros teaches at University of Bridgeport and in the New Ha
Christina Kostaki Founder, President Christina Panagopou lou-Kostaki was born in Ath ens. In her teens, she moved to New York with her parents and brother. From her marriage she had three daughters, Sophia, Argyro and Melina. They moved to Greece where she had the opportunity to attend classes at the Law
New York she served as secretary at the Hellenic Cultural Center of the Greek Archdiocese of America for several years and later as an affairs manager at HANAC. She served the Historical Athenians’ Society of NY as President, Vice President and Treasurer, the Women's Affairs Committee as President and is now Secretary General of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of New York. In 2011 she established the "Synthesis" Cultural Foundation with the aim of promoting and supporting Greek culture, education and philanthropy. In recent years she has been working as a Greek teacher in the afternoon schools of the Parishes of the Holy Archdiocese.
