Composer Kyriakos Sfetsas Passes Away

The pioneering Greek composer Kyriakos Sfetsas has passed away at the age of 81. He was born in Amfilochia on September 29, 1945, and grew up in Lefkada, where he began his musical studies.

Kyriakos Sfetsas studied at the National Conservatory of Athens and continued his studies in Paris. He was a fellow of the French Government and studied with important composers and educators.

His first public performance took place in Paris in 1968. His works have been presented at major festivals, and he has collaborated with dance groups. In 1974, his work was released on record in Paris, one of the first works for four-channel tape.

In Greece, he first appeared as a composer in 1971. From 1999, he lived and worked permanently in Lefkada. He served as artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Lefkada.

His work includes symphonic, choral, stage music, chamber music, electronic music, and songs. He accompanied Maria Callas on the piano in her last appearance in Greece, in August 1964 in Lefkada.