Mikis Theodorakis: The influential Greek composer and musical activist

Mikis Theodorakis was a central figure in Greek culture and music, known for his diverse contributions across classical and popular genres. His work included symphonies, operas, ballets, oratorios, and chamber music.

He is internationally recognized for composing the syrtaki rhythm for the 1964 film ‘Zorba the Greek’, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. Theodorakis also composed scores for notable films such as ‘Phèdre’ (1962) and ‘Serpico’ (1973). In 1970, he received a BAFTA for the film score of ‘Z’, directed by Costa-Gavras.

A significant aspect of his legacy was setting the poetry of renowned authors to music, including Nobel laureates Pablo Neruda, Giorgos Seferis, and Odysseas Elytis, as well as poets Yannis Ritsos and Kostas Varnalis.