Greek Music Express: Masters of the Greek clarinet: Vasilis Soukas | 14 July 2025

Throughout the week that starts today, here at GME, we turn to the music of Epirus, a core exemplification of Greek traditional music, and its main instrument: the Greek clarinet or clarino. The reason for our tribute: the loss of Petroloukas Halkias a few weeks ago, at the age of 90. Vasilis Soukas was born in 1931 in Kompoti, Arta. From a young age he stood out for his performances on various musical instruments and eventually settled on the clarinet. A true soloist, with his own strong personality, style and character, he quickly emerged as a protagonist in festivals and the discography where he participated as a performer and composer.