This episode of “Our Town” is dedicated to the leading Greek pianist and composer Giannis Spartakos. The program hosts his daughter, music professor and journalist Gina Spartakou, who traces the key milestones of her father’s remarkable career—from his early years and his involvement in silent cinema, which marked his first professional steps.
The tribute highlight the historic venues where he performed in Greece, including his first major public appearance at the Aigli of Zappeion, alongside his friend, the renowned composer Michalis Souyioul on accordion. The broadcast also explores the rich artistic world Spartakos created, his important collaborations, and his major international recitals (Egypt, Constantinople, New York), which contributed to the legend surrounding his name.
Gina Spartakou speaks about his great love for jazz and share stories behind his major successes, including the song “I’ll Take You Away” (Θα σε πάρω μακριά), which was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the first Greek song to achieve major success abroad. Also speaking on the program are the singer and author Yiovanna, Dimitris Theofilou—owner of the historic venue “Magemenos Avlos,” a known haunt of Spartakos—and pianist and conductor Panagis Barbatis, who had a close artistic relationship with him.
Produced and presented by Themis Rodamitis