“A Tribute to Manos Hadjidakis”
To mark the centenary of the birth of two of Greece’s greatest modern composers, Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis, the program “Narratives – Stories and Fairy Tales for Children and Grown-Ups” presents a special tribute to the musical legacy of these two towering figures, born in the same year—1925—just three months apart.
Part II, dedicated to the life and work of Manos Hadjidakis,, was broadcast by Voice of Greece during the composer’s birth month, on Saturday, 18 October 2025. This special episode features recordings of some of Hadjidakis’ most iconic songs and musical themes, written for Greek cinema, as well as compositions created for notable theatre productions and stage performances that continue to be celebrated to this day.
The program presented archival material from the ERT collections, featuring acclaimed performers, musicians, singers, and actors, alongside reflections on Greek film and theatre.
Listeners can also hear Manos Hadjidakis himself, in a historic interview from the Third Programme archives, where he speaks about his 1961 Academy Award win in California, USA – when he received the Oscar for Best Original Song for Never on Sunday (Τα Παιδιά του Πειραιά) by Jules Dassin (1960).
Through this international distinction, Hadjidakis brought Greece its second Academy Award, fifteen years after the legendary actress Katina Paxinou received the same honour.
Reflecting on the award, Hadjidakis said: “The Oscar is not the crowning of a career — it marks my true beginning. A simple song may have brought me the award, yet my ambitions and responsibilities do not end there.” And with his characteristically luminous spirit, he added: “I am indifferent to fame. It confines me within boundaries it sets — not I.”
Ladies and gentlemen, dear listeners of all ages, on behalf of Hellenic Radio, we proudly present our very own Manos Hadjidakis.
Produced and presented by Maria Karagiannaki Iona
* The first part of the tribute, devoted to Mikis Theodorakis, was broadcast by the program “Narratives – Stories and Fairy Tales for Children and Grown-Ups” on Saturday, 26 July 2025, the composer’s birth month, on Voice of Greece.