Yiorgos Kaloudis, a musician of Greek heritage (Cretan and Corfiot origins), hails from Athens, Greece. Renowned for his exceptional musicality as a cellist, Classical Cretan Lyra performer, improviser, and composer, Kaloudis has garnered international acclaim throughout his career. Whether performing in prestigious concert halls, archaeological monuments, churches, or museums, Kaloudis's artistry has revitalized and reimagined the Classical Cretan Lyra, breathing new life into this ancient instrument.

Two of Kaloudis' most notable recitals are unique adaptations of "J.S. Bach: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra," developed over twenty years of extensive study and research, and the one-of-a-kind recital "La Rêveuse: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra," refined over six years of study, featuring arrangements of medieval and Renaissance repertoire for solo Classical Cretan Lyra. Additionally, the recital titled "Aptera" showcases his own compositions, blending the timbres and techniques of the cello and the classical Cretan lyra in tonal, tropic, and contemporary styles. These three recitals demonstrate his versatility as a musician, seamlessly blending different musical styles and eras.

Kaloudis' discography of seven albums is a testament to his dedication and artistry. Albums such as "Truth," "On The Wind," "Aptera," and "Driopi" showcase his original compositions that reflect his contemplative and introspective musical style. Moreover, he has undertaken the monumental task of recording the "J.S. Bach Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra," divided into two volumes. This ambitious project required twelve years of extensive study and research, during which Kaloudis expanded the tonal range of the classical Cretan lyra by adding a fourth string and improving the techniques for both hands, including introducing thumb fingering for the left hand. This innovation enabled him to perform not only Bach's compositions but also classical European music.

The album "La Rêveuse: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra" showcases the results of Kaloudis' extensive six-year research into Renaissance and medieval music repertoire. Through meticulous transcriptions and arrangements, he breathes new life into compositions by renowned artists such as Guillaume de Machaut, Sainte Colombe, Marin Marais, Anonymous (England, 1225), and Guido d'Arezzo. The live recording took place at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Santorini, creating a captivating atmosphere and preserving the essence of the performance.

In February 2023, Yiorgos Kaloudis was invited by the prestigious organization MusicAeterna to present his 20 years of research on the integration of the classical Cretan lyra into Western European music. The event, held at Dom Radio in St. Petersburg, Russia, featured a lecture on the classical Cretan lyra and four captivating recitals: "La Rêveuse: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra," "J.S. Bach Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra" (Part I & Part II), and the "Aptera" recital, showcasing his own compositions for the classical Cretan lyra, cello, and electronics.

In June 2023, Kaloudis received a special invitation from the renowned Diaghilev Festival in Perm to present a diverse range of repertoire, featuring the premiere of a collaboration with the ensemble musicAeterna4, arranging compositions of the Early Music repertoire for the concert “Come Again Sweet Love.” He performed the recital "Aptera" at Perm’s Gallery late-night concert, showcasing his own compositions for the classical Cretan lyra, and the recital "La Rêveuse: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra," a solo recital with dedicated arrangements of Early Music repertoire, at Diaghilev’s house. These incredible concerts were followed by two enlightening lectures on his 20-year research on the introduction of the classical Cretan lyra into Western European music. He was also invited by Theodor Currentzis to participate with the musicAeterna Orchestra and Choir in Stravinsky’s opera, “Persephone”.

Kaloudis was also invited by Theodor Currentzis to participate with the Utopia Orchestra and Choir at the Salzburg Festival 2023, performing in Purcell’s opera “The Indian Queen”, based on the libretto by John Dryden and Robert Howard, and in the version by Peter Sellars (2013/2016).

In October 2023, he was a resident artist with musicAeterna at Dom Radio in St. Petersburg, presenting his recitals “Dimensions” and “Aptera” featuring his own compositions from his discography. Additionally, he coached, directed, arranged, and trained the MusicAeterna4 vocal ensemble for the concert “Come Again Sweet Love,” focusing on European music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. He also presented a masterclass titled "Breathing in Performance" (lecture and workshop on breathing techniques and stretching exercises) as part of the musicAeterna educational program.

Currently, Kaloudis has completed a new and ambitious musical research project titled "Publication of a Teaching Method for Classical Cretan Lyra and Application of Modern Technological Means in its Interpretation." In November 2023, he officially presented the results of his 20 years of research, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Greece, in collaboration with the University of Crete in Rethymno, and under the scientific supervision of Professor Manolis Seiragakis.

In November 2023, he presented the recital "La Rêveuse - Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra" at the Oslo Concert Hall in Norway. This Nordic premiere was held with the auspices and financial support of the Ministry of Culture of Greece and under the auspices of the Greek Embassy in Oslo, organized by ARTience by_PhonoQuest.

Yiorgos Kaloudis' journey as a musician has been defined by a relentless love for the art of music, exploration, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition. As he continues to serve the art of music unconditionally, Yiorgos Kaloudis stands as a true visionary and a proud ambassador of the classical Cretan lyra project.

Yiorgos Kaloudis is a cello and chamber music professor at the Athenaeum Conservatory in Athens since 2014 and at the Municipal Conservatory of Korydallos in Piraeus since 2019.

PERFORMANCES / PRESENTATIONS

Continuing his relentless pursuit of sharing his unique musical vision, Yiorgos Kaloudis has graced numerous prestigious stages and festivals around the world.

In November 2023 he presented the recital “LA REVÊUSE - Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra” at the Oslo Concert Hall in Norway. This Nordic premiere presentation was held with the auspices and financial support of the Ministry of Culture of Greece and under the auspices of the Greek Embassy in Oslo. It was organized by ARTience by_PhonoQuest.

In November 2023, he officially presented the results of his 20 years of research: "Publication of a teaching method of Classical Cretan Lyra and application of modern technological means in its interpretation", with the auspices and financial support of the Ministry of Culture of Greece, with the collaboration of the University of Crete in Rethymno, and with the scientific supervision of Professor Manolis Seiragakis.

In October 2023 he was a resident artist in musicAeterna at the Dom Radio of St. Petersburg, to present his recitals “Dimensions” and “Aptera” with his own compositions of his discography.
Additionally to that, for coaching, directing, arranging and training of the musicAeterna4 vocal ensemble, for the concert “Come Again Sweet Love” European music of Middleage and Renaissance.
He also presented a masterclass with the title "Breathing in Performance" (lecture and workshop in breathing techniques, stretching exercises). at the musicAeterna educational program, organised by Anna Fefelova.

In July 2023, he was invited by Theodor Currentzis to participate with the Utopia Orchestra and Choir at the Salzburg Festival 2023 at Purcell’s opera “The Indian Queen”, to play the Classical Cretan Lyra and the baroque cello, on the libretto after the play of the same name by John Dryden and Robert Howard, and in the version by Peter Sellars (2013/2016).

In June 2023, Kaloudis received a special invitation from the renowned Diaghilev Festival in Perm to present a diverse range of repertoire, featuring the premiere of the collaboration with the ensemble musicAeterna4, arranging compositions of the Early Music repertoire for the concert “Come Again Sweet Love”, the recital "Aptera", showcasing Kaloudis's own compositions for Classical Cretan Lyra, the recital "LA REVEUSE: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra", a solo recital with dedicated arrangements of Early Music repertoire.
He was also invited by Theodore Currentzis to participate with The musicAeterna Orchestra and Choir at the Stravinsky’s opera “Persephone”, with the Classical Cretan Lyra. The incredible concerts followed by two enlightening lectures through his 20-year research on the introduction of the Classical Cretan Lyra into Western European Music.

In February 2023, Kaloudis received a special invitation from the renowned organization musicAeterna to present his 20-year research on the introduction of the Classical Cretan Lyra into Western European Music at the Dom Radio in St. Petersburg. This extraordinary event included an enlightening lecture on the Classical Cretan Lyra, followed by four captivating recitals. The performances encompassed a diverse range of repertoire, featuring "LA REVEUSE: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra", the groundbreaking rendition of “J.S. BACH: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra” (Part I & II), and the recital "APTERA", showcasing Kaloudis's own compositions for Classical Cretan Lyra, cello, and electronics.

In December 2021, the Megaron Athens Concert Hall witnessed the premier recital of Kaloudis's album "LA REVEUSE: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra". This momentous occasion marked the culmination of his tireless dedication and passion for breathing life into ancient musical treasures.

In August 2021 performed at the Rokka Festival in the Municipality of Kissamos, Crete. In addition to a captivating recital of Classical Cretan Lyra, he performed alongside the THESIS Trio, featuring Irini Tsirakidis (mezzo-soprano) and Dimitra Kokkinopoulou (piano). Kaloudis's orchestrations skillfully integrated the cello and the Classical Cretan Lyra into the repertoire. Moreover, he delivered a thought-provoking lecture on "The Classical Cretan Lyra in Western European Music."

In April 2021, as part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, Kaloudis received an invitation from the Greek consulate in Kharkov to perform at the Kharkiv Philharmonie in Ukraine. Collaborating with the Trio Metabasis, he presented "20 Songs of the Greek People," featuring music by Y. Constantinides and poetry by R. Tagore. With his orchestrations, which blended the cello and the classical Cretan Lyra, Kaloudis once again showcased his prowess. Additionally, he delivered a lecture at the University of Fine Arts of Kharkiv on the topic of "Classical Cretan Lyra in Western European Music."

In February 2020 performed at the European Polyphony Festival in Rhodes, where he collaborated with the organist and composer Marcel Pérès. Their duet featured arrangements for organ and Classical Cretan Lyra, performed at the Church of St. Francis. Moreover, Kaloudis presented a solo recital titled "Innovating Tradition" at the Temple of Santa Maria and delivered a lecture on the Classical Cretan Lyra at the "Inn of France" in Rhodes.

The year 2019 witnessed Kaloudis's unforgettable performance of the J.S. Bach: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra at the Festival Diagonales d'ete 2019 in collaboration with the renowned Maestro Marcel Perez. The majestic St. Peter Cathedral in Moissac, France served as the venue for this extraordinary musical endeavor.

In June 2019, Kaloudis enthralled the audience at the AD LUCEM Festival held at the St. Peter Cathedral in Riga, Latvia. His recital, aptly named "Innovating Tradition", showcased his exceptional artistry and innovative spirit.

In April 2019, performed the recital "Innovating Tradition" at the UNESCO Auditorium in Paris, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of Greece and the Region of Crete.

Throughout his career, Kaloudis has masterfully blended ancient and modern sounds, and his composition "Orthi Petra (Necropolis)" for classical Cretan lyra and cello, featured on the album "APTERA," accompanied the archaeological exhibition "Crete. Emerging cities: Aptera ― Eleutherna ― Knossos. Three ancient cities revived" at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens from December 2018 to April 2019.

In November 2018, the Regional Union of Crete, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Greece, invited Kaloudis to present a lecture on "Cretan Lyra in Western European Music." This lecture delved into his 12 years of study and research dedicated to the J.S. Bach Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra.

The year 2018 witnessed a truly remarkable event when Kaloudis was invited by the Regional Union of Crete, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Rethymno, and the Museum of Eleftherna to give a unique recital of "Innovating Tradition" at the Homeric Necropolis "Orthi Petra" in Eleftherna, Rethymno, a site dating back 9,000 years BC.

In March 2018 he presented the recital "Innovating Tradition" at the Megaron Athens Underground Concert Hall.

In February 2018, he presented the recital in Cyprus at the archaeological Kastelliotissa Hall in Nicosia.

In October 2017, Kaloudis showcased his artistry in Cyprus, at the archaeological Royal Manor House in Paphos, with the recital "Innovating Tradition."

The reopening of the Ancient Theatre of Aptera in Chania in August 2017 became a momentous occasion as Kaloudis was invited by the Regional Union of Crete and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania to give the premiere recital of "Innovating Tradition" after more than 2,000 years of silence.

In March 2017, Kaloudis delivered a world premiere concert at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall, performing the J.S. Bach: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra.

In October 2016, Kaloudis participated in the Paris "Nuit Blanche" Festival, enchanting the audience with extracts from his album "J.S. Bach Cello Suites on the Cretan lyra."

In March 2015, he presented the recital "Innovating Tradition" at the opening of the New Archaeological Museum of Dion, coinciding with the inauguration of the Ancient Hydraulis.

In September 2015, Kaloudis's exceptional musicality were recognized at the IV International Puppet Festival in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where he was awarded the Special Jury Prize for Best Musical Composition and Interpretation.

In April 2007, Kaloudis participated in the Manchester Jazz Festival, captivating the audience with his compositions as part of the band Chosen, alongside Sylvan Richardson and Ruth Hill.