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THESIS Trio

THESIS Trio, established in 2018 and persisting to this day, is an exceptional ensemble dedicated to showcasing modern compositions by Greek composers. The trio comprises the extraordinary talents of Irini Tsirakidis, a captivating mezzo-soprano, the marvelous Dimitra Kokkinopoulou on piano, and the versatile Yiorgos Kaloudis, skillfully handling both cello and the Classical Cretan Lyra, but also the arrangements. Their main objective centers around presenting contemporary Greek compositions that seamlessly blend voice, piano, cello, and the distinct timbre of the classical Cretan lyra. With unwavering commitment and immense talent, THESIS Trio breathes life into these contemporary works, enchanting audiences with their captivating performances. Prepare to be transported on a musical journey that showcases the vibrant tapestry of modern Greek compositions.

Irini Tsirakidis & Yiorgos Kaloudis
Since 2018, Yiorgos Kaloudis has forged a mesmerizing duet with the extraordinary mezzo-soprano, Irini Tsirakidis. Together, they embark on a musical odyssey, delivering captivating arrangements that harmonize classical vocals with the enchanting melodies of the classical Cretan lyra. Their collaboration showcases the sublime beauty and boundless versatility of both the human voice and the traditional Cretan instrument, captivating audiences with a mesmerizing blend of evocative melodies and heartfelt emotions. Prepare to be captivated by their enchanting performances, as they transport you to a realm where music transcends boundaries and touches the depths of the soul.

HOMER by Sophia Hill.
Since 2015, audiences have been entranced by an extraordinary theatrical quartet, bringing a fresh interpretation to the Rhapsodies of Homer's Odyssey. Guided by the vision of Greek actress and Ancient Drama interpreter, Sophia Hill, and orchestrated by Yiorgos Kaloudis, this production unites four exceptional artists. Sophia Hill, Ruth Hill, Yiorgos Kaloudis, and Antonis Myriangos each contribute their unique talents to the stage.

Accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the classical Cretan lyra and the kanun, ancient Greek musical instruments, this quartet breathes new life into the timeless epic. Their performances transport audiences to the captivating realm of Homer's Odyssey, skillfully intertwining dramatic interpretation, music, and storytelling. With Sophia Hill's masterful direction and the combined talents of all four performers, a truly unforgettable and unparalleled experience unfolds, as they bring the Rhapsodies of Homer to vibrant life on stage.

“CHOSEN” trio & TRUTH (Album)
The remarkable trio known as "CHOSEN," whose musical prowess and innovative sound took the industry by storm in 2007.
Comprising Sylvan Richardson on bass guitar, Ruth Hill on the kanun, and cellist/composer Yiorgos Kaloudis, they effortlessly melded various musical genres to captivate audiences worldwide.

A significant milestone in their career was their unforgettable performance at the esteemed Manchester Jazz Festival in 2007. This renowned platform allowed "CHOSEN" to showcase their distinct fusion of jazz, world music, and improvisation, leaving the audience spellbound. With their instruments intricately intertwined, they created a tapestry of sound that was both rich and captivating.

Sylvan Richardson's mastery of the bass guitar laid the foundation for the trio's groove and rhythmic prowess, providing a solid backdrop for their musical exploration. Ruth Hill's skillful command of the kanun, a traditional Middle Eastern instrument, added an exotic and melodious dimension to their compositions. At the heart of the ensemble, Yiorgos Kaloudis's expertise on the cello brought a touch of classical elegance and innovative spirit to their collective sound.

"CHOSEN" garnered acclaim for seamlessly navigating through diverse musical styles, crafting an experience that was truly unparalleled. Their performance at the Manchester Jazz Festival showcased their exceptional musicianship, improvisational finesse, and the harmonious chemistry that bound them together as a trio.

Yiorgos Kaloudis & Ruth Hill
Yiorgos Kaloudis and Ruth Hill, the extraordinary musical duo captivating audiences since 2004. Together, they unlock the poetic enchantment concealed within the cello and kanun, intertwining their melodies to perfection. Their performances are a symphony of liberation, embracing compositions crafted exclusively for this rare combination. With live-loop-recording, Yiorgos orchestrates mesmerizing soundscapes that elevate Ruth's kanun melodies and improvisations to new heights. The sheer pleasure of sharing silent moments blossoms into vibrant vibrations, creating an unforgettable experience of pure musical bliss.

ON THE WIND (Album)
In his personal album, "On The Wind," Yiorgos Kaloudis embarked on captivating collaborations with a group of exceptional musicians.
On the saxophones and EWI, the renowned American musician Steve Tavaglione lends his remarkable talents to the album. He is widely recognized as one of the leading contemporary interpreters in the global jazz scene and has made notable contributions to film soundtracks such as "American Beauty" and "Ocean's Eleven," among others. Steve Tavaglione is also known for his work with the group Tribal Tech.

Joining him in this musical endeavor are Sylvan Richardson on the 6-string electric bass, a familiar collaborator from Yiorgos Kaloudis's first CD "Truth." Sylvan Richardson, previously associated with artists like Andy Sheppard and Simply Red, brings his expertise to the mix.
Ruth Hill, with her distinctive approach on the kanun, a Middle-Eastern instrument, introduces its unique sound to the realm of jazz.

Adding a touch of beauty and delicacy to the last two tracks of the album is pianist Sotiris Lemonidis, while drummer Mike Kapilidis provides interpretative support with his exceptional musicality.

The album features the enchanting voice of Greek actress Sophia Hill, renowned for her exceptional performances at the Attis Theatre, and her 4-year-old son Angelos, adding a theatrical brushstroke to the CD.

A notable guest artist on the album is the well-known Cypriot singer, Alkinoos Ioannidis, who lends his voice to a captivating recomposition titled "Spasmeno II," based on the lyrics of Alkinoos' original song "Spasmeno." The composition showcases a unique fusion of cello and voice.

Yiorgos Kaloudis demonstrates his immense talent throughout the album, playing the violoncello, 5-string electric cello, Classical Cretan Lyra, as well as overseeing the string ensembles, calimba, and percussion. The entire album, composed, arranged, and produced by Yiorgos Kaloudis, is an embodiment of his musical vision and artistry.

One of the tracks on the album, "First Light," draws inspiration from the traditional English Tudor round called "Rose," adding a distinct touch to the overall composition.

Other Collaborations

Throughout the years spanning from 1993 to 2017, in addition to his personal projects, Yiorgos Kaloudis engaged in numerous collaborations and recordings across various music genres. He served as a session musician in the vibrant Greek music scene, showcasing his love for music both locally and on international stages around the globe. His touring experiences took him across Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, Japan, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, and Kazakhstan, further enriching his musical journey and expanding his creative horizons. Through these diverse collaborations, Yiorgos Kaloudis contributed his exceptional skills as a musician to a wide range of musical endeavors, leaving his mark on the global music landscape.