Kyriakos Gouventas & Vasilis Smanis

Two instruments, one powerful sound: Kyriakos Gouventas & Vasilis Smanis revives the original spirit of the Greek zygia, the traditional duo at the heart of island music. Violinist Kyriakos Gouventas and lute player Vasilis Smanis invite the audience on an immersive musical journey through the rich soundscape of the Greek islands.

Their concert repertoire brings together traditional melodies, dances, and songs from over twenty islands, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades, Crete, and Cyprus. Each piece carries the distinct character of its place of origin, while leaving space for improvisation and spontaneous interplay.

Kyriakos Gouventas is a leading figure in Greek traditional music, renowned for his expressive violin style and deep knowledge of regional repertoires. Vasilis Smanis is one of Greece’s foremost traditional lute players, with over 40 years of experience performing, researching, recording, teaching, and traveling across the country’s mountains and coasts. For more than 27 years, he has performed as a duo with violinist Kyriakos Gkouventas, bringing the timeless sounds of the Greek zygía tradition to audiences throughout Greece.

Vasilis Smanis will be replacing the previously announced musician Maria Ploumi, who unfortunately is unable to attend.

photo Kyriakos © Rafael Bofilio