In this seminar, we will focus on how the mandolin brings to life the musical idioms of Crete — kontilies, syrta, and pidichtous dances. We will study its role both as a solo and accompanying instrument, while also exploring the mandolin's potential for improvisation and personal expression.
Kostis Avyssinos _The Mandolin in Crete
Type of seminar: Open – Instrument-focused
Participant level: Intermediate and above
Score reading: Not required
Teaching hours: 5–6 hours/day
BIOGRAPHY
Kostis Avyssinos was born and raised in Skalani, Heraklion. He took his first musical steps alongside his father, Giorgis Avyssinos—a master of Cretan music and virtuoso violinist—learning to play the laouto, mandolin, boulgari, bouzouki, and singing. Together, they traveled throughout Greece and abroad, sharing the essence of traditional Cretan music with the world.
He later followed his own musical path, developing a personal style both in his instrumental performance and in his singing. He has released two solo albums titled "Tou Libykou to Pelagos" ("The Libyan Sea") and "Nostos". In 1997, he collaborated for the first time with the group Chainides, and since then, he has performed songs on every one of their recordings.
He has worked with many renowned musicians, either performing songs on their albums or sharing the stage in joint performances. A particularly significant milestone in his career was his collaboration with Nikos Mamangakis.