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 Abyssinos _ The Mandolin in Crete
Type of Seminar: Open - Instrument-Centered
Level of Participants: Intermediate and above
Reading Sheet Music: Not required
Hours of Instruction: 5-6 hours/day
BIOGRAPHY
Kostis Abyssinos was born and raised in Skalani, Heraklion, and took his first musical steps alongside his father, the teacher of Cretan music and virtuoso violinist, Giorgis Abyssinos. He played the laouto, mandolin, bougari, bouzouki, and sang. They traveled together both in Greece and abroad, bringing the color of traditional Cretan music to the world.
Later, Kostis followed his own musical path, developing a personal style both in his instrument playing and singing. He has released two solo albums titled "Tou Livikou to Pelagos" and "Nostos". In 1997, he collaborated for the first time with the band Haïnides and has since performed on every one of their albums. He has worked with many prominent musicians, either by performing on their records or in joint performances. A very significant moment in his career was his collaboration with Nikos Mamangakis.