Manos Hatzidakis

Manos Hatzidakis was a legendary Greek composer, conductor, and cultural philosopher who redefined modern Greek music.

In 1949, his historic lecture on Rebetiko transformed an outlawed urban folk genre into an admired art form. In 1960, his song 'Never on Sunday' (Ta Paidia tou Peiraia) won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, bringing Greek melodies to audiences worldwide.

He founded the Orchestra of Colours and the Third Programme of Greek State Radio, mentoring young musicians and championing intellectual freedom and high artistic aesthetics.