Carmelo Siciliano | Greek Music and More
www.carmelosiciliano.com
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Carmelo Siciliano
My journey with Greece began in 1993, when I was just twelve years old—and it was love at first sight. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion that would shape both my personal and professional life. After earning my degree in classical guitar in 2003, I turned my focus entirely to the music, instruments, and traditions of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. What started as curiosity evolved into a deep, immersive study of this rich cultural landscape.
Between 2012 and 2019, I spent extended periods living and researching in Greece. These years allowed me to delve into the intricacies of Greek modal systems, traditional musical repertoires, and the expressive depth of Greek instruments such as the bouzouki, laouto, mandolin, oud, and tabouras.
Among the many artists I’ve had the honor of learning from, those who left a particularly meaningful mark on my musical journey include Nikos Ikonomidis, Christos Zotos, Christos Tsiamoulis, Periklis Papapetropoulos, Kiriakos Gouventas, Dimitris Mantzouris, and Giorgos Pappas. Their guidance deeply influenced not only my understanding of Greek music, but also my way of listening, playing, and reflecting on musical tradition.
In addition, I took part in specialized courses and seminars at leading institutions such as the Labyrinth Musical Workshop in Crete, the KEPEM – Center for the Study and Research of Folk Music “Simon Karas” and the Museum of Greek Folk Instruments “Fivos Anogianakis” in Athens.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform across Italy and internationally—in Greece, Austria, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Cape Verde, Latvia, Turkey, and the UK. I’ve collaborated with a wide range of ensembles in both Italy and Greece.
In 2010, I was honored to receive the Insignia de Oro Musical from the Curso de temas sevillanos—a UNESCO-recognized institution—for my “ongoing work in studying, researching, and promoting Greek music“.
Alongside my musical endeavors, I am deeply committed to sharing my research and insights through my books, which serve both as academic references and as accessible guides for those interested in the cultural and musical richness of Greece.
Today, I continue to share my passion through conferences, cultural events, and workshops throughout Italy, committed to bringing Greek music and culture to a wider audience.
