Georgios Poubouridis

Born in Sokhumi, Caucasus, in 1921, he received his first musical lessons at the Conservatory of his hometown, and in 1939, he came to Greece. A graduate of the Conservatory Music High School and a viola diploma holder from the Athens Conservatory, he was employed as a violinist in the then Symphony Orchestra of the Administration of Athens, which was disbanded with the onset of the Greco-Italian War. During the Occupation, he stayed in Katerini, where he taught violin, giving recitals in support of the national liberation struggle. After the liberation, he returned to Athens and continued his studies at the Athens Conservatory. He was the first to specialize in the viola, studying relevant literature and discography. However, the hardships of the occupation and the struggle (he suffered serious tuberculosis twice and was hospitalized at Sismanogleio for a total of three years) shattered his studies, resulting in him obtaining his diploma only in 1959. He served as the principal viola for decades in the Symphony Orchestra of EIR, the State Orchestra of Athens, and the ELS. He made countless appearances with chamber music ensembles, passionately serving his art and consistently advocating for its dissemination and the educational and cultural emancipation of his compatriots.

He had intense trade union activity throughout his professional career. Undoubtedly, many owe him a debt of gratitude, especially the younger generation, to whom he never denied his wholehearted assistance. He died on October 14th, 2002.

Source: Rizospastis