Dialogue with Alkis Panayotopoulos

Abstract or Summary:

In this interview between Francis Guy and conductor and composer Alkis Panayotopoulos, Panayotopoulos highlights the significance of modern Greek composers like Xenakis, Logothetis, and Christou, who had strong international ties and especially praises those who created within Greece, such as Sicilianos and Dragatakis. He expresses admiration for Sicilianos’ technically challenging yet rewarding works, mentioning pieces like the Concerto for Orchestra, Ballade, and Mellichomeide. Despite the difficulties in conducting Sicilianos’s compositions, Panayotopoulos finds them ultimately fulfilling and lauds the personal language and originality in his music. Panayotopoulos also discusses his professional relationship with Sicilianos, noting that their interactions were marked by mutual respect rather than close friendship. He recounts recording several of Sicilianos’s works, a project initiated by Greek publisher Nikos Velissiotis and observes that Sicilianos’s writing style has evolved, becoming more neoclassical. While musicians’ reactions to Sicilianos’ music can be mixed, Panayotopoulos emphasizes its importance and hopes that Sicilianos’ work will continue to gain recognition and appreciation in the global music scene.