Dialogue with Dimitris Agrafiotis

Abstract or Summary:

In this interview between Francis Guy and conductor Dimitris Agrafiotis, Agrafiotis speaks very warmly about Sicilianos, describing him as an important composer with global appeal and timelessness. He mentions his personal experience as a conductor of Sicilianos’s works, particularly the piece Paysages for percussion and orchestra, which was very well-received by audiences and performed many times. He highlights the difficulty of Sicilianos’s compositions but emphasises their quality and expressiveness. Agrafiotis describes Sicilianos not only as an artist but also as a person, stressing his spirituality, cultivation, and kindness. He also mentions their friendship and the respect he holds for Sicilianos, both personally and professionally. This conversation reveals the significance of Sicilianos in the music scene and the recognition of his work, despite the challenges he faced due to his nationality. Agrafiotis highlights the difficulties he had in promoting Greek music abroad and the importance of continuous effort for its promotion.