Giannis Vatikiotis

Giannis Vatikiotis (1924-2002) was a leading viola soloist and a prominent member of several major Athenian orchestras for many decades, including the Athens State Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), and the Orchestra of the Greek National Opera. Recognized as one of the most important music educators in Greece, Vatikiotis devoted his life to music performance and teaching, influencing countless students and colleagues alike.

Born in 1924 in Haifa, Palestine, Vatikiotis came from a distinguished Greek family. He began his musical studies in his birthplace, continuing them in Athens and later in the United States at Indiana University in Bloomington, where he studied under prominent figures such as Nat Gordon and David Dawson. After completing his studies, he returned to Greece and became a significant figure in the country’s musical life.

Vatikiotis was a member of the Athens State Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of ERT for over three decades, serving as the principal violist. He also frequently performed with the Orchestra of the Greek National Opera. In addition to his orchestral work, he was passionate about chamber music and was a member of the esteemed Hellenic Quartet “Georgios Lykoudis,” alongside Tatsis Apostolidis, Ersi Kangelari, and Telis Katsikakis.

He was also a dedicated teacher, contributing to various conservatories in Greece, including the Athens Conservatory, the Leousis Conservatory, and the Corfu Conservatory. His influence extended beyond the conservatories, as he also taught chamber music in Kozani, leaving a lasting impact on his students.

Vatikiotis made several significant recordings, including the album Io Gio in Zurich, in collaboration with guitarist Spiros Thomatos. His recordings often featured rare works, such as those by Benedetto Marcello and Nikos Skalkottas. In 1985, he was chosen to represent Greece in the viola section of the newly established World Philharmonic Orchestra, performing under the baton of Carlo Maria Giulini in Stockholm, an event later recorded on DVD.

Vatikiotis’s legacy is marked by the love and respect he garnered from his peers and students. His death on August 15, 2002, left a significant void in the Greek musical community, which was poignantly reflected in a memorial event held in his honor at the Goethe Institute in March 2003. His contributions to Greek music and education remain deeply appreciated, and his memory continues to inspire future generations of musicians.

Source: Moussikos Ellenomnemon – Hellenic  Music Research Lab