Sotiris Tachiatis

Sotiris Tachiatis, known as the “cellist of Manos Hadjidakis,” began cello studies at age 8 with Pavlos Brandis and Federico Camillieri in the “Old” Philharmonic. After obtaining a degree from the Athens High School of Music, he continued his studies at the Athens Conservatory. Despite interruptions due to the times (1942-57), he earned a diploma with 1st prize honours as a student of Leda Kourouklis.

In 1946, Tachiatis joined the KOA, followed by the ELS Orchestra in 1950. From 1970 onwards, he served as principal cellist in both ensembles, maintaining these leadership positions until his retirement. He was also a member of the “International Symphony Orchestra,” with which he toured the USA in 1972.

As a soloist, Tachiatis collaborated with the KOA, KOTH, the ERT Symphony Orchestra, the Color Orchestra, as well as the Budapest, Miskolc, and Manila Symphony Orchestras. He gave numerous solo recitals across Greece and abroad, including performances in West Germany, Switzerland, Cyprus, Hungary, and the Philippines. He also worked closely with various chamber music ensembles, notably touring Germany in September 1991.

He participated in ensembles such as the Chamber Orchestra and String Quartet of V. Kolasis, the “Greek Quartet,” the trio “Apostolidis-Tachiatis-Garoufalis,” and others like “Politis-Tachiatis-Kydoniatis,” “Spyros and Chara Tombra-Tachiatis,” and the “Hellenic String Trio,” as well as the “Duo Attico” with V. Christofilou.

Tachiatis specialised in modern and challenging repertoire, delivering a landmark performance of N. Mamagakis’ Monologue for solo cello in Athens in December 1962. This performance won the composer 2nd prize in the Panhellenic Composition Competition “ATI/Hatzidaki” and earned Tachiatis full recognition for his skill in contemporary music.

His recordings include cello-piano works with pianist P. Noussia, produced by the German label “Garnet-Schallplatten.”

In December 1962, Tachiatis was honoured by Patriarch of Alexandria, Christopher II, with the “Holy Cross Apostle & Evangelist Mark III Class” Medal.

Source: Ionian University