Manos Hatzidakis

Manos Hatzidakis, born on October twenty-third, nineteen twenty-five, was a luminary in the realm of Greek music, celebrated as one of the greatest composers in the nation's history. His contributions spanned various roles, including composer, conductor, poet, pianist, songwriter, film score composer, violinist, and accordionist. Hatzidakis was a pivotal figure in the development of the 'éntekhno' music genre, standing alongside fellow composer Mikis Theodorakis.

As the founder of the Orchestra of Colours, Hatzidakis dedicated himself to performing lesser-known works and promoting the music of Greek composers. His influence extended beyond composition; through his writings and radio broadcasts, he shaped a significant portion of Greek culture. His theoretical insights and compositional prowess established him as a pioneer in connecting post-war worded music with traditional Greek melodies.

In nineteen sixty, Hatzidakis achieved international acclaim by winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song for 'Never on Sunday,' featured in the film of the same name. However, he controversially declined the award, citing his belief that the film misrepresented Athens.