Physical and Digital Release: 18 July 2025
| Artist(s) | Thanos Mitsalas, Miltos Logiadis, Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra |
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Throughout his distinguished career, Sérgio Assad has cultivated a deep connection with Greece, both through performance and composition.
His Mikis Concerto Fantasia (1999), inspired by the music of celebrated Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, was premiered in Athens in 2000 by guitarist Costas Cotsiolis and the Athenian String Orchestra.
A decade later, Thanos Mitsalas gave the concerto its first recording, further cementing its place in the contemporary guitar repertoire.
This collaboration blossomed further, as the composer’s trust in the interpreter produced remarkable fruits.
Among them was Seikilos Epitaph’s Fantasy, inspired by the oldest surviving complete piece of ancient Greek music, which was dedicated to and premiered by Mitsalas.
His ongoing championing of Assad’s music through performances and recordings ultimately inspired the Naoussa Concerto for guitar and symphony orchestra.
The concerto premiered in the northern Greek town of Naoussa, performed by Mitsalas and the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra.
The performance commemorated the 200th anniversary of a tragic event in the town’s history — the 1822 massacre during the Greek War of Independence.
This premiere was a powerful testament to the connection between Assad and Mitsalas, whose collaboration continues to resonate throughout Greece’s vibrant musical landscape.
The Municipality of the Heroic Town of Naoussa fully embraced and supported the recording project, which features two programmatic concertos.
These pieces, through their descriptive movement and section titles, paint a compelling picture of contrasting cultural environments:
one an urban Brazilian setting, the other a rural Greek one.
Naoussa Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra
I. Aristotle tutors Alexander, walking by the Nymphs’ Springs of Mieza
Set in the ancient Macedonian town of Mieza, near modern-day Naoussa, the first movement is divided into three sections: Physis, Ethos, and Logos.
These correspond to key concepts in ancient Greek thought and frame the narrative of young Alexander the Great’s tutelage under Aristotle.
Physis (meaning both “nature” and “character”) introduces a youthful, restless Alexander—energetic, intelligent, and eager to be shaped by his mentor.
A lush orchestral texture with strings and harp evokes the timeless natural setting, while the oboe introduces a three-note motif later taken up and developed by the guitar.
The soloist brings Alexander vividly to life with phrases full of vitality.
In Ethos, the relationship between teacher and pupil deepens.
The music explores the philosophical and moral shaping of Alexander’s character, culminating in a reflective cadenza that serves as a kind of soliloquy—a moment of inward growth and self-realization.
Finally, Logos (meaning “reason,” “discourse,” or “word”) charts Alexander’s maturation.
The guitar’s bold, confident lines suggest his intellectual awakening and ambition to spread Greek ideals.
The orchestra joins in a celebratory fanfare, portraying the young conqueror’s first steps toward his world-altering destiny.
A spiraling descent in the guitar concludes the movement with quiet introspection.
Naoussa Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra
II. Lament of the Rising Angels & Victorious Dance
This movement commemorates a tragic episode in Naoussa’s past.
On April 22, 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, Ottoman forces overran the city.
In a final act of defiance, local women—holding their children—danced the Makrinitsa, a regional lament, before leaping from a cliff.
Assad opens with a cinematic orchestral prelude, evoking the landscape.
The traditional Makrinitsa melody forms the emotional core, first introduced by the guitar, then by oboes and winds in varied guises.
A short, delicate bridge leads to a subtle snare rhythm that evolves into a spirited folk dance.
Assad integrates a traditional Naoussa melody, which the guitar elaborates with flair.
As the orchestra joins, tension builds to a dissonant climax before retreating into a pensive cadenza.
The lament returns briefly, leading to a tender, restrained close.
III. Dionysus celebrates ‘Xinomavro’ wine at the vineyards of Naoussa
The final movement is a joyful ode to the region’s famed Xinomavro wine and its deep mythological roots.
Set in 6/8 meter, traditionally associated with dance, this movement exudes vitality and festivity.
The orchestra establishes a pastoral mood, setting the stage for the oboe to present the melody of the Seikilos Epitaph,
the earliest surviving complete song from Greek antiquity.
The guitar soon takes it up, weaving it into a contrapuntal dialogue with the orchestra.
As the narrative unfolds, Dionysus meets his mother Semele near the mythical “Gardens of Midas” at Mount Vermio.
Trilled figures in the strings and guitar depict their lyrical interaction.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changes.
A flurry of tremolos announces the arrival of Silenus—Dionysus’s satyr-father and longtime companion—who urges his son into a frenzied dance.
Assad unleashes a whirlwind of energy, with the guitar trading swirling motifs with the orchestra.
Rhythmic and harmonic complexity intensify as the movement accelerates.
At its emotional core, the guitar returns to the Seikilos melody in a cadenza titled “Bacchus Meditation.”
From here, the final section—“Dionysus at the big wine feast”—bursts forth in exuberance.
Guitar and orchestra unite in a jubilant apotheosis, closing the work in triumphant celebration.
Concerto Popular do Rio for Guitar and Orchestra
This concerto from 2013 is a musical journey through three emblematic neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro—Lapa, Urca, and Mangueira—each reflecting a distinct social and cultural facet of the city.
In its three movements, the piece captures the essence of Rio’s diverse musical heritage,
from the vibrant streets of bohemian Lapa to the genteel charm of Urca and the dynamic pulse of Mangueira.
I. Lapa
The first movement evokes the spirit of Rio’s historic nightlife district, a cradle of samba and choro.
Syncopated rhythms and lyrical lines reflect the improvisational energy of these genres,
conjuring the ambiance of rodas de choro and the animated atmosphere of Lapa’s bars and cultural venues.
Particularly notable are the nuanced timbral choices in the vividly colorful orchestration,
and the striking contrasts in mood and dynamics between the three sections—
mirroring the multifaceted character of the city itself.
II. Urca
By contrast, this middle movement transports the listener to a more refined setting, shaped by ballroom dances and sophisticated harmonies.
The solo introduction sets the scene with grace,
while an extroverted cadenza with hints of noble virtuosity highlights the guitar’s central role in Brazil’s rich musical tradition.
Inspired by Urca’s picturesque seaside and its association with Rio’s elegant past,
the movement unfolds in flowing waltzes and smooth, lyrical melodies that evoke both nostalgia and poise.
III. Mangueira
The final movement pulses with the energy of Rio’s most iconic samba school,
channeling the spirit of Carnival and the heartbeat of the people.
Propelled by percussive drive, call-and-response motifs, and the unmistakable swing of samba-enredo,
the music pays tribute to the neighborhood’s profound contributions to Brazilian cultural identity.
With Concerto Popular do Rio, music becomes a bridge between these contrasting yet interconnected worlds,
celebrating Rio’s extraordinary capacity to honor tradition while embracing transformation in perfect harmony.
—George-Julius Papadopoulos
Thanos Mitsalas: Thanos is steadily achieving recognition to be one of the leading world-class performers of his generation. His rich musicianship and perfectionism have already credited him with the highest praise from audiences and critics. It is his intense musical intuition, flawless technique and personal style in his interpretations that easily captivate the audience. Through his extended devotion to the study and performance of the idiomatic music of Sergio Assad , Thanos achieved to be regarded by the great Brazilian master as a top interpreter of his works. Sergio Assad, between other comments, writes for Thanos: "...An incredible musician and guitarist!..”,”...Thanos has total control and understanding of my music!...". Classical Guitar Magazine (Blair Jackson-Nov 2017) refers to him: “...a formidable guitarist!...”. American Record Guide (Kenneth Keaton-May 2012) mentioned: “Mitsalas’s playing is excellent…His technical command and sense of invention and expression are impressive!” Sharon Isbin (Head of the guitar department at The Juilliard School) said for him: “Thanos has a brilliant virtuoso technique and an excellent musicianship – truly an extraordinary talent! His playing is of the highest professional caliber…” Reviewer Glyn Pursglove from MusicWeb International Magazine wrote for Thanos’s solo Assad cd release: “Everywhere one senses a vitality of personal commitment and disciplined freedom in his interpretations. Thanos is an impressive soloist!...” Timothy Smith (Oct 2014) at minor7th mentions: “Mitsalas marries all of the elements of great classical guitar playing: enormous and evocative tonal range, world-class command of the instrument, and a unique and defining musical voice….Mitsalas' newest offering, entitled "Contemplation", is quite simply one of the finest recordings I've encountered in my decade of writing reviews.”
He started his international steps at a very early age, being the youngest ever winner in the history of competitions like Volos International Guitar Festival & Competition - Greece (while 15 years old), Silesian Guitar Autumn-Poland (while 16 years old) and Carrefour Mondial de la guitare-Martinique/South America (while 18 years old). Since then he has performed successfully in many major international artistic events and venues (Lincoln Center of NY, Merkin Hall (NY), Hancock Auditorium (Los Angeles), Queen's Grand Theatre of Zhengzhou-China, Athens Megaron of Music, etc) , touring throughout Europe, Asia, North & South America.
Thanos Mitsalas graduated with the greatest honors from New Conservatory of Thessaloniki-Greece (class of Costas Cotsiolis), Hochscule fur Music in Koln/Aachen-Germany (class of Thomas Muller Pering) and finally from the prestigious Juilliard School-NY, where he studied on a full scholarship at Sharon Isbin's class, evaluated as one of the most brilliant talents of the school.
A versatile guitarist, Mitsalas performs both as a soloist and in chamber music ensembles and has performed with orchestras conducted by such important personalities like Leo Brouwer, Josif Conta, Theodoros Antoniou, Jan Wincenty Hawel, Emir Saul among others.
Important contemporary composers (S.Assad , G.Drozd , S.Iannarelli - to name a few) have dedicated works to Thanos. He has also performed several International and National ‘premieres’ of guitar compositions by major composers of our time (works by Assad, L.Brouwer, G.Drozd, R.Dyens, S.Iannarelli, J.Clerch,etc) and repeatedly recorded for Greek and foreign International Radio and TV networks.
Beside his performing activities he teaches at the State Conservatory of Greece (Thessaloniki), and as a guest professor at many international music festivals, conservatories-universities or summer music academies. For ten years he held the position of the artistic director at the Municipal Conservatory of Naoussa (Greece). Many of his students have followed successful careers as performers or pedagogists of the guitar.
Since 2008 he has intensively devoted himself to the music of the great guitarist – composer Sergio Assad. During the IGF of Volos - Greece (2019), Thanos was honored to participate – as a specialist in S.Assad's music- together with the legendary Assad Brothers at a unique Gala Concert dedicated to the famous Duo and the music of Sergio Assad. During the same year he was also hosted by the composer in the Brazilian TV (SESC TV & Movimento Violao), for a recording and broadcast tribute to his solo guitar compositions. Additively, it is worth to mention that within the next months (in 2021) Thanos will premiere “Naousa Concerto” for Guitar & Symphony Orchestra, which Sergio Assad recently composed and especially dedicated to him. Mitsalas' recordings include solo guitar music, as well as chamber music works with guitar by the Grammy awarded Brazilian master. Among other pieces, he has presented world premieres of such important and enchanting compositions like Concerto Fantasia “Mikis” for Guitar and Strings, “Eli's portrait”,“Sandy's portrait” and “Seikilos Epitaph's Fantasy”.
Seikilos Epitaph's Fantasy project is Thanos' first album to be published in cooperation with Da Vinci label (Japan). So far he has recorded 5 more CDs with ClearNote (USA). All his recordings have got outstanding reviews by great personalities of the music world and the press.
Mitsalas' recording projects, until now, have included works by J.S.Bach, S.Assad, A.Barrios, N.D'Angelo, C.Domeniconi, G.Drozd, E.Gismonti, S.Iannarelli, L.Legnani, M.Llobet, A.Piazzolla, A.Tansman, F.Tarrega, M.C.Tedesco, J.Rodrigo, G.Regondi and A.York.
Thanos is a D’Addario Artist/Ambassador. He uses EJ46FF Pro-Arte (Dyna/Carbon) strings on his 1999 Thomas Humphrey Guitar (Millenniun Model/Spruce-top).
Miltos Logiadis was born in Athens. He studied at the Munich Academy of Music, obtaining diplomas in choir and orchestra conducting, as well as a Meisterklasse diploma. After completing his studies, he worked at the Ulm Opera House.
In 1992, he returned to Greece following the invitation of Manos Hadjidakis, to work as a permanent conductor with the Orchestra of Colors.
In addition to leading major Greek orchestras, he has conducted internationally renowned ensembles such as the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London, the National Orchestra of Russia, the Moscow Opera Orchestra, the Hamburg Opera Orchestra, and the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, among others.
He served as the Artistic Director of the ERT Ensembles (2015–2016) and of the Athens Concert Hall (2016–2020). He is currently a professor of Orchestra Conducting at the Department of Music Studies of the Ionian University.
The Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra (TSSO) is one of the major cultural organizations in Greece and the most historic symphonic ensemble in Northern Greece. It was founded in 1959 and currently comprises 108 musicians.
The TSSO honors its role as a public organization by creating music of the highest caliber in an accessible way. Its wide range of activities includes collaborations with highly acclaimed Greek and international artists, the promotion of Greek musical works, the nurturing of talented young Greek artists, and a variety of educational and social initiatives.
It is the most notable symphonic ensemble in the country, regularly recording under world-leading labels such as EMI, BIS Records, NAXOS, Berlin Classics, and Deutsche Grammophon.
The TSSO's recordings have received international acclaim through various awards and glowing reviews, establishing the orchestra as a cultural ambassador of Greece and its rich musical heritage. Its international collaborations have included successful concerts across Europe and in Beijing.
The current Director of the TSSO is Simos Papanas, with Leo McFall serving as its Principal Conductor.
Sérgio Assad (born 26 December 1952) is a Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger who often performs with his brother, Odair, in the guitar duo Sérgio and Odair Assad, commonly referred to as the Assad Brothers or Duo Assad. Their younger sister Badi is also a guitarist. Assad is the father of composer/singer/pianist Clarice Assad. He is married to Angela Olinto.
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Physical Release and Digital Release: 30 January 2026
Physical Release: 30 January 2026 Digital Release: 20 February 2026
Physical Release: 30 January 2026 Digital Release: 20 February 2026
Physical Release: 30 January 2026 Digital Release: 20 February 2026
