For Fragkiskos Tziotakis, the reveler of Kythnos

The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments “Fivos Anoyanakis” – Centre for Ethnomusicology presents a tribute concert dedicated to Fragkiskos Tziotakis, one of the foremost exponents of the Cycladic tsabouna (bagpipe), as part of its two-year programme “THE MUSICIANS. Nodes of Cohesion, Links of Continuity” (2026–2027).

Born on the island of Kythnos in 1932, Fragkiskos Tziotakis grew up immersed in his island’s musical tradition, learning from his father, who was both a violinist and a tsabouna player. From an early age, he became a bearer of a living musical practice deeply connected with local festivals, celebrations and communal life in the Cyclades. Through his artistry, generosity and lifelong dedication, he has played a decisive role in preserving and promoting the tsabouna tradition, while remaining an active and beloved member of a vibrant musical community that continues to inspire younger generations of musicians and tradition bearers.

As ethnomusicologist Haris Sarris notes, Fragkiskos Tziotakis is not only an outstanding musician but also a teacher, a guardian of musical heritage and, above all, an example of humanity and generosity. His presence at village feasts, gatherings of tsabouna players and musical events in Athens has made him a point of reference for everyone seeking an authentic connection with Greece’s living musical tradition.

The tribute will feature talks by Haris Sarris and musician Vasilis I. Oikonomou, followed by a live performance of traditional music from Kythnos and the Cyclades.

Performing musicians:

• Stamatis Grielas
• Sotiris Margonis
• Stamatis Mavrakis
• Giorgos Papaioannou
• Giannis Servos

Musical direction: Sotiris Margonis.

The event forms part of the Museum’s new programme “THE MUSICIANS. Nodes of Cohesion, Links of Continuity,” which highlights the people behind the musical instruments and explores the vital role of traditional musicians as custodians of collective memory, creators of communities and essential links in the transmission of Greece’s living musical heritage.

Within this initiative, the Museum invites the honoured musicians—or, where appropriate, their families—to donate one of the instruments that accompanied their musical journey. Together with their personal testimonies, these objects will become part of a new permanent exhibition dedicated to the people behind the instruments, creating a living archive of Greece’s musical heritage.

Admission is free. Advance registration is required via more.com or by telephone at +30 210 3254129 (Monday–Friday, 09:00–15:00).  The event is supported by Bodossaki Lectures on Demand (BLOD), the digital lecture platform of the Bodossaki Foundation.