Live Music from 8.15pm

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Plastikes Karekles pay tribute to Apostolos Kaldaras, a key composer in Rebetiko and Laïká, from the raw early sounds of “Nychtose choris fengari” to his later melodic masterpieces, leaving a lasting impact on Greek music. This event is part of the Rebetiko Carnival 2025!

Apostolos Kaldaras (1922–1990) was one of the greatest composers of Greek popular music. With over 1,500 songs, he left an indelible mark on Greek music for five decades. Born in Trikala, a city that produced some of the most significant figures in Greek popular music, he was one of the key representatives of the “Trikala School”, alongside Vassilis Tsitsanis and Kostas Virvos. His first musical influences included Byzantine hymns, and he later learned to play the bouzouki and guitar, performing in taverns.

Tsitsanis, also from Trikala, had a profound influence on Kaldaras’ musical journey, and they collaborated in recordings and performances. In 1946, Kaldaras moved to Athens, where he made his first recording with Markos Vamvakaris and Tsitsanis, in the song “Magkas Vgike Gia Sergiani”. In 1947, he recorded the legendary “Nychtose Choris Fengari” (“It Got Dark Without a Moon”), a song that, much like “Kapia Mana Anastenazei” by Tsitsanis, captured the pain and sorrow of the Greek Civil War.

During the 1950s, Kaldaras solidified his place in Greek popular music, following in the footsteps of Tsitsanis but developing his own distinctive style. He collaborated with leading singers such as Kazantzidis, Bithikotsis, Poly Panou, Dionysiou. In 1972, he released the landmark album “Mikra Asia” (Asia Minor), showcasing his artistic maturity. He passed away on April 8, 1990, leaving behind a vast musical legacy. His relationship with Tsitsanis and his contribution to the “Trikala School” were pivotal in shaping the evolution of Greek popular music.

Tonight’s Musicians:
• Andria Antoniou: vocals
• George Tsolakis: vocals, guitar
• Manolis Taouxis: vocals, bouzouki
• George Angelopoulos: bouzouki
• Pavlos Carvalho: double bass