Greek Roots Series: Tribute to Skarvelis
Welcome to another event of “Rebet Asker, Greek Roots unplugged series” at the Green Note, with a tribute to one of our musical legends!
Kostas Skarvelis (1880-1922), born and raised in the vibrant streets of Constantinople, displayed an innate talent for music from a young age. Despite facing adversities and lacking formal education, he blossomed into a virtuoso guitarist by the age of 17. In pursuit of his passion for music, he embarked on a journey that led him from the bustling streets of Constantinople to the enchanting shores of Alexandria, Egypt, and ultimately to Athens, Greece. Skarvelis’ odyssey was fueled by a desire to escape conscription into the Turkish Army and to follow his artistic calling. In Greece, he found himself amidst a community of fellow musicians, many of whom were refugees from Asia Minor. It was here that Skarvelis’s career as a professional musician began, first as a guitarist and later as a prolific composer. His contributions to Greek music extended beyond composing; he also served as an artistic director and a masterful guitarist, leaving an indelible mark on the recording industry and influencing the evolution of Greek music.
Tragically, Skarvelis shared the fate of many during the Great Famine of 1942, succumbing to starvation in Athens. His life may have ended prematurely, but his musical legacy lives on. Before his death he managed to compose hundreds of songs, with over 200 surviving recordings.
His compositions found voice through renowned artists such as Giorgos Kavouras, Rita Abatzi, Stellakis Perpiniadis, and Markos Vamvakaris, among others. Skarvelis’s signature melodies are a testament to the Constantinopolitan urban musical tradition, a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions.
In this special event, we invite you to embark on a journey through the captivating soundscape of Kostas Skarvelis.
With musicians of Cambridge Rebetiko
Trio Thomas Karagiannis: voice, accordion
John Eleftheriadis: voice, guitar,
George Mourgias-Alexandris: voice, bouzouki
Rebet Asker was a restaurant/music venue which saw all the great Greek musicians and from the 20th century through to today pass through it. The walls of this little place in a small side street by Piraeus harbour have witnessed the history of the Greek Rebetiko as it has evolved over the last one hundred years. Some years have passed now, since it closed, but through this series of Sunday gigs we will do our best to recreate some of the magic of these musicians and their songs as it started and developed. Now in its 10th year, this tribute to the magical music of rebetiko, is the longest running series in London dedicated to this music. Come to hear classic songs and even some lesser known gems of great rebetiko musicians such as Toundas, Papazoglou, Skarvelis, Peristeris, Hadjichristos, Vamvakaris, Papaioannou, Tsitsanis, Mitsakis, Hiotis and more!
An afternoon of Greek Rebetiko for all the family!
Please do bring your instruments, friends, families…especially children. There is room for everyone!
Doors open 1.45pm. Music starts 2.30pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
