14th Kalamata Guitar Festival-"Guitar Recital" with Thanos Mitsalas

The Kalamata Guitar Festival welcomes the distinguished classical guitarist Thanos Mitsalas, widely regarded by specialists as one of the leading virtuosos of his generation. Renowned composers have dedicated works to him, including Sergio Assad, Gleb Drozd, and Simone Iannarelli, while major conductors such as Leo Brouwer, Josep Caballé-Domenech Conta, Eugene Saul, and Charles Esher have conducted concertos featuring him as soloist.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with distinguished orchestras including the Silesian Chamber Orchestra, AUKSO Chamber Orchestra of the City of Tychy, the Orchestra of the Franz Liszt Academy, the Zabrze Symphony Orchestra, and the State Orchestra of Thessaloniki, among others.

A defining milestone in his artistic journey has been his collaboration with the legendary composer and guitarist Sergio Assad, who considers Mitsalas an ideal interpreter and ambassador of his music. Over the years, Mitsalas has presented numerous tribute concerts dedicated to Assad’s works across the globe, including performances in Brazil, the United States, Germany, Mexico, and other countries.

His discography currently includes nine CD recordings, featuring compositions from a wide range of stylistic periods as well as premieres of contemporary works. In addition to his performing career, Thanos Mitsalas teaches at the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki and at the Naoussa Municipal Conservatory.

Ticket Presale (weekdays)
Municipal Conservatory of Kalamata: 15:30 – 20:30
Spiritual Centre of Kalamata

Ticket price:
10 € regular
5 € student

Concert Program

Agustín Barrios Mangoré
Valse Op. 8 No. 4
Preludio Op. 5 No. 1

Egberto Gismonti
Palhaço (arr. Sergio Assad)

Ronaldo Miranda
Apassionata

Sergio Assad
Seikilos Epitaph’s Fantasy
(a work dedicated to Thanos Mitsalas)

— Intermission —

Sergio Assad
Valseana & Preludio e Toccatina
(from the work Aquarelle)

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco
Capriccio Diabolico
(Omaggio a Paganini)

Sergio Assad
Barbad’s Fables

The programme brings together masterpieces of the classical guitar repertoire alongside contemporary works, highlighting the expressive range and technical brilliance that define Mitsalas’ artistry.