Christos Tzifakis
Biography Christos Tzifakis
Christos Tzifakis
was born in Athens, Greece in 1969. He commenced his musical education at the age of six playing the piano and from the age of ten he dedicated himself to the guitar.
1988 he was accepted at the Dutch Royal Academy – Conservatorium Maastricht as an exceptional talent. He finished his studies as a classical guitar soloist 1994 with distinction and honors ( “Cum Laude” a unique distinction at the Academy)
During his studies in the Nederlands, he participated in prestigious guitar festivals of Europe (Koln, Amsterdam, Volos, Cordoba), where he had the chance to interact with masters of the classical guitar such as: Hubert Kaeppel, Thomas Muehler Pehring, Abel Carlevaro, Pepe Romero, Leo Brouwer, Costas Cotsiolis.
1991 he gained a scholarship by the above-mentioned Academy and traveled to Cordoba (Spain) where he studied the flamenco guitar with Manolo Sanlucar.
1994 he returns to Athens and continues his formal education with Michalis Travlos (composition) and Markos Alexiou (Jazz).
Christos Tzifakis has composed pieces for solo guitar, flamenco jazz and theatre. He has transcribed various compositions from other instruments for the guitar (from J.S. Bach to Chick Corea)
His latest work “Flamenco Alchemy” for chamber orchestra, solo guitar and flamenco -jazz group was choreographed by the renowned flamenco dancer Joaquin Grilo and premiered at Megaron Concert Hall Athens 2010.
Christos Tzifakis has been teaching and giving specialised lectures at guitar festivals and organised seminars on very specific topics concerning the combination of the flamenco and classical guitar techniques, as well as the composition technique of the Spanish composers.
He is the founder of the first flamenco guitar festival in Athens.
