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The work of Yannis Pantazis and Argy Kakissis has been covered by a wide range of global media since they first began in 2012.
From Santorini to Hollywood! Yannis Pantazis composes music for Gladiator II
From Santorini to Hollywood! Yannis Pantazis composes music for Gladiator II
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Santorini, Greece – May 2026
Yannis Pantazis, Co‑founder of Symposion Santorini, Nominated for the Tällberg‑SNF‑Eliasson Global Leadership Prize
Santorini, Greece – Symposion Cultural Center proudly announces that its co‑founder, Yannis Pantazis, has been officially nominated for one of the world’s most prestigious leadership awards – the Tällberg‑SNF‑Eliasson Global Leadership Prize.
The nomination was submitted by the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, through its Talent and Human Resources Department. Yannis Pantazis is among only 15 finalists selected from more than 2,025 applications worldwide.
The Prize recognises leaders who demonstrate courage, innovation, integrity and global vision, and is supported exclusively by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Each winner receives an unrestricted grant of $50,000 and is invited to join the global Tällberg leadership network.
Yannis Pantazis has been honoured as an Olympic Mentor (Rome, 2016). He has delivered lectures at the University of Cambridge and Oxford, collaborated with Hollywood productions (Gladiator II, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey), and received international media coverage from BBC, National Geographic, Vogue, France TV5 and NDR Germany.
The winners will be announced in November 2026 by an independent international jury.
Symposion Cultural Center remains committed to promoting Greek culture, inclusion and innovation
April 26, 2026
Yannis Pantazis — Lectures in Belgrade
Music, Mythology & the Medical Arts
Symposion Santorini is pleased to announce two lectures by musician and researcher Yannis Pantazis in Belgrade on Sunday, 04/26/2026, as part of the research programme “Music and Mythology in the Medicinal Arts – The Use of Apollo’s Seven‑String Lyre.”
Morning — EUROMUSE International Conference
Faculty of Media and Communications (FMK) / Museum of Science and Technology, Belgrade
https://euromuse.eu/conference-page/
Evening — 19:00 (Open to the public)
By invitation of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Serbia
Venue: Parish House of the Church of St. Sava / Faculty of Theology
Lecture: “The Roots of Music in the Medical Art: An Approach through the Sacred Spaces of Antiquity”
Symposion Santorini warmly thanks the organisers for this honour.
Yannis Pantazis at the University of Oxford, UK, the keynote speaker at the UK Alchemy Conference 2025: Exploring Metaphorical Transformations and Arts-Based Research!
November 8-9
Yannis’s Session: November 8, 14:00 - 15:00
Topic: "Music and Mythology in the Medicinal Arts" — The Use of the Apollonian Lyre
An amazing opportunity to hear his insights on the profound links between music, mythology, and the medicinal arts.
This year’s conference features 92 speakers from 14 countries exploring innovative ideas across metaphors, transformation, and arts-based research. Organized by the London Arts Based Research Centre, it’s a truly global event!
VOGUE MAGAZINE
How to See a More Authentic Side of Santorini -By Laura Itzkowitz
September 11, 2025
As one of the most famous Greek islands, Santorini sees an average of 3.4 million tourists annually, many of whom make a beeline for Oia—renowned for its legendary sunsets—and Fira, the island’s capital. Google Santorini and most, if not all, of the photos you’ll see feature dreamy images of the Cubist-looking white houses and blue church domes stacked on top of each other on the caldera.
THE POWER OF INDIVIDUATION IN A CHANGING WORLD
Yannis Pantazis at the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge (Jungian Circle), as part of the event “Jung at 150: The Power of Individuation in a Changing World,” welcomes Yannis Pantazis, who will present his research project titled:
“Music and Mythology in the Medicinal Arts – The Use of Apollo’s Seven-Stringed Lyre”
“Jung at 150: The Power of Individuation in a Changing World” is a unique gathering of leading voices in Jungian psychology from across the globe.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, July 26–27 (150 years since the birth of Carl Jung!)
Location: Cambridge, UK & online via Zoom
Speakers from 10 countries
Ideas crossing borders | Individuation in action
Organized by: University of Cambridge – Jungian Circle
Universal Pictures presents
THE ODYSSEY- featuring Symposion Cultural Center's instruments
The first glimpse into Christopher Nolan’s epic new film THE ODYSSEY is finally here!
With a dark, mysterious backdrop, sparks flying through smoke, and the gaze of an ancient sculpted head lifted toward the heavens, the poster sets the tone for a mythic journey... a challenge to "Defy the Gods."
We at Symposion Santorini are beyond thrilled to announce that our handcrafted ancient musical instruments will be featured in this cinematic masterpiece.
Bringing the sounds of the ancient world to life has always been our passion — and now they will resonate on the big screen in one of the most anticipated films of 2026!
Premieres: July 17th, 2026
The music of the past, alive in the present.
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Μια πρώτη ματιά στην πολυαναμενόμενη ταινία THE ODYSSEY από τον Christopher Nolan, που μόλις κυκλοφόρησε την επίσημη αφίσα της!
Το σκοτεινό φόντο, οι σπίθες που διαχέονται στον καπνό, και η αρχαία κεφαλή που υψώνεται μέσα απ’ το σκοτάδι, προμηνύουν ένα επικό, μυθικό ταξίδι… ένα κάλεσμα να "αψηφήσουμε τους θεούς".
Και εμείς, στο Symposion Santorini, νιώθουμε απίστευτα υπερήφανοι που συμβάλαμε με τον δικό μας ήχο σε αυτό το έπος! Τα χειροποίητα αρχαία μουσικά όργανα που δημιουργήσαμε για την παραγωγή θα ακουστούν στη μεγάλη οθόνη σε μια από τις πιο πολυαναμενόμενες ταινίες του 2026!
Πρεμιέρα: 17 Ιουλίου 2026
Η μουσική του παρελθόντος, ζωντανή στο παρόν.
From Santorini to Hollywood!
Yannis Pantazis in Gladiator II
Yannis and Symposion Cultural Center Bring Timeless Greek Music to the Big Screen.
Yannis Pantazis long dreamed of scoring films. Now, the musician, instrument artisan, and co-founder of “Symposion Cultural Center” on the island of Santorini, who has shown tireless dedication to honoring his culture and his craft has made that dream a reality- Yannis’ music will be featured in the upcoming Ridley Scott blockbuster, Gladiator II.
After Paramount heard one of his original compositions, the film’s production team knew the soft sound of Yannis’ flutes would make the Greco-Roman world truly sing! Ridley Scott’s direction of the much-anticipated sequel has led critics to call it an “epic Roman opera” and declare that, at 86 years old, he’s still got it! Ahead of its global release, many are suggesting that
the film will be a serious contender in all major award categories, with Denzel Washington already slated for Best Actor for his stunning performance. One critic from Los Angeles said that the film is able “to conjure the past while adding something new,” just like Yannis’ inspired melodies, which bring the past firmly into the present.
More about Yannis Pantazis -https://www.symposionsantorini.com/yannis-pantazisfilm credits
https://www.soundtrack.net/movie/gladiator-2/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9218128/soundtrack/
https://jhmovie.fandom.com/wiki/Gladiator_II/Credits
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THE BENT ARCHIVE- 2000-2025 25 YEARS OF TRAVELS WITH THEODORE AND MABEL BENT FEATURING YANNIS PANTAZIS
Taking a rough track, after some difficulties, they finally reached the hill-top village of Akrotiri just before dusk. Eating only what they’d carried from Anafi, they slept the night in the tower of the Venetian castle.
That very tower, known as La Ponta, was the first workshop of Yannis Pantazis where he constructed and played the instrument seemingly both loved and abhorred by Theodore. Yannis had never heard of the Bents but he believes Theodore’s accounts of the tsabouna are some of the earliest records we have in modern times of the playing of the instrument.
La Ponta has cast a powerful spell over the course of the past 130 years, bringing into its orbit, two key figures, generations apart – one who experienced and documented the popularity of the tsabouna in its heyday, the other spearheading the vanguard of the renaissance of the instrument today.
One hopes Theodore would have approved! (A paperback edition of his ‘Cyclades‘ is available from Archaeopress, Oxford)
Discover more about Yannis Pantazis, his workshop and performance space
SYMPOSION by La Ponta Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/symposionsantorini
HIPPOCRATIC WEEK
ΙΠΠΟΚΡΑΤΙΚΗ ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ
13-21/10/2024
HIPPOCRATIC OATH CEREMONY
ΤΕΛΕΤΗ ΟΡΚΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΙΠΠΟΚΡΑΤΗ
19/10/2024
October 17th, Kos Island, Yannis Pantazis Lecture at 20:30 "MUSIC AND MYTHOLOGY IN THE MEDICAL ARTS" The use of Apollo's Seven-String Lyre
Στις 17 Οκτωβρίου, στο νησί της Κώ, ομιλία του Γιάννη Πανταζή στις 20:30 "ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΜΥΘΟΛΟΓΙΑ ΣΤΙΣ ΙΑΤΡΙΚΕΣ ΤΕΧΝΕΣ" Η χρήση της Επτάχορδης Λύρας του Απόλλωνα
Εφημερίδα "Η Καθημερινή"
Τσαμπούνα: Στη Νάξο αναβιώνει η αρχαϊκή «εξαδέλφη» της γκάιντας.
«Οταν στην Αθήνα του μεσοπολέμου οι αστοί έχουν καλεσμένους στο σπίτι τους, θα παίξουν στον φωνόγραφο κάτι εκλεπτυσμένο, κλασική μουσική ή ένα δημοφιλές τραγούδι, όχι πάντως δημοτική μουσική». Είναι σούρουπο και βρισκόμαστε στη Νάξο, στο κτήμα Κάμπονες, έναν ελαιώνα ηλικίας 600 έως 2.500 ετών, όπου για δεύτερη χρονιά πραγματοποιείται το φεστιβάλ «Μια βραδιά κάτω από την ελιά». Από ένα γραμμόφωνο 125 ετών ακούμε την πρώτη ηχογράφηση τσαμπούνας. Εδώ ο Κρίστοφερ Κινγκ, ο Αμερικανός μουσικολόγος που έμελλε να εξελιχθεί σε ειδήμονα της ελληνικής παραδοσιακής μουσικής, πρόκειται να μας μυήσει στα μυστικά της άγνωστης για εμάς «τσαμπούνας», ενός παραδοσιακού οργάνου που έχει μακρά παρουσία στο νησί· στο πλάι του ο μουσικοσυνθέτης Γιάννης Πανταζής μας μιλάει για την προσωπική σχέση του με το διονυσιακό όργανο.
The Best Things to Do in Santorini by Condé Nast Traveler
A freak of nature, Santorini is a place of terrible beauty. The flooded caldera was created by a volcanic explosion three millennia ago, which blew the heart out of the island. A crescent of black and red cliffs plunges down to the submerged volcano, with two smoldering craters marooned in the deep blue sea. Whitewashed villages are honeycombed out of the cliff face. This vista has turned Santorini into one of the world’s most recognizable destinations. For seven months a year, a deluge of cruise ships and catamarans, newlyweds and bucket-listers, descend on this arid little island. Beyond the drama of the caldera, vineyards and villages, ancient ruins and incredible frescoes, challenging hikes and mystical chapels, offer glimpses of a calmer, slower way of life. Saturated in selfies and clichés, Santorini still has the power to awe and surprise, if you know how to avoid the crowds.
CYCLADIC NEWSPAPER REPORTAGE
The Cycladic Newpaper "Kini Gnomi''dedicated a reportage for Pithigia 2023 wine exhibition and tasting event organised and hosted for the second year in Symposion Cultural Center.
"Pithigia 2023" refers to the first day of the ancient traditional festival of Anthesteria, the day of "pithos" (large urns) during which ancient greeks unsealed the clay vessels where the wine was stored in order to taste the new harvest and fill the vessels of the buyers.
The wine-growing tradition of Santorini from ancient times until today is crucial part of the local cultural identity.
Professionals and wine lovers who visit "Pithigia 2023" will have the opportunity to taste the wines from last year’s harvest which we will be enjoyed this summer.
THE JOURNEY OF ASKAVLOS
The Journey of Askavlos (To taxidi tou askavlou) Greece-Germany, 2020, 88 mins, World Premiere
Director/ Producer: Yorgos Arvanitis Cinematography: Zoe Dalaina, Markus Haaser Editor: Chronis Theocharis
Following the ancient Greek bagpipe, The Journey of Askavlos takes the viewer on a journey from stone-built villages, where the instrument’s origins lie, to the concrete jungles of modern towns and cities. He becomes a witness to this revival and discovers a thing almost lost: the customs and an ethos of a people of another era, and an oral tradition that was once a way of life. The bagpipe is being assimilated by the contemporary music scene and is integrating with modern sounds, beyond the realm of traditional festivals, thereby gaining a younger audience and enjoying great resonance around Greece and worldwide.
"Η ΖΩΗ ΑΛΛΙΩΣ" - DOCUMENTARY | ERT1
Ina Tarantou and ERT1(Greek National Channel) visited Santorini and SYMPOSION for a special interview with Yannis Pantazis. See the whole episode here: https://www.ertflix.gr/en/vod/vod.182901-e-zoe-allios-24
PIPE DREAMS: A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE TSABOUNA ON BBC 2
The story behind one of the oldest musical instruments known to man.. the Middle East, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Ireland - the bagpipe might be Scotland's national instrument, but Scotland was one of the last countries to adopt it. Today, the bagpipe is still played all over Europe. This film undertakes an entertaining musical road trip to show how the long, loud and often difficult history of the bagpipe tells the story of folk music and traditions the world over.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER -
THE SOUND OF SUCCESS
National Geographic Traveller decided to feature Greece as their destination of choice and to explore the creative renaissance Greece is experiencing during the economic crisis. Within the edition artists, musicians, chefs, and entrepreneurs are featured, giving readers an insight into how the crisis has created the opportunity for some to turn traditions on their head in a bid to pursue their dreams.
ELLE MAGAZINE
ELLE Escapes: Santorini
ELLE Escapes, discovers Santorini and places worth visiting on the island in 2022.
TRAVEL+LEISURE MAGAZINE
This Village on Santorini Gets a Fraction of the Crowds
TRAVEL+LEISURE, discovers Megalochori, Santorini and places worth visiting in 2022.
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
A special, tuneful slice of Santorini
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN, discovers SYMPOSION & Megalochori, Santorini.
CHANTER MAGAZINE
Yannis Pantazis graced the cover of Winter 2015 Chanter Magazine:
“Through the bagpipe we can discover people, customs as well as the attitudes and outlooks of the people who play them. This, I think, is wonderfully exemplified by Yannis Pantazis and his approach to both playing and making the tsabouna. I cannot think of any other performer who could quote excerpts from Homer as a prelude to his music and yet make it feel so naturally part of the whole performance.”
Jane Moulder, The Bagpipe Society
FRANCE TV 5 IN SANTORINI
Jerome Pitorin of France TV 5 visited La Ponta to learn about the tsabouna and Greek musical tradition.
NDR GERMANY
NDR Germany, came to La Ponta, Santorini to film “The Beauty on the Powder Keg” (Die Schöne auf dem Pulverfass), part of serial called “Mare TV” about maritime regions around the globe. The serial aired twice monthly and had around 2 million viewers.
LE FIGARO VISITS SYMPOSION
Le Figaro Voyage, discovers Santorini and places worth visiting on the island in 2020.
TASTE ESCAPE
Christina Zacharia took us on a tour of her beloved Santorini, uncovering a thriving food scene and stunning history - including LA PONTA - along the way!
“At La Ponta you can take a journey into the island’s timeless musical tradition.”
VTV 2
Yannis Pantazis and La Ponta were featured in a tribute by VTV2, Vietnam’s primary national broadcaster.
THE BAGPIPE SOCIETY
The Bagpipe Society was formed in 1986 to bring together players, makers, researchers and people who love the bagpipes. Yannis Pantazis joined their annual Blowout festival in 2014.
Jacksonville Children's Chorus Touring Choir sightsees, performs in Greece, Turkey
Members of the Jacksonville Children's Chorus Touring Choir visit the Symposion Cultural Center in Santorini, where they later performed.
POSTCARD FROM SANTORINI
In its first year La Ponta was featured in SONGLINES, the world’s premier world music magazine.
EU CULTURAL PROGRAM
FOLK MUSIC IN MUSEUMS
In 2012, from May to April 2015 , Yannis Pantazis took part at the EU Cultural Program "FolkMus - Folk music in MusEUms, young musicians and old instruments", along with other musicians from Norway, Estonia, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. They shared music, instruments, tales, dances, rituals and ceremonies beyond their own traditions upon with the aim to promote European culture. Two wonderful
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LA PONTA
AT DELTA BLUES MUSEUM
CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI
In 2014, La Ponta, the Greek Bagpipe Exhibition and Workshop presented at Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the interactive music presentation of fifteen-featuring hand-crafted wind and string instruments.
SYMPOSION WAS FEATURED IN GREECE IS 2020
GREECE IS is magazine featured SYMPOSION on the summer issue for 2020.
SYMPOSION WAS FEATURED IN GREECE IS 2019
GREECE IS magazine featured SYMPOSION on the summer issue for 2019.
SYMPOSION WAS FEATURED IN GREECE IS 2020
GREECE IS magazine featured SYMPOSION on the summer issue for 2020.
NEWSBEAST FEATURED SYMPOSION
Newsbeast presented SYMPOSION as a unique experience of music and mythology that makes the difference in the island of Santorini.
THE MODERN CHAMPION OF THE GREEK BAGPIPE
GREECE IS magazine wrote about Yannis Pantazis and the traditional bagpige after visiting La Ponta and mentioned it as one of the most memorable experiences for any visitor in the island.
"CHIMNEYS OF SANTORINI"
EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE
In May 2018, European initiative for the promotion and protection of chimneys and the Santorini Arts Factory of the Tomato Industrial Museum "D.Nomikos" participated in presenting part of the industrial history of the island. In this context "Ode to Joy" was a project where the musicians of the island, with the basic guidance of Lefteris Zorzos and the director Nikos Korakakis presented in the following channel (youtube: santoriniartsfactory) a different view of the Anthem of Europe. Yannis Pantazis played in the factory this classical piece using the sound of the old machinery and his bagpipe.
SANTORINI SERENADE BRINGS ANCIENT GREEK MUSIC AND MYTHS TO LIFE
Article from Candi Licence for the Travel signs Post.
"As you stroll through the traditional Greek village of Megalochori, on Santorini Island, you’ll hear the ethereal wail of a bagpipe or the reedy melody of a panpipe echoing through the streets. The sounds draw you into the Courtyard of Symposion by La Ponta, Yannis Pantazis’s Greek Bagpipe Exhibition and Workshop. These enchanting melodies are created with traditional Greek instruments handmade by Yannis himself."
AEGEAN BLUE MAGAZINE
2021
BLUE MAGAZINE featured SYMPOSION on the summer issue for 2021.
No. 85
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AEGEAN BLUE MAGAZINE 2018
Issue 72 of Aegean Blue Magazine featured Symposion among the places a visitor is worth seeing in Santorini for the summer of 2018.
AEGEAN BLUE MAGAZINE 2020
Issue 83 of Aegean Blue Magazine featured Symposion among the places a visitor is worth seeing in Santorini for the summer of 2020.
LOCALS CAMPAIGN TO SAVE FRESCO CONSERVATION LAB AT AKROTIRI
In 2014 La Ponta, along with Estia cultural center and the Santorini of the Past cultural village supported the campaign for collecting money for the conservation lab of Akrotiri. A large number of people attended the event that was organised under the auspices of the municipality, featuring music, food as well as a silent auction and lottery. About 25,000 euros were collected that day.
YANNIS PANTAZIS, IN PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
2019 European Capital of Culture
In 2019, Yannis Pantazis was in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, in the context of European Capital of Culture for the play "European Odyssey 2019. The Travelling Man". It was a three-year multi-genre theatre project by the N.O. Masalitinov Drama Theatre - Plovdiv. It aimed at creating a large-scale show based on Homer's work that gave theatre people dimensions - creating an epic, modern and visually compelling spectacle. There were guest appearances of Yannis Pantazis, who played live music with various ancient instruments, and the Greek composer and theatre director Theo Abazis (Deputy Artistic Director of Greek National Theater)
CRUISE CRITIC
2021
Just Back From Norwegian Jade: Hits & Misses From the First Cruise Back
"A short walk took us to Symposium, a former winery now turned into a musical heritage site. Here Argy Kakissis and Yannis Pantazis have transformed the 19th century site into a Cultural Center that combines Greek myths with music and storytelling. Yannis is both a musician and a musical instrument maker (he whipped up a rudimentary flute from a reed as we watched -- then proceeded to play it, beautifully)."
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