Σταύρος Ξαρχάκος

Stavros Xarchakos is a Greek composer, conductor and songwriter born in Athens in 1939. He studied at the Athens Conservatory and emerged in the 1960s as a leading figure of the Greek New Wave, blending classical orchestration with popular song. He is best known for his film scores, including the music for Zorba the Greek and Rembetiko, and for his long collaboration with lyricist Manos Eleftheriou. His work spans orchestral, theatrical and popular genres and has been performed by major Greek singers such as Grigoris Bithikotsis and Haris Alexiou. Xarchakos has also served as artistic director of major Greek cultural institutions and continues to conduct his own works internationally.