Dimitrios Skyllas

In 2022, the music and life of composer Dimitris Skyllas (b. 1987) were the subject of a feature-length documentary, produced by the Onassis Foundation, with the title “Dimitris Skyllas: Afterpop.” The occasion was the composer’s collaboration with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, while filming took place at the BBC studios. Thanks to this film and with a vision of opening up classical music to a wider audience, Skyllas has been established as one of the most dynamic composers of his generation.

The significance of ritual and the dialogue between the primordial and the modern are at the core of his work. His music is influenced by lament in its various forms, sacred music, and ancient tragedy, while it interweaves with the fields of theater, contemporary dance, visual arts, and cinema.

His work has premiered at major and historical venues and institutions, such as the Westminster Abbey, the Royal Albert Hall, the London Design Festival, the VIP opening ceremony of the British Ceramics Biennial, and the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, among others. He appeared as composer and pianist at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, for the world premiere of his solo piano piece “Abyss.” He was also invited by the Onassis Foundation to perform the Greek premiere of “Abyss” at the first public presentation of Maria Callas’ historical piano.

With “Kyrie Eleison,” co-commissioned by the BBC and the Onassis Foundation, he became the first Greek composer to write a work for the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which was performed at the Barbican Hall. Dimitris Skyllas also composed the original soundtrack of the documentary about his life.

Upcoming premieres include a new collaboration with the IKSV Foundation and the Istanbul Music Festival, with a work of historical and national importance, a collaboration with the National Theater at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus (2024), and a new symphony for the Athens State Orchestra at the Athens Concert Hall (2025).