Yorgos Manessis
Yorgos Manessis (26 May 1931 – 27 January 2015), was a Greek pianist and pedagogue, with a short but significant career as soloist. Childhood (1931–1944). Manessis was born on 26 May 1931 in Piraeus, Greece. Soon afterwards, his mother Ioanna Yapapa (a pianist and pupil of Emil von Sauer who had also studied Emile Dalcroze’s method at his school in Switzerland) decided that the newly-born should be raised in close contact with nature. Thus, the family moved to Manessis’ father estate in Portoheli, in the region of Argolida (Pelopponisos). There he had the privilege of enjoying a  quite unique upbringing, combining freedom and strict discipline (sleep, diet e.t.c.). Body [gymnastics, Dalcroze Eurhythmics (his mother playing at the piano while he dance), boating, horse riding, trekking, swimming] and mind (piano lessons, attending school e.t.c.) were equally «exercised». It was an upbringing that – according to Manessis himself – laid the foundation for his later artistic endeavours. Professional meetings attended. April 8, 1998: he was invited as honored guest by the Russian Ministry of Culture to participate in the 2nd Forum for Professors of Music at the Neuhaus Festival and also to give a Masterclass at Moscow. Professional Presentations, Speeches e.t.c ... An extensive concert career as a concert pianist in the sixties and seventies, with performances in Vienna, Paris, and Lausanne and widespread critical acclaim. In 1974, he introduced a new pattern to his recitals. At the end of the recital he addressed the audience and discussed subjects of general interest (in respect to music). Recognitions and Honors. July 2007 – He is awarded by the Porto Heli Community for his cultural contribution in the 20 years of the Porto Heli Festival. Autumn 1999 – Lions International: Lions Greece, Award for his Multiple Achievements and Contribution to society. Critical Reviews. Strasbourg “Dernieres Nouvelles ” 16-6-1966. Huge success of George Manesis’ Recital…even if he is a Mediterranean type, he knows how to bridle his musical passion and present it with an exterior calm entirely Northern which never departs from a solemnity completely faithful to the composers he interprets. Vienna “Kurier”, January 1962…he succeeded in being dominated and appreciated completely…Based on healthy harmony and mature technique, he majestically structured Beethoven’s 100th with a masculine lament of pain and a broad sculptured fugue. Monte Carlo “Nice Matin”, 14-6-1958…Powerful success by George Manesis…He possesses all the qualities which  characterize consummate great talent, great sensitivity, deep musicality and remarkable technique. Zurich “Tagesanzeiger”. February 1962…The gifted artist George Manesis created a splendid impression…what ribystm vugiriys and ardent playing. The introductions to his workds had such force that they captivated you. Paris 18/3/1955 “Television Aimee de Cardevaque”…A great talent with amazing self-discipline and a musicality of rare depth. Athens “Independent Press” April 1962…He is the poet of the piano. He creates atmosphere. He illuminates the minutest details of the melodies and presents them in relief. What rare self-discipline…he never forgets for an instant that  he is a musician. New York “New York Herald”, February 1969…a beautiful sound…a dignified and sincere interpretation with moments of infinite beauty. Priscilla Witter. Strasbourg “Dernieres Nouvelles”, 1966. A great pianist…it was incredible how with only his left hand he managed (in the Chaconne Bach-Brahms) to create the impression of a whole orchestra. A night which those who experienced it will discuss and remember for many years. Paris” L’ Entre Acte”, March 1969…A great artist with very rare gifts…A wonderful night…confident technique with merverous clarity. He alternates verve with refinement and tenderness. Nicole  Claude. Schaffhausen 27-10-1966 “Schaffhausen Nachrichten”…a truly exceptionally gifted pianist…with a totally remarkable artistic strength and incredible powers of concentration and imagination…we are still completely under the spell of this rare creative force. Munich, December 1951 “Prof. Dr. Knappe Dean of the higher State School of Music, Munich”…The case of George Manesis is unusual and fascinating, mainly for his exceptional sound. Lausanne “Feuille D’Avis”, October 1966…What a powerful, sumptuous revival…this was music drawn from a very real inner nead…A singular impression…the combination of the most difficult multi-scaled and multi-tempo  scores in a magnificent cohesion…it was a great delight (for the VI volume of Bela Bartok’s “MICROCOSMOS”). Athens “Ethnikos Kirix”, April 1962…I am still under the magic of Manesis’ sound, that wonderful sound which exudes creativity and color. Manesis devotes his whole self to the performance…but always with incomparable refinement and indescribable spirituality. London, October 1962. Sir Yehudi Menuhin: “George Manesis is an exceptional pianist and serious musician”. Professionally related community activities. 1990 at the city of Porto Heli; Cultural Anthropology lectures, classes, seminars, etc. within the Porto Heli International Festival of Art and Culture. Participation  of the Porto Heli Festival to the International Choir Meetings of Hermioni, Greece.