
Pianist, Vocalist, Educator
Born in Athens in August 1975, Karolos was introduced to classical piano from Concert-Pianist Dora Bakopoulou, at the age of twelve. He also studied at the National Conservatory in Kifisia, with head teacher Mairi Michalopoulou-Charatza and, from 1995, alongside the Austrian Concert-Pianist Max Hallecker (Hellenic Conservatory). With his guidance he acquired the Recital Certificate in Pianoforte from “Guildhall School of Music and Drama” in London (1997) and the Piano Diploma with Distinction degree (2001). He then studied performance and composition at University of Sunderland, a course situated in Newcastle Upon-Tyne, Northern England, acquiring Bachelor of Music with First Class Honors: Jazz, Popular & Commercial Music (2004). He was taught jazz piano and organ alongside Gerry Richardson, Jazz Theoritics with course leader James Birkett, technology and critical studies with Rod Sinclair. He has also attended various Masterclasses with musicians such as Sting, Bill Frisell and Paul Rutherford. He has taught in sections (ND): Popular Music, (HND): Music Theatre and (HND): Drama Studies of Newcastle College as a lecturer in music and Musical Director. He has participated as a pianist in various theatrical productions in Newcastle. Together with guitarist Jamie McCredie, he has appeared in numerous scenes of Northern England and the BBC Radio (2003). Also presenting his first compositions as a pianist, has given a few concerts with Karolos Mavrogenis Quartet in Northern England (2004). From 2006 to 2011, he worked at Philippos Nakas Conservatory, in the Modern Music Department, teaching Modern Theory, Jazz Harmony and Jazz Piano. During this period he also worked for Hellenic and Costeas-Geitonas conservatories and, as a pianist, for well-known Popular Music singers. Since 2012 he’s been working as a freelance Modern Music instructor (piano & theoretics) and Jazz performer. As a singer, he has collaborated with many of the Greek Jazz scene’s elite players. Right now he’s working on his first original music project. It will be consisted entirely of english spoken Jazz influenced songs. The project will be ready by the beginning of 2015.
Last modified on Monday, 20 October 2014 18:45