About

Yiorgos Kaloudis is a Greek cellist and Classical Cretan lyra performer based in Athens. He explores the meeting points of tradition, improvisation, and contemporary sound, bringing an ancient instrument to life through research, performance, and original projects.

His work spans international performances, including interpretations of J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites, medieval and Renaissance repertoire (La Rêveuse), and original compositions for cello and lyra (Aptera, Dimensions). He also teaches cello and chamber music in Athens.

Timeline of Performances & Projects

2025

  • Paris, Berlin, Antwerp (Feb): With Teodor Currentzis, Utopia Orchestra & Choir in Purcell’s The Indian Queen.

  • Old Stock Exchange, Athens (Apr): 3rd Festival of Liturgical Music — “A Prostitute Came to You”, Artistic Direction: Teodor Currentzis.

  • Dom Radio, St. Petersburg (Apr): La Rêveuse recital + choral concert Ο ῎Αγγελος ἐβόα.

  • Diaghilev Festival, Perm (Jun): Dedication Ceremony to Handel + concert-performance Esperia, with Teodor Currentzis, musicAeterna & Choir.

  • Diaghilev Festival, Perm (Jul): J.S.BACH cello suites for solo classical Cretan lyra.

  • Dedication Ceremony to Handel Tour (Oct), with Teodor Currentzis, musicAeterna & Choir, (Saint Petersbourg, Moscow, Thessaloniki, Madrid, Valencia, Barcellona).

  • Concert-performance Esperia, (Nov), with Teodor Currentzis, musicAeterna Choir.

2024

  • Diaghilev Festival, Perm (Jun-Jul): Thesis Trio, solo cello recital Dimensions, lecture, choir workshop.

2023

  • Oslo Concert Hall (Nov): Nordic premiere of La Rêveuse.

  • University of Crete (Nov): Presentation of 20-year research method for Classical Cretan Lyra.

  • musicAeterna, St. Petersburg (Oct): Resident artist; Recitals Dimensions & Aptera, Come Again Sweet Love.

  • Salzburg Festival (Jul): The Indian Queen with Teodor Currentzis.

  • Diaghilev Festival, Perm (Jun): Recitals Aptera & La Rêveuse, Persephone, lectures on 20-year research.

2022

  • Album Release: La Rêveuse – Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra.

2021

  • Megaron Athens Concert Hall (Dec): Premiere recital of La Rêveuse.

  • Rokka Festival, Crete (Aug): Concert with Thesis Trio, Lecture on Classical Cretan Lyra.

  • Kharkiv Philharmonie, Ukraine (Apr): Trio Metabasis performance, lecture at Kotlyarevsky University.

2020

  • Album Release: Driopi.

  • European Polyphony Festival, Rhodes (Feb): Duet with Marcel Pérès, solo recital Innovating Tradition, lecture.

2019–2005 Highlights

  • 2019: Festival Diagonales d'Été, Riga AD LUCEM Festival, UNESCO Auditorium Paris.

  • 2018: Album Aptera, Museum of Cycladic Art, Museum of Eleutherna, Megaron Athens, Cyprus recitals.

  • 2017: Album J.S. BACH: Cello Suites II, Ancient Theatre of Aptera, Megaron Athens.

  • 2016: Album J.S. BACH: Cello Suites I, Paris Nuit Blanche.

  • 2015: New Archaeological Museum of Dion, International Puppet Festival, HOMER project & Lemoncello duo.

  • 2009: Album On The Wind.

  • 2005: Album Truth.

  • 1993–2014: Selected collaborations & creative projects across jazz, world, and experimental music.