(1944–2013) | Born in Kapnochori, Kozani, to parents who were refugees from Ano Matsouka of Pontus. He began playing the Pontic lyra at a young age, studying with his father, Stathis Amarantidis, as well as other Pontic musicians of the region.
Between 1973 and 1984 he collaborated with the Greek Dances Theatre “Dora Stratou” as a lyra player. He took part in numerous concerts in Greece and abroad, as well as in major events, such as the opening ceremony of the 1977 World Athletics Championships in Athens and the centennial celebration of the Olympic Games at the Panathenaic Stadium. His style was characterized by a distinctly traditional sound, free from modern additions.
He recorded approximately fifteen solo albums and collaborated with a wide range of distinguished musicians on dozens of others. He collaborated with Domna Samiou and —in addition to his recordings— participated in her tours and concerts in Greece and abroad: in Germany (1982, 1987, 1991), France (1982, 1987), the USA, Australia (1984), the UK (1996), and Cyprus (1990). Beyond being a gifted lyra player, lyricist, composer, and singer, he was also an exceptional teacher, continuing to teach the Pontic lyra until the final months of his life.
