BIOGRAPHY
Stelios Pissis was born in Limassol, Cyprus, in 1976, and from the age of 5 his inclination and talent for music became apparent.
He began by teaching himself to play the piano. During the same period, however, doctors diagnosed him with Muscular Dystrophy. Due to the mobility difficulties that arose, he began to engage with electronic instruments, since he was no longer able to play the piano.
At the age of ten, he was no longer able to walk and began using a wheelchair. Nevertheless, his love for music led him to begin taking intensive music lessons with a teacher at home, while at the same time discovering his ability in singing and composition.
From 1990 he began writing music and songs. In 1994 he won first prize in the Pan-Cyprian Lions Song Composition Competition with his song “It Is an Ornament of the Sky,” which he also performed himself.
The following year, in 1995, he was awarded by UNESCO, as part of the “Artists across the frontiers” programme, for his song “Mosaics,” which refers to the mosaics of the occupied Church of Panagia Kanakaria in Cyprus, which were stolen after 1974 and sold by the Turkish invaders.
In 1996 he was honoured by the Limassol Welfare Council for his voluntary contribution and charitable activities.
The continuing drama of his beloved homeland did not leave him unmoved or unaffected, and so he wrote a series of songs, which he performed himself and which were released on a CD in Cyprus in 1997 under the title “Mosaics.” All proceeds from the sales were donated to charity. This was also Stelios Pissis’s first personal recording.
In 1998, as part of the Telethon 98 programme, the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, at the Presidential Palace, included in its programme, among other works, Stelios’s orchestral pieces, Telethon and “For Sarah,” dedicated to his niece Sarah Patsalidou.
In 1999 he collaborated with the Kremlin Symphony Orchestra and conductor Pavel Ovjiannicov on his second personal album, entitled “Transcendence,” which contains orchestral music. Andreas Georgallis undertook the coordination and responsibility for the recording and the final sound mixing, travelling to the Kremlin for the recording of the album. Regarding this collaboration, Stelios himself says: “I never imagined that one day I would hear a Symphony Orchestra, and such a famous one at that, performing my pieces. When I first heard them, it was truly like a dream for me.” On this particular album, Stelios Pissis also collaborated with Cypriot composer Kostas Kakogiannis, who arranged and performed all the instruments on the piece “The Sunrise.”
At an event held on 26 May 2000, Stelios Pissis was honoured by the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy Association for donating the proceeds from the sales of his two albums, as part of the events of the Cyprus “Telethon,” for the needs of patients with Muscular Dystrophy, as well as for his overall social contribution.
Throughout all these years, from the beginning of his involvement with music and singing until today, he took part in numerous artistic events and appeared on Cypriot television channels.
In recent years, his health gradually deteriorated, and the disease now keeps him permanently bedridden, using a ventilator.
Nevertheless, he continues with enthusiasm and passion, refusing to give up, creating with the help of a computer, writing one note at a time with the mouse.
As experts have said—not only music professors, but also renowned composers and singers from throughout the Greek-speaking world who have heard his work—“Stelios’s music is characterised by quality, genuine inspiration and sensitivity that immediately touches the listener.” They have also said: “He has multifaceted talent; whatever kind of music he undertakes, the result is wonderful.”
In June 2005, Stelios Pissis released his third album, entitled “Of Castalia and Sirens,” with a foreword by George Dalaras. The album includes twelve songs written between 1999 and 2005, with lyrics by his father, Kleitos Pissis, beloved lyricist friends, as well as Stelios himself. The person responsible for the entire production of the album and its principal performer was singer and musician Dimitris Fanis. The remaining songs were performed by Maria-Elena Kyriakou, Sotiris Karagiorgis, as well as the composer himself. The recording took place at CityStudio, with sound engineer and composer Andreas Georgallis.
The proceeds from the sales of the album were donated to the organisation Médecins du Monde to support efforts to relieve those affected by the tsunami that struck South Asia in 2005.
On 27 June 2005, Stelios Pissis was presented with the “Willpower Award” as part of the “Leaders of the Year Awards 2004 (Cyprus),” an institution being held in Cyprus for the first time. People from the political, economic, sporting and journalistic fields were honoured, as well as individuals for their social contribution, having been selected by the public in a week-long vote.
One year later, on 9 May 2006, Stelios was presented with the “Willpower and Strength of Spirit – Leader of the Five-Year Period” award at the nationwide “Leaders of the Year 2005 (Greece)” awards. The award was received by his mother, who spoke about Stelios on behalf of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs Marianna Vardinoyannis at the awards ceremony at the Athens Concert Hall.
On 13 November 2006, at a musical performance entitled “Transcendence,” which took place at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre in Nicosia, sponsored by CYTA (Cyprus Telecommunications Authority), Stelios Pissis’s work and musical oeuvre were presented. The performance took place in two parts. In the first part, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra presented orchestral works by the composer, under the direction of conductor Spyros Pissynos. In the second part, Stelios Pissis’s songs were performed by Dimitris Fanis, Maria-Elena Kyriakou and Giorgos Ioannou. Greek singer Miltos Paschalidis and actress Christina Pavlidou made friendly appearances. Stelios’s nieces, Sarah and Sofia Patsalidou, also participated.
In 2007, Stelios Pissis collaborated with screenwriter Giorgos Tsiakkas, writing the title song and the musical score for the television drama series “Talk to Me,” which began airing on 15 October 2007 on Sigma television channel. The title song, with lyrics and music by Stelios Pissis, was performed by Antonis Remos, while the songs “Our Love Is Very Great” and “The Train of Life” were performed by Mariam Venizelou.
In February 2007, the documentary “Stelios – Transcendence” by Kostas Kakogiannis and Pambos Kouzalis, which refers to Stelios Pissis as a person and musician, was screened with great success at the 4th Cyprus Festival of Short Films and Documentaries, where it won the award for Best Music, written by Stelios himself. Maria-Elena Kyriakou and his mother, Aglaia Pissis, also participate in the documentary. The film crossed the borders of Cyprus, with Athens as its first destination, where it was presented at the 1st International Documentary Festival “Emotion Pictures,” 16–18 June 2007, at the New Benaki Museum. It has been repeatedly broadcast by television stations in Cyprus, as well as at conferences and various events, particularly in schools, following approval by the Ministry of Education. In 2008 it won First Prize at the Drama Festival. It was also screened in Greece, Italy, Canada, India and Kenya, while as part of the “Drama Festival Travels” institution it was to travel around the world. Its creators decided to use the prize money from the award to release the documentary on DVD and distribute it free of charge to all schools in Cyprus and Greece.
In 2008, Stelios Pissis was awarded by the state the “Person of the Year 2007” award.
1 June 2008, the Municipality of Polemidia and Agios Ioannis Gymnasium presented the musical performance “WITH STELIOS” at the Open-Air Theatre of Kato Polemidia. Greetings were delivered by the Mayor of Kato Polemidia, Mr Giorgos Georgiou. Greetings were also delivered by the School Principal, Andri Anastasiou. The film “STELIOS – TRANSCENDENCE” by Kostas Kakogiannis and Pambos Kouzalis was screened; the creators wrote the following words for the programme: “When one meets Stelios Pissis and his family, one is overwhelmed by intense emotions, sees the small and great things in life from a different perspective, and feels fortunate to be close to them. Everyday life, filled with notes of the musical staff, but above all with notes from his soul, reveals how one reaches ‘moments of absolute happiness,’ as his mother says. We wanted to record this moving experience in the documentary Stelios – Transcendence, so that his music and words may continue to open new paths!” A concert featuring Stelios’s musical work, “Of Castalia and Sirens,” followed.
In December 2008, Stelios Pissis’s fourth personal album was released, containing the music and songs from the television series “Talk to Me.” Screenplay by Giorgos Tsiakkas.
On 26 January 2009, a concert in honour of Stelios Pissis was held by the Municipality of Limassol and CYTA at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol, entitled “A Window into the Light.” The concert consisted of three parts: a) Screening of the award-winning documentary “Stelios – Transcendence” by Kostas Kakogiannis and Pambos Kouzalis. b) Orchestral pieces. c) Songs from Stelios Pissis’s discography. The performers were Antonis Remos, Koullis Theodorou, Maria-Elena Kyriakou, Christina Sergiou, Morfo Kotziani, Giorgos Georgalletos, Mariam Venizelou and the “Melodia” Vocal Ensemble of the Limassol Cultural Association, under the direction of Ms Violeta Kakomanoli. Stelios’s nieces, Sarah and Sofia Patsalidou, also participated.
On 5 February 2009, Stelios Pissis received an honorary distinction from PRS (Performing Rights Society – Pan-European Rights Protection Organisation). Representatives of the organisation came to Cyprus from London for this purpose and, at a modest ceremony held in Stelios’s room, presented him with an honorary diploma for his contribution to culture. Journalists and fellow artist friends were present.
On 20 June 2009, Kostas Kakogiannis and Pambos Kouzalis, founders and creators of the “Parakentro” Cultural Organisation, presented Stelios Pissis with the 2009 Award for Contribution to Culture.
In July 2010, Stelios Pissis’s new CD-single “Always a Child” was released, which includes the “Hymn of the Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Heart Disease.” The Hymn is a creation by Stelios Pissis for the Association’s 25 years of operation, in collaboration with lyricist Stavros Stavrou and Nikola Metaxas, who performed the song. The recording of the strings for the purposes of the song took place at City Studios in Nicosia under the direction of Pavel Ovsiannikov, conductor of the “Moscow Symphony Orchestra and 21st Century Choir,” who also arranged the strings. Composer Andreas Georgallis was responsible for the entire production and arrangement.
On 2 February 2011, a concert by Stelios Pissis entitled “Stelios Pissis, 20 Years of Creation” took place at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre in Nicosia. Antonis Vardis, Alkinoos Ioannidis and Antonis Remos were present, performing songs by the composer alongside Koullis Theodorou, Dimitris Fanis, Stavros Konstantinou, Maria-Elena Kyriakou, Christina Metaxa, Sarah and Sofia Patsalidou and other artists, while the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Giorgos Kountouris, performed his symphonic works. The sound engineer at the concert, as at most of Stelios’s concerts, was composer Andreas Georgallis.
The Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Heart Disease, as part of “Heart Month,” presented the aforementioned performance, which was held under the auspices of the Minister of Health, Dr Christos Patsalides.
Koitlani, the birthplace of his father, Kleitos Pissis, honoured Stelios as part of the closing ceremony of the “12th Cultural Month of Limassol Mountain Resorts 2011.” August.
“The President of the Community Council, Michalis Pissis, announced that the Community Council had decided at its meeting to honour the composer and artist Stelios Pissis at this event. ‘We wholeheartedly congratulate him, because, defying his harsh fate and despite every difficulty, he managed to break stereotypes and open a window to light, creation and hope,’ he characteristically stated. He stressed that all the Koilani residents admire Stelios, who finds the strength to overcome his physical weakness and possesses such strength of spirit that he is today considered among the most gifted composers on our island. Stelios’s father, Kleitos Pissis, thanked them for the honour (...)
conveying Stelios’s words: ‘I am very happy that this honour comes from the people and the place where my grandparents lived and where my father was born. From this beautiful place, which I feel is my place of origin.’ (Weekly newspaper LIMASSOL, 5.8.11). Kleitos Pissis warmly thanked them and received the honorary gift. (Image of Christ the Only-Begotten).
On 17 July 2012, the concert “Stelios Pissis, in the City Where I Was Born” took place at the Limassol Garden Theatre. Stelios Pissis’s songs were performed by Kyros Patsalidis, Melina Aslanidou, Dimitris Fanis, Koullis Theodorou, Stavros Konstantinou, Giorgos Kalogirou, Maria-Elena Kyriakou, Christina Metaxa, Sofia and Sarah Patsalidou.
The arranger of the concert and conductor of the seven-member orchestra, which consisted of distinguished Greek musicians, was Leonidas Tzitzos. Composer Andreas Georgallis was responsible for the sound engineering. In 2012 and 2013 (in December), at the initiative of Cypriot baritone Kyros Patsalidis, works by Stelios Pissis were presented in Vienna at performances featuring works by Greek and Cypriot composers. Stelios’s works were presented at the world-renowned Vienna Musikverein, as part of the institutional presentation of Cypriot artists organised by the Cyprus Cultural Centre of Vienna, with the support of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and the Deputy Ministry of Culture, under the artistic direction of internationally renowned baritone Kyros Patsalidis. Stelios’s works “The Waltz of Hope” and “Petrochelidono” were performed. On 7 October 2014, a concert entitled “Stelios Pissis – Melodies of Life” took place at the Agios Athanasios Municipal Theatre in Limassol. New and older songs by the composer were presented at the concert. The performers were Dimitris Fanis, Maria-Elena Kyriakou, Giorgos Kalogirou, Sarah Patsalidou and Sofia Patsalidou. The Chamber Choir of the Papadakeio Municipal Conservatory of Limassol participated, under the direction of Andriana Sergidou. Kyriakos Petousis undertook the arrangements and coordination of the orchestra. All proceeds were donated to the charitable work of the Church of Agios Kosmas the Aetolian in Limassol. A thank-you speech was delivered by Stelios’s mother, Aglaia Pissis.
On 24 October 2016, more than 50 musicians and performers came together on the stage of the Strovolos Municipal Theatre to perform the music and songs of composer Stelios Pissis. The non-profit organisation Stelios Pissis Music Foundation marked its establishment by organising the major concert “Stelios Pissis – With the Orchestra of My Eyes,” a title that metaphorically encompasses the way in which the award-winning Cypriot composer works and creates, since he now composes and arranges his music using the movement of his eyes. The concert marked the composer’s desire for his work to serve as a starting point for supporting his fellow human beings. The “Avanti Crossover Symphonic Orchestra,” under the direction of conductor Francis Guy, performed his musical work in arrangements by Giorgos Karvellos. Orchestral pieces were performed, as well as well-known and new songs by the composer. The concert brought together on stage Giorgos Dalaras, Kalliopi Vetta, Koullis Theodorou, Dimitris Fanis, Maria-Elena Kyriakou, Nikola Metaxas, Sofia Patsalidou, the “Avanti 4” Vocal Quartet and the “Diastasis” Vocal Ensemble. Andriana Sergidou undertook the harmonisations and vocal coaching of the “Diastasis” Vocal Ensemble. Andreas Georgallis was responsible for the sound engineering and Christina Pissi-Patsalidou for production management. With the support of CYTA and modern technology, Stelios Pissis was able to watch the concert live from Limassol and actively participate in the development of the production, since he was responsible for its artistic supervision. “Many times I dreamed that I was a member of an orchestra or that I was conducting an orchestra,” he says. “I managed to touch some beloved instruments and play, as much as my strength allowed me, the piano, synthesiser, guitar and percussion. For many years now, I can only ‘touch’ real musical instruments with my eyes and, listening to my melodies, I can participate in the live performance of my music only in my mind. I thank God that, despite the enormous difficulties, He gives me the strength and inspiration to create and share with the whole world the melodies that fill me.”
On 10 and 12 February 2017, the Youth Community of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol presented the Concert – Tribute to composer Stelios Pissis, “Hold Strong, Hold on to What Is Above,” on the occasion of the completion of 25 years of his musical creation and his contribution to music and culture. At the two concerts, greetings were delivered by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Limassol, Mr Athanasios, and His Eminence the Metropolitan of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, Mr Nikolaos, respectively.
The presentation of the programme and the reading of the connecting texts were undertaken by actors Giorgos Tsiakkas and Christina Pavlidou. Stelios Pissis’s songs were performed by Dimitris Fanis, Giorgos Kalogirou, Sofia Patsalidou and Ellada Aristodemou. The Youth Choir “Anatoli” of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol participated, under the direction of Panagiota Lymbouridou. The arrangements and coordination of the orchestra were undertaken by Kyriakos Petousis. The texts were written by philologist Petros Mantralís. The artistic supervision was by Stelios Pissis. The proceeds from the two performances were donated to needy students of the Cyprus University of Technology.
12 March 2017, the Piraeus and Islands Group for UNESCO, in cooperation with the HELLENIC CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF CYPRIOTS (EPOK), presented Stelios with an honorary COMMENDATION as part of the “7th E.P.O.K. World Literary Competition,” for his contribution to culture. At the ceremony, which took place at the Athens War Museum, Stelios was spoken about by the President of E.P.O.K., Mr Heracles Zachariades, and Stelios’s mother, Mrs Aglaia Pissis.
On 17 December 2018, the Stelios Pissis Music Foundation inaugurated the initiative of Music Actions of Contribution. It held “The Xmas Music Love Tour” in Nicosia. A group of distinguished musicians joined their voices in a musical journey of love, sharing notes, colour, energy and love. The Music Bus made stops at: Nicosia Elderly Care Home / Day Care Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities / Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre / Makarios Hospital Nicosia / Special School at Evangelismos / Nicosia General Hospital / Christos Stelios Ioannou Foundation.
On 28 November 2019, at the Cyprus University of Technology, Auditorium 2, Tassos Papadopoulos Building, the “Kostas Partasidis – Vasos Papadopoulos” Award for Contribution was presented to Stelios and ETHAL.
During Christmas 2019, as part of the charitable activities of the non-profit organisation “Stelios Pissis Music Foundation,” the SPMF bus, with outstanding musicians and singers, visited various charitable institutions in Limassol to entertain fellow human beings in need. The official launch took place at Limassol Municipal Hall, in the presence of the honourable Mayor of our city, Mr Nicos Nicolaides, who praised the initiative and congratulated Stelios on his undertaking. Christmas and other songs were performed there. The organisation’s secretary, Mr Stavros Stavrou, and Stelios Pissis’s mother, Mrs Aglaia Pissis, delivered brief greetings. Also present was the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Alexia Pissaridou. The same activity was also held online in 2020 due to the pandemic.
On 16 May 2022, the concert “ARIS CHOIR – STELIOS PISSIS: A Melodic Encounter” took place at the Pattihio Theatre in Limassol, under the auspices of the Mayor of Limassol, Mr Nicos Nicolaides. Participants included Andreas Aroditis, Christiana Pavlou and Sofia Patsalidou (soloists). Dimitris Fanis made a guest appearance. The ARIS LIMASSOL CHOIR and a ten-member orchestra also participated. Artistic Direction: SOLON KLADAS. Artistic Supervision – Arrangements: STELIOS PISSIS. ORGANISATION OF THE CONCERT: ARIS LIMASSOL CHOIR.
On 5 March 2023, the premiere of the theatrical work “JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL” by THOC took place at the Theatre Organisation’s Warehouses in Nicosia. Stelios wrote the music and the song of the play (lyrics and music). On 19 December 2023, at the CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT, the Limassol Municipal Symphony Orchestra, conducted by FRANCIS GUY, under his artistic direction, performed, among other works, Stelios’s orchestral piece “The Waltz of Hope” – “The Waltz of Hope,” dedicated to his mother and Telethon, which became the official anthem of the Telethon event.
On 3 June 2024, Stelios’s father, physics professor and poet, and Stelios’s exclusive lyricist, Kleitos Pissis, passed away.
25 JUNE 2024
A moving naming ceremony for the “STELIOS PISSIS PARK” took place in Limassol, near the Pissis family home, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, His Grace the Bishop of Amathus, Mr Nikolaos, the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr Hartsiotis, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, the Deputy President of DISY, Efthymios Diplaros, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, friends and relatives. The decision of the Mayor of Germasogeia, Mr Kyriakos Xydias, and the Municipal Council to dedicate this particular park to Stelios Pissis was deeply moving and honourable. The rationale behind the naming of the Park was read by the Deputy Mayor of Germasogeia, Mr Kyriakos Iliadis, who also presented the entire programme. Speakers included the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, the Mayor of Germasogeia, Mr Kyriakos Xydias, and Stelios’s mother, Aglaia Pissis. The President of the Republic was welcomed by the Philharmonic Band of the Municipality of Germasogeia under the direction of conductor Panagiotis Stylianou. This was followed by an artistic programme featuring Stelios’s songs, performed by the Choir of the Municipality of Germasogeia under the direction of conductor Solon Kladas. The entire event began with a blessing ceremony.
19 OCTOBER 2024 Stelios passed away.
5 February 2025
“Memorial and Tribute Event for Kleitos Pissis and Stelios Pissis” by Linopetra Lyceum. Title: WHEN STRENGTH OF SOUL TOUCHES ETERNITY. An exceptional and moving event. Introduction by Ms Niki Kitromilidou, Deputy Principal. Welcome by the Lyceum Principal, Mr Theoklitos Paragyiou. Tribute to Kleitos Pissis and Stelios Pissis by students of the School. Reading of biographical notes, recitations of poems and performances of Stelios’s songs. Contemporary dance by female students entitled “Transcendence,” “Nothing Frightens Me Anymore,” and “Performance.” The award-winning documentary by Kostas Kakogiannis and Pambos Kouzalis, “STELIOS – TRANSCENDENCE,” was screened, and Kostas Kakogiannis spoke about it with very moving words: “My acquaintance and collaboration with Stelios.” Recitation of poems dedicated to Stelios. “Prelude to the Glory of an Angel” by Panikos Theofanous, theologian. He recited it himself. The poems by Dina Leonidou, Philologist, “Day of Celebration,” by Kleitos Pissis, “You Are a Guitar” and “Shades,” and by Stelios, “Hold Strong, Hold on to What Is Above,” were also recited. Speech by Dimitris Fanis entitled: “The Man and Composer Stelios Pissis.” Songs were performed by Kostas Kakogiannis, Dimitris Fanis, Sofia Patsalidou and the Linopetra Lyceum musical ensemble. A thank-you speech was delivered by Stelios’s mother, Aglaia Pissis.
On 26 February 2025, “at the 23rd Bank of Cyprus Man of the Year Awards, held at the Royal Hall in Nicosia, the most moving moment of the evening was the presentation of the ‘Honorary’ Award to the unforgettable composer Stelios Pissis, a true fighter in life.” The award was received by his mother, Aglaia Pissis,
from actor Giorgos Tsiakkas, who spoke words of thanks.
5 June 2025 The Telethon presented, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, the concert “STELIOS PISSIS – SYMPHONY OF LIFE,” under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides. Stelios’s orchestral pieces and songs were performed by: the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra with conductor Giorgos Kountouris; the Aris Limassol Choir with conductor Solon Kladas; Pantelis Thalassinos, Dimitris Fanis and Sofia Patsalidou. The programme was presented by Giorgos Tsiakkas and Christina Pavlidou. Direction: Christina Pavlidou. Arrangements: Giorgos Karvellos. Choral Arrangements: Solon Kladas.
1 July 2025
Charity Event of the “Apostolos Varnavas” Charitable and Missionary Association in the gardens of the Kykkos Metochi. The Association’s Council decided that part of the event, which was held under the auspices of His Eminence the Metropolitan of Kykkos, Mr Nikiforos, would be a Musical Tribute to composer Stelios Pissis. Speeches were delivered by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Agathonikos Kykkotis and Stelios’s mother, Aglaia Pissis. Stelios’s songs were performed by Dimitris Fanis and Sofia Patsalidou. The musicians were: Andreas Davinson, Kostas Chaloumas, Iakovos Parpas, Stamatis Petsakos, Giorgos Dimitriou and Rafaelos Agapiou. The programme was presented by Giorgos Tsiakkas and Christina Pavlidou.
19/10/25 Sunday First annual memorial service for Stelios
1st STELIOS PISSIS MUSIC FESTIVAL at the Park. Under the auspices of the President of the Republic. Organised by the “Stelios Pissis Music Foundation” to honour “the great creator who gave everyone music, hope and light.” The festival began at 4 p.m. and ended at 9:30 p.m. Programme: parallel activities – workshops. Children’s Choir “The Lighthouse of Love of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol,” under the direction of Salome Riar. Choir of the Papadakeio Municipal Conservatory, under the direction of Aleia Konstantinou. On piano, Violina Panagiotova. Kanapes Band. Cantus Choral Choir, under the direction of Theodosis Kain Christidis Grand. On piano, Myro Solomon. “Musical Paths” Choir, under the direction of Michalis Chatzivasileiou. On piano, Christina Papatziakou. Limassol Municipality String Quartet. Official greetings: From Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis, on behalf of the President of the Republic. From the Mayor of Amathus, Kyriakos Xydias. From the General Manager of the residential and commercial real estate development company BBF (main sponsor), Lefteris Konstantinou, and from the President of the Stelios Pissis Music Foundation, Christina Pissi Patsalidou. The programme culminated at 7 p.m. with a major concert. Stelios’s songs were performed by Rita Antonopoulou, Dimitris Fanis, Kostas Kakogiannis, Annita Konstantinou, Giorgos Kalogirou, Maria Theodotou and Sofia Patsalidou. The programme was presented by Melina Karageorgiou.
29 October 2025
The Youth Community of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol presented, at the Pattihio Theatre in Limassol, the event: “IN THE NEIGHBOURHOODS OF HEAVEN.” An evening of remembrance and honour for Stelios Pissis, with words and music. SPEAKER: His Eminence the Metropolitan of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, Mr Nikolaos Chatzinikolaou. Greetings by the Metropolitan of Limassol, Mr Athanasios. A thank-you speech was delivered by Stelios’s mother, Mrs Aglaia Pissis. The musical part of the event featured: Baritone Kyros Patsalidis, Dimitris Fanis and Sofia Patsalidou. The “Anatoli” Choir of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol, under the direction of Panagiota Lymbouridou. Artistic Direction and Arrangements: Kyriakos Petousis. The musicians were: Nikolas Tryfonos, Christiana Christou, Evgenia Karapataki, Andreas Keliris, Charalambos Tsokos, Elina Georgiou, Nikolas Georgiou, Panagiotis Ilia, Alexandros Georgiou, Georgia Kompou, Konstantinos Oikonomidis, Kyriakos Petousis.
What They Said About Stelios …
Foreword by Giorgos Dalaras
From Stelios’s album “Of Castalia and Sirens.” I met Stelios when he was a child. What impressed me about him then was his maturity, his humour, and his feelings. He was a completely exceptional and gifted child, and his manner and reactions did not at all reveal the burden of his life. Today he is a young man full of feelings, knowledge and such humanity that it is expressed through his life and through his art. The way he writes music, and even more so the way he offers his work and his soul, is as though the grace of God and of people has overflowed in his life. His inclination and talent for Music, together with his studies, have led him along impressive paths. Stelios is today a mature composer who has nothing to envy in his teachers and fellow artists.
His songs are flawlessly inspired; they reveal great talent and an inner passion. His compositions are original and authentic; he chooses lyrics with the judgement of a professional musician, and his work is both original and spontaneous. At times Dorian, at times lyrical, he moves effortlessly through his compositions, from “Deryneia” to “Sofia’s Lullaby,” with measure and discipline, never resorting to melodrama or naivety. Rich in his compositions, with an excellent knowledge of contemporary song but also with respect for his roots, which lie in Greek popular and art song, as he came to know and love it.
Good luck, Stelios! Your strength and your example give us courage and are a common weapon for all of us.
GEORGE DALARAS
Athens – May 2005