It is the power endowed in his violin bow, the maturity of the timbre, the expression on his face, the movement of his body and the sincerity of his music that gallop inside of you like a purebred horse, forming an experience that feels like poetry.
Odysseas Tsakalidis
By the power of the violin
Text: Marni Hatziemmanouil
Sixteen-year-old Odysseas Tsakalidis, who mesmerizes the senses and catches the eye as he performs works by top-notch musicians on his violin, despite his impressively young age, has many awards and honorary distinctions in Greek and international competitions under his belt, while currently he is studying at the Juilliard School Pre-College Program in New York, one of the most prestigious music, drama, and dance schools in the world. “When I started playing the violin I was so young that I did not have the luxury to contemplate more on the dynamics of music and the importance of time, and on how these notions affect the performance of music pieces. At some point along the way, though, I began to grasp the power hidden in notes and pauses, the role played by movement, time, and rhythm. That’s when my relation to this instrument became meaningful in the full sense of the word.”
Odysseas Tsakalidis began his studies at The Juilliard School Pre-College Program in New York this fall, in the violin class of Areta Zhulla, first violinist of the Juilliard String Quartet and violin faculty of the Juilliard School. At the same time, he will be attending high school at the Professional Children’s School in New York with the generous support of the non-profit organization foundation “Elias G. Barbalias – The Art of Life,” Elena Barbalias-Saracakis.
When I started playing the violin I was so young that I did not have the luxury to contemplate more on the dynamics of music and the importance of time, and on how these notions affect the performance of music pieces. At some point along the way, though, I began to grasp the power hidden in notes and pauses, the role played by movement, time and rhythm. That’s when my relation to this instrument became meaningful in the full sense of the word.
Laureate of the New Conservatory of Thessaloniki from the class of Marina Shelkova, he has attended seminars delivered by Georgios Demertzis, Christos Galileas, Haiou Meng, Skerdjano Keraj, Timothy Schwarz, and Nana Jashvili. Right from his first steps and up until today, he carries on his apprenticeship alongside Lefteris Zoulas, having appeared in various individual recitals and concerts both in Greece and abroad. “My father and my teacher, Lefteris Zoulas, make up a duo of people who help me out each in his own way, creating an environment of safety and trust. In any case, though, for someone to maintain a high level, it takes disciplined study on a daily basis and a sharp focus on details.”
“As in every child, it was the same with Odysseas — maturity came in stages. All his experiences coming from concerts, theater shows, visits to museums, and other cultural actions and activities, as well as his social interactions and the time he spends in school, contribute to the building of his character. He is a teenager that grew up amidst music, which he always considered as a part of his daily life. I think that he cannot imagine himself without the presence of some form of music around him,” mentions his father, Stelios Tsakalidis, whereas his mother, Maria Misailidou, goes on to say: “The influence of his father played a pivotal role in Odysseas’ course. Needless to say that our entire family is into music: we watch concerts all the time, we listen to tons of classical music both at home and while traveling. This love created a niche where being involved with music feels natural, serving as a link between the members of our family. Music has played a key role in many of our daily lives’ memories, moments of relaxation, excursions, and trips.”
“The people closest to me are the main source of support and courage in my love for music. Therefore, in addition to my father, I would like to thank my mother and my brother, ten-year-old Ektoras, who plays the cello, for always standing by my side, joining me in my travels, and encouraging me. I thank them for never missing out on a concert of mine, as I never miss out on a concert of my brother,” says Odysseas Tsakalidis, who also expresses his gratitude for the support received by his conservatory under the direction of Barbara Tsampali. “I was taught music alongside the pianists who accompanied me in my concerts all these years, such as Nikos Zafranas, Valeria Charitidou, Ioanna Polyzoidou, and my piano teacher, Letti Pappa.”
Having teamed up with the Thessaloniki City Symphonic Orchestra, both in 2019 under the direction of conductor Haris Iliadis and in 2022 under the direction of conductor Dimosthenis Fotiadis, he has also taken part in international events. In 2022, he participated at the 8th Molyvos International Music Festival on the island of Lesvos. In December 2023, Odysseas performed as a soloist in the Christmas concert held by the Thessaloniki State Orchestra under the direction of conductor Miltos Logiadis. He has performed in recitals and concerts in Cyprus, Italy, France, and Germany. “I take a wide interest in music that does not limit itself to the violin. I am a fanatic listener of classical music, I love the piano, I am interested in composition, I like both orchestral and solo pieces,” notes Odysseas Tsakalidis. In August 2025, he participated in the SYRREO International Music Festival in Syros together with the distinguished pianist Nikos Zafranas in a program of high virtuoso demands. “I feel it’s too early for me to map out my professional road in life. What interests me is to follow my violin and music studies on a university level and keep on having concerts in new venues, travel, and unveil my ideas as a musician to the public, taking joy in its response.”
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