Giannis Koutis was born in 1985 in Nicosia, Cyprus. Moving to Greece he studied intensively the art of Oud next to the virtuoso soloist and composer Haig Yazdjian.

 

He got his Diploma in Byzantine Ecclesiastical Music, passed with distinction and won the first prize at "The National Conservatory of Athens".

 

He got his Degree in Classical Guitar at "Pythagorio Conservatory" in Athens passed with distinction as well as the Degree of ABRSM Grade 8, having as teacher the significant soloist and composer Costas Grigoreas.

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He completed his Master studies (Master on Music/Oud performance) at Codarts Conservatory of Rotterdam (NL), having as main subject teacher the highly acclaimed Ney Master and composer Kudsi Erguner (UNESCO Artist for Peace).  

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He has participated in several music events, seminars and music festivals world-wide (Hong Kong, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Las Palmas, Spain, Venice, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Turkey, Russia, Denmark, Switzerland, Algeria, Scotland, Greece, Cyprus etc.). He has performed not only as a soloist but also in collaboration with several ensembles presenting among others his personal compositions. He has performed with world re-known musicians such as Kudsi Erguner, Omar Farouk Tekbilek, Ross Daly, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Alkinoos Ioannidis etc.

 

He has composed Music for Cinema & Theatre. He has also published the book "The Musical Instruments of the Eastern Mediterranean" (Kentriki Insurance Publications).

 

He is currently based in Cyprus, gives concerts around the world while he maintains a continuous research in the field of unpublished Post-Byzantine Manuscripts.