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The piano. The most famous keyboard instrument. For many people the piano is considered the king of instruments. It is an instrument that represents the joys (white keys) and sorrows (black keys) of life. However, just playing the piano and being a pianist is not the same thing. For professional pianists the piano, in a sense, is the extension of themselves. For them, studying the piano is a path of spiritual evolution. This path requires effort, dedication, many hours of study, seriousness, maturity, self-discipline but also generosity. It is like the job of a Monk; It is a lonely and hard work. It takes strength and consistency, but music is that which gives strength to all people and offers spiritual nourishment to the audience. It is a world of love. The musician shares his soul with the audience and this is wonderful. So, in this article, I will mention some of the best Greek female pianists who have carved out a brilliant career, following their path with authenticity and emotion. Like any selection, this one was difficult, given that there are many remarkable pianists who have had a brilliant career. In this article, I have chosen to start with the older pianists, because I think that they are the teachers of the younger ones. They transmit their knowledge and experience to young pianists.
Dora Bakopoulou is one of the most recognized piano soloists, with an important career both in Greece and abroad, and a great discography. She was born in Athens, Greece. Her appeal for music began very early, given that from the age of 4 whatever she heard on the radio, she then played on the piano. She began to study the piano at the urging and encouragement of the great conductor Dimitris Mitropoulos, who heard her play in New York at the age of 9. When she returned to Greece, she continued her studies at the Conservatory of Athens. At the age of 17, Dora received her Piano Diploma as well as first prize. Then, she continued her piano studies at the Conservatoire in Geneva, in Saltzburg and in Vienna and she apprenticed under great pianists and teachers such as Paul Badura Scoda and Nikita Magaloff. Her acquaintance and collaboration with the leading Greek composer, Mano Hadjidaki was also decisive for her career. Most of the works of Manos Hadjidakis are interpreted by Dora Bakopoulou. Moreover, she has appeared in the world’s biggest concert halls and she has been awarded in competitions. It is also important to note that the Academy of Athens has honored her for her musical contribution. Dora has collaborated with great musicians, but her great friendship with one of the greatest pianists of classical music in the world, Martha Argerich, is remarkable. Undoubtedly, Dora Bakopoulou has carved out a brilliant career, despite the difficulties. She succeeded due to her devotion and her faith in magic and the power of music.