Effi Minakouli

Ptychion in French Literature, National Kapodistrian University of Athens; Ptychion of Classical Guitar, National Conservatory; Diploma of Classical Singing, Kodaly Conservatory; Postgraduate Diploma in Early Music (Lute/Voice), Guildhall School of Music and Drama; Master MMus in Historic and Systematic Musicology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens

As part of my graduate studies in Early Music at the Guildhall School of Music, I explored the influence of humanism on French Airs and Ballets de Cour, editing songs and instrumental music found in printed primary sources and compiling the advice on proper singing offered by French singing masters of the 16th-17th century. In my Master’s thesis, I examined the healing power of music as presented in numerous excerpts of Marsilio Ficino’s voluminous works. Bringing forth forgotten music and sharing its power to communicate, to heal, and even to transform, when presented in both typical and atypical environments, has been my special interest and the focus of my academic and artistic endeavors. The results of thisongoing exploration have been shared in series ofthematically organized concerts, staged performances, lectures and recordings.

Parallel to this exploration of repertoire from the past and its inspiration on contemporary practices Ihave engaged in the facilitation of interactive musical activities in a wide range of environments. Based on extensive research, I have designed and presented morning concerts for young listeners in the Megaron Sunday Series, participatory performances for students of primary and secondary education with the Choir and Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens, and music workshops for inhabitants of a remote Greek island as a member of the non-profit organization“Friends of the Greek Island and Sea.”