During the clarinet workshops, Thomas Chaligiannis will work with the students on an almost individual basis. With many years of valuable teaching experience, having trained several clarinetists who are now highly regarded, he will dedicate his time to passing on this rich knowledge to today’s students. He has fully absorbed the musical tradition of Pogoni—especially Parakalamos—as well as the entire region of Epirus, and will offer unique guidance and insights.

My name is Thomas Chaligiannis and I am from Parakalamos. I am 69 years old and come from a family of musicians. My father played the clarinet and was the one who gave me my first lessons, as well as my first jobs and many long nights performing.

I have worked in many nightclubs in Athens alongside great clarinetists such as Georgios Brachopoulos, Athanasios Chaligiannis, and Thanasis Vassilopoulos. In Epirus, I had the honor of collaborating with the great Grigoris Kapsalis, from whom I learned many playing techniques. I have also taught—and continue to teach—many young clarinetists.

For many years, I taught at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Arta as an experienced master clarinetist. Additionally, I have worked with traditional dance associations such as the Lyceum Club of Greek Women and the Ioannina Dance Group, with whom I have traveled throughout Europe, America, and Australia, receiving many honors and awards.

Finally, I would like to emphasize the greatest moment of my professional career, which was when clarinetists Vasilis Papageorgiou and Ilias Plastiras sought my guidance at the start of their journeys. My pride in them is indescribable.