Brothers Euripides (cello, b. 2005) and Stavros (violin, b. 2006) Samaras have been performing for audiences in their hometown of Thessaloniki since a young age. As young musicians, Euripides has also performed at the Molyvos International Music Festival and as a soloist with the Athens State Orchestra at the Athens Concert Hall. The two young artists are continuing their studies at the University of the Arts in Berlin and are currently participating in the 4th Drama International Summer Music Academy. As part of the academy, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, they will perform the Piano Trio No. 4 in B-flat major (Op. 11) ‘Gassenhauer’ – L. v. Beethoven with pianist Danae Derken. The concert will take place at the Drama Municipal Conservatory (Verginas 218a) with free admission.
When and how did you first come into contact with music?
Euripides Samaras We were fortunate to be born and raised in a musical family environment. My parents, as professional musicians, naturally instilled in us a love for their art.
Stavros Samaras Music was always present in our lives. Growing up in a musical family, we were surrounded by sounds, rehearsals, and concerts from a very young age. I can’t remember a time without music; it was a natural part of my daily life from the beginning.
Euripides Samaras The sounds of classical music filled our home daily. My parents were a decisive factor in my choice to pursue music, and now I consciously follow this path.
Who or what prompted you to pursue music professionally?
Euripides Samaras From a young age, I felt that music was not just a hobby for me, but a way of expression and communication. As I progressed in my studies, the feeling that this was my path became increasingly strong. The trust my teachers showed in me, encouraging me to dare, also played a crucial role.
Stavros Samaras The decision to pursue music professionally came almost effortlessly. As I grew older, I felt that the violin was not just an instrument, but a means of personal expression. I was deeply moved by the ability to communicate with people through sound. The stage, the inner focus, the responsibility towards the work – all these definitively drew me towards this path.
How did you choose the instrument you specialized in?
Stavros Samaras It was my parents’ choice. Then its sound, its flexibility, its ability to express both the greatest intensity and the deepest tenderness began to move me.
Euripides Samaras I started the violin at the age of three, but when I first heard the cello, I felt a deep connection. Its warm, human sound seemed the most natural way for me to express myself. It wasn’t a conscious choice so much as an inner recognition; as if I had found my voice.
Where did you study and which teachers shaped you?
Euripides Samaras I graduated with unanimous distinction and a first prize from the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, in the class of Dimitris Patras. I am currently studying at the University of the Arts Berlin (Universität der Künste Berlin – UdK), with Professor Konstantin Heidrich. I have also attended masterclasses with important artists such as Leonidas Kavakos, Angelos Liakakis, Timotheos Gavriilidis-Petrin, Jens Peter Maintz, Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Sebastian Klinger, Claudio Bohorquez, and Mark Kosower.
Stavros Samaras I am a graduate of the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, where I studied with Giannis Korbetis, a teacher who gave me strong technical foundations and deep musical thought. I am currently continuing my studies at the University of the Arts Berlin with Mirijam Contzen – a great violinist and pedagogue, from whom I draw daily inspiration.
Have you participated in competitions? Was there any one that decisively propelled you into your professional career?
Euripides Samaras I have participated in several important competitions that have been decisive in my journey as a musician. My participation in the Athens State Orchestra competition for its 80th anniversary was particularly crucial. As the winner of the competition, I had the honor of appearing as a soloist, performing with the orchestra at the Athens Concert Hall in 2022, an experience that marked a significant milestone in my artistic development.
Stavros Samaras So far, I have chosen to focus more on stage experience, concerts, and artistic development through collaborations. However, I believe that competitions are a valuable tool and something that interests me for the future.
When and where did you make your first public appearance?
Euripides Samaras I had the honor of making my first public appearance at the age of 7, as a soloist with the New Symphony Orchestra of Thessaloniki, at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. It was an extremely special experience for me.
Stavros Samaras I also performed that day, although we didn’t play together. Nevertheless, I feel that my most significant appearances came later, when I began to have a greater awareness of musical responsibility and communication with the audience.
Which of your performances to date will remain unforgettable?
Euripides Samaras Particularly special for me was my performance with my brother at the Molyvos International Music Festival in August 2023. It was a unique experience, both artistically and emotionally.
Stavros Samaras I have participated in concerts both in Greece and abroad – in international academies, gala concerts, festivals, masterclasses, and more. This experience I shared with my brother was indeed unique.
What are your preferences in choosing your repertoire? Favorite works, composers… Which repertoire do you feel suits you best?
Stavros Samaras I particularly love the classical and romantic periods – works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, but also more contemporary composers like Shostakovich and Prokofiev. The repertoire that expresses me most is one that combines inner intensity, intellectual challenge, and poeticism. At the same time, contemporary music also moves me, because it brings its own challenge and opens new expressive avenues.
Euripides Samaras I don’t limit myself to a specific genre or repertoire. I like to explore different musical eras and textures. I choose works that inspire me and allow me to express myself meaningfully.
What musical dream would you like to fulfill?
Euripides Samaras My musical dream is to continue to evolve as an artist and to touch people’s souls through the cello. Every moment I share music with the audience is a small dream coming true. A work I would truly like to perform in the future is Dmitry Kabalevsky’s Second Cello Concerto.
Stavros Samaras One of my dreams is to perform Karol Maciej Szymanowski’s Second Violin Concerto. I would also like to collaborate with leading European orchestras and perform in iconic venues. A deeper goal of mine is to collaborate – even at a masterclass or concert level – with musicians I deeply admire, such as Maxim Vengerov, Janine Jansen, or Leonidas Kavakos. Their interpretive approach and personality are a source of inspiration for me.
How would you suggest we approach young people to get them involved in classical music?
Stavros Samaras Classical music doesn’t need to change to become accessible; it needs to be communicated with sincerity and passion. If we show young people that this music concerns humanity – with all its questions and emotions – then it can truly touch them. There also needs to be a presence of music in schools, as well as modern ways of presentation, without losing its essence.
Euripides Samaras Classical music can become attractive to young people when presented not as something ‘old,’ but as a living art that touches emotions, tells stories, and connects with their daily lives, provided we introduce it with imagination, authenticity, and passion.
What difficulties does a young musician face in Greece and the world today?
Euripides Samaras A young musician today is called to find their own path in a constantly changing world. The challenges are many, from limited support for the arts to the need to combine their artistic identity with practical issues of survival. Nevertheless, the love for music and the deep need for expression and connection with people remain the greatest strength and guidance.
Stavros Samaras Our era offers many opportunities but also great challenges. Economic insecurity, the pressure for continuous performance, the need for networking, comparison through social media – all these can affect the path of a young musician. It requires faith, inner stability, and patience.
Besides music, what are your favorite activities?
Euripides Samaras I really enjoy sports, chess, and I sincerely enjoy discussing and having fun with friends. I am inspired by my daily experiences and the people I interact with.
Stavros Samaras I like to get to know new cultures and travel.
What are your goals for the future?
Euripides Samaras. My goal is to continue to evolve, both as a musician and as a person. To remain open to new experiences, to learn, and to create with truth and consistency.
Stavros Samaras I want to continue to evolve as a performer, to seek depth in my art, and to communicate sincerely with the audience. I hope to contribute to the preservation and renewal of the audience’s living relationship with classical music – and to leave my own mark on the musical world.
