“Across the universe”

The Organ Quartet of Thodoris Kotsyfas presents a unique musical performance dedicated to the work of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, creators who have indelibly marked the history of modern music.

With Thodoris Kotsyfas on guitar and arrangements, Oleg Chaly on Hammond organ, Dino Manos on electric bass and Alekos Spanidis on drums, the quartet approaches the music of the Beetles through a modern instrumental perspective, drawing elements from jazz, improvisation and the creative interaction of the musicians.

Familiar melodies and timeless compositions are transformed for a musical journey that begins in the 60s and reaches the present day, highlighting the timelessness and profound influence of Lennon and McCartney’s work on the generations that followed.

An evening dedicated to the power of song, melody and creativity, through the sound of an organ quartet that combines respect for original music with a willingness to explore and renew.

Thodoris Kotsyfas is one of the most active and distinctive guitarists, composers and music teachers of the contemporary Greek jazz and improvisational scene. Born in Naoussa, Imathia in 1985, he combines high academic training with an intensely creative artistic career.

He is a graduate of the Department of Music Studies of the Ionian University, specializing in jazz guitar, and has represented the institution at the International Association of Jazz Schools (IASJ) in Latvia. He is a founding member of The Next Step Quintet (and Quartet), one of the most influential and stable ensembles in domestic jazz. As a bandleader, he has released the personal albums Conception of thought (2017) and New War Design (2022), which reveal his influences from rock and modern jazz. He has collaborated in live and recordings with leading Greek and foreign artists (such as George Kontrafouris, Takis Paterelis, J.D. Walter and Tivon Pennicott), while at the same time maintaining a rich educational work by teaching in conservatories and music schools.

Oleg Chaly is one of the most charismatic and active pianists, organists (Hammond) and keyboardists of the Greek jazz, blues and funk scene, based in Thessaloniki. With a solid background in classical education and deep expertise in jazz improvisation, he stands out for his expressiveness, technical perfection and authentic vintage sound.

He has had a long and successful career on the country’s live stages and festivals, being a key member of many important ensembles. His artistic flexibility has led him to collaborate with great Greek and foreign soloists, as well as with large ensembles, such as the Thessaloniki Municipality Symphony Orchestra. At the same time, he is actively involved as a session musician in recording studios and as an educator.

Konstantinos (Dinos) Manos is one of the most sought-after and charismatic double bassists, composers and music teachers of the contemporary Greek jazz scene. Born in Serres in 1990, he combines absolute academic expertise with an impressive career on live stages and in his discography.

He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Jazz Double Bass Performance from the Ionian University, and a Diploma in Classical Double Bass with Distinction. As a founding member of The Next Step Quintet, one of the most influential ensembles in domestic jazz, he has shaped the contemporary sound of the scene. His rich artistic activity includes appearances in leading institutions (such as the Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Halls), collaborations with international jazz stars, as well as the position of permanent double bassist in the Thessaloniki State Orchestra since 2020. At the same time, he maintains an intense educational work, teaching at universities and conservatories.

Alekos Spanidis is one of the most accomplished and versatile drummers, percussionists and composers of the Greek jazz, funk and world music scene, based in Thessaloniki. With high-level studies and a Percussion Diploma from the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, he combines a solid academic education with rich improvisational experience.

His artistic career is characterized by his participation in numerous bands of the domestic Jazz, funk, rock scene, etc. such as his constant presence in the explosive NASA FUNK. He has collaborated with leading international jazz legends (such as Sheila Jordan, Milcho Leviev, David Berkman and Craig Bailey), while he has appeared in major festivals in Greece and abroad. In addition to his intense live and studio activity, he transmits his knowledge as a teacher.