The death of the exceptional musician Achilleas Yiangoulli has caused profound sadness and emotion in the Greek diaspora, as he is a personality who for decades sealed the musical firmament of our community with his presence and work.
Achilleas, born in Melbourne but originally from Cyprus, passed away on 10 January at the age of just 61, leaving behind an irreplaceable void. As his partner, Katerina Vassopoulou, told Neos Kosmos, his death was due to kidney failure.
“We are shocked. It is impossible for us to believe that Achilles is no longer with us,” she said with obvious emotion.
Achilleas Yiangoulli was a man of low-key but great contribution. He worked for many years as a sound technician at SBS, however, the community knew and loved him mainly as a musician, through his participation in various musical groups.
From the historic Retreat and Apodimi Kompania to the recent concert-tribute to Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis, his musical presence was constant, substantial and always of high quality.
He was the father of two boys, 21-year-old Aris and 18-year-old Jack (Iakovos), and had three brothers: Andreas, Vasilis and Kostas. For those who knew him closely, Achilleas was not only a great musician, but also a man of morals, kindness and deep humanity.
“We will miss him greatly. He was an extraordinary person and musician,” Irine Vela, who collaborated with him for many years, told Neos Kosmos.
Among other things, Irine Vela said:
“Achilleas was simply the best.
Yes, he was extremely talented – a wonderful touch on the bouzouki, on the tambourine, on the guitar. And his voice.
He could vocally render everything…
When he sang, he captured and embodied all the stylistic nuances of Greek traditional song, rebetiko, folk and art song. His vocal chords were exceptional and unique; so much detail, yet so effortless, that you could almost take it for granted… but listen to it again and be stunned. The timbre of his voice – so much soul, depth and life force – just like the man himself.
Our loss is immense… personally and culturally.
We all owe so much to Achilleas.”
Dean Kalimniou spoke glowingly of him in a social media post where he, among other things, said:
“The loss of Achilleas Yiangoulli plunged me into deep sorrow. He was a beloved friend, one of those people who teach you things simply by the way they are…He kept the music of our community alive without ever asking for praise or recognition…He passed through this world with subtle humour, kindness, and dignity.”
As of the time of writing, no details of his funeral have been announced. His memory, however, will remain alive through his music and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
