Greek Australian composer Bill Tourloupis, also known by his musical alias Vasilios Evangelou, has been recognised on the global stage after winning a top award at the 2026 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition.
Tourloupis was named a Top Gold Medalist in the professional composition category, achieving a score of 94.3 per cent in the sixth edition of the international contest. His work was featured as part of the competition’s Top Prize Winners Online Concert, highlighting standout composers from around the world.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the IT specialist, whose path to composing success has been anything but conventional.
Tourloupis’ musical journey began in childhood, inspired by family members who performed in bands at Greek functions and nightclubs. He first picked up the bouzouki at the age of seven and later expanded his skills to bass guitar, drums, acoustic guitar and keyboard during his school years.
Despite an early passion for music, his career initially took a different direction.
“My studies took precedence over a career in music,” he told Neos Kosmos.
“For some time in my mid-twenties, I was not playing nor performing at any gigs, solo, or otherwise. I did, however, strum the occasional tune in my room, and dreamt that (someday), I would return to music in some form or another.”
That return came decades later, when he began composing and transcribing original works, drawing on melodies he had developed over the years. One of his earliest compositions dates back to the late 1980s, when he created a simple tune using a Tandy 1000 computer—later reworked and released as “Reflections” in 2022.
His creative process today blends intuition with technical precision. Often inspired by different musical styles—from traditional Greek and Chinese music to jazz and Latin rhythms—Tourloupis develops melodies on piano before building full arrangements using software such as Sibelius and GarageBand.
He composes across a range of genres, though his work is heavily influenced by his Greek heritage and his background as a bass guitarist. In recent years, he has increasingly focused on jazz, while also experimenting with blues, hip-hop and orchestral compositions.
His award-winning success followed a cautious decision to enter the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition, a global event open to musicians of all ages and experience levels. After progressing through the first round with his piece “The Final Frontier,” he opted to submit a different composition, “Canungra Kookaburra,” in the final round.
The decision paid off.
“To my delight, I received confirmation that my second composition won a top award,” he said.
Although his work was not selected for broadcast among the highest-ranking entries, Tourloupis said the recognition itself was a major step forward.
“At least I have this award up my sleeve as proof and recognition of my abilities,” he said. “Hopefully, it is the first of many.”
Outside of composing, Tourloupis continues to work full-time in IT, drawing comparisons between the structured logic of technology and the patterns of music.
“With music, there are no limits to how I can express myself,” he said.
Unfortunately, he has also come to realise the hard way that unless you promote your music, you won’t see it gain traction.
“I always thought that people would listen to my compositions if they were good,” he said.
“Sure, I am getting a few likes every now and again and, sure, I am building my fan base. However, I am not seeing a substantial return for my efforts.”
As mentioned, Tourloupis path with composing isn’t conventional, and neither is the way he gauges whether people enjoy his music or not.
“I tend to play it driving home from work with the windows wound down, and just loud enough for the next car to hear,” he said.
“Suffice it to say, I have had some people listen with interest, and a couple of approving nods. However, I have also had people wind up their windows as a result.
“Obviously, they don’t like good music….”
Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his reach by forming a band or collaborating with other musicians, particularly in jazz and classical genres. He is also exploring new technologies, including AI-assisted tools for video production, while remaining committed to composing music independently.
“I intend to hold true to my values in harnessing my abilities to compose music, as opposed to using AI, which more artists appear to be doing these days,” he said.
“After all, I do not want to be seen as being as good as the software that I use; I aspire to be better, and in my own right.”
Tourloupis’ music is available on major streaming platforms, with a broader catalogue accessible under his alias Vasilios Evangelou. He is also open to collaborate and happy for people to contact him.
