NEW YORK – The Grammy-nominated laouto master, composer, and educator from Epirus, Greece, Vasilis Kostas is making his way to New York this weekend to debut his latest album, ‘Léna’.
Kostas is an internationally recognized musician who is best known for reintroducing the laouto, one of the most demanding instruments in the lute family, and as a leading melodic voice in both traditional and contemporary music.
He has performed at many prominent venues and international festivals during his career, including Carnegie Hall, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, London Jazz Festival, WOMEX, and the Panama Jazz Festival, as well as appeared as a soloist with the Berklee World Strings and the Chatterbird Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to these, he has also previously performed alongside the late laouto master Christos Zotos in Greece and in the United States, honoring the instrument’s deep-rooted tradition while helping carry it into a new era, and has served as the artistic director of the New England Greek Orchestra and the Epilekto Epirus Ensemble of the Holy Metropolis of Ioannina.
As a holder of a master’s degree in contemporary performance from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, he has also been mentored by Danilo Pérez, who invited him to join his group, the Global Messengers, which led to him earning a Grammy nomination.
On Saturday, April 18, Kostas will perform in New York to debut his newest album. Speaking with The National Herald, he shared how he felt about the upcoming performance and release.
“This city has always been a meeting point of cultures and artistic voices, and it feels especially meaningful to share such a personal project here,” Kostas told TNH.
“Given my strong connection to the Greek community and my family’s history in New York, this performance feels both like a musical debut and a homecoming.”
He added how the album serves as a result of almost 20 years of composing his original music and through growing as an artist, and is dedicated to his mother, Léna.
“Through this work, I wanted to share a universal message – that music and the arts can honor those we love, both those who are still with us and those who have passed,” the Greek musician said.
“Every piece, melody, and improvisation is expressed with honesty and inspired by true stories from my family’s life. I feel deeply grateful to be able to share these personal moments through music with audiences in New York City and beyond.” Kostas explained how with many of his mother’s family having lived in New York for more than 60 years, this performance felt especially significant.
“Presenting my original music here is a way of honoring their journey, their presence, and their connection to this city,” he expressed.
“At the same time, performing in New York carries a special responsibility. It is a city with a rich artistic legacy and a strong jazz tradition, which has deeply influenced my musical path. Being part of that environment is truly meaningful.”
Vasilis Kostas has performed at many prominent venues and international festivals across the globe. (Photo: Aris Vedertsis)
When asked about what people can expect from him at his concert, Kostas said his group will perform 11 pieces – “most of them from my album Léna, along with a few traditional pieces from Epirus.”
“Improvisation and risk-taking are essential elements of the performance,” Kostas added.
“At the same time, the compositions and their melodies create a narrative that unfolds in real time. Each concert becomes a unique experience, shaped by the moment and the interaction between the musicians and the audience.”
Grammy nominee Vasilis Kostas. Photo: Kyriaki Zisi
As a popular and internationally recognized Greek musician, Kostas added how he loves that music has allowed him to grow both “as an artist and as a human being.”
“Performing on stage offers a powerful space to develop values that extend beyond music – respect, trust, teamwork, and deep listening,” Kostas said.
“The laouto, with its sound and expressive possibilities, is my voice. Through it, I continue to explore, learn, and evolve. It is not only an instrument for me, but a lifelong path of discovery – both musically and personally.”
To find out more about Vasilis Kostas, or secure your tickets, visit www.roulette.org/event/vasilis-kostas-music-of-epirus-greece.
