Renowned Greek-Australian violinist Spiros Rantos has passed away at the age of 78. Rantos, a former professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, succumbed to health issues in a Brisbane hospital.
Born in Greece in 1945 into a musical family, Rantos began his violin studies at a young age with renowned teachers Stelios Kafantaris and Tatsis Apostolidis. In 1964, he travelled to Austria to further his studies and pursue a career as a professional violinist.
During his time in Austria, Rantos won prestigious international competitions and performed in major cities worldwide. He also taught at the Landesmusikschule in Graz and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, specializing in early music and period instruments.
In the early 1970s, Rantos formed the Ensemble I Chamber Music Group and moved to Australia in 1976. He quickly became a leading figure in the Australian classical music scene, founding the acclaimed Rantos Collegium chamber orchestra in 1986.
Throughout his career, Rantos championed Australian composers, performing their works as a soloist, chamber musician, and conductor. He also taught at several Australian universities, including the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne College of Advanced Education, University of Melbourne, and University of Brisbane.
Rantos’ legacy will live on through his numerous recordings, performances, and contributions to developing classical music in Australia.
