The legendary composer Mimis Plessas has passed away just days before his 100th birthday, his wife Loukila Karrer announced through social media. In a heartfelt farewell, she wrote, “And you won’t be by my side, star of my life,” adding, “Thank you for everything,” and “I will love you forever”.
Plessas, who died on Saturday October 5, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having been one of the most significant and prolific Greek composers.
His career spanned a remarkable range of musical genres, from jazz and light music to sophisticated popular songs and grand musical compositions. He stood out from a young age, making a name for himself both in Greece and internationally.
Born on October 12, 1924, in Athens, Plessas became the first piano soloist at the National Radio Foundation at just 15. He attended the Leonteio Lyceum and later studied at the School of Physics and Mathematics at the University of Athens. He pursued postgraduate studies in Chemistry in the United States, where in 1952, he won the first prize in music at the University of Minnesota. The following year, he ranked fifth among pianists in the United States. He began composing in 1952 and later distinguished himself as a conductor and composer.
Among his hits are “An S’Arnitho Agapi Mou,” “Ekeino to Proi stin Kifisia,” “Ti Sou ‘Kana kai Pineis,” “Tosa Kalokairia,” “Poios to Xerei,” “Oi Chantres,” “Myrsinis Vazei ta Aspra,” “Apopse Se Thelo,” “Mi Tou Milate tou Paidiou,” and many more.
His international achievements included distinctions in Barcelona (1960), Warsaw (1962), Belgium (1963), Italy (1964), the U.S. (1965), Paris (1968), and Tokyo (1970). He also earned significant recognition in Greece, where he was honoured at major festivals in Athens and Thessaloniki multiple times.
Plessas’ artistic activity spanned theatre, cinema, radio, and television. He collaborated with numerous iconic singers, including Nana Mouskouri, Tzeni Vanou, Marinella, and Stratos Dionysiou, among others.
His work, “O Dromos,” with lyrics by Lefteris Papadopoulos, holds an undisputed first place in Greek discography.
Plessas also composed music for over 100 films and numerous theatrical productions while he created music for the TV series “Ta Paidia tis Niovis” and hosted the historic radio show “Se 30 Defterolepta” in the 1960s and 1970s.
His contribution to Greek culture was recognised with numerous awards.
In 2000, the city of Athens honoured him for 50 years of contributions to Greek music, while in 2001, he received the Golden Cross of the Order of the Phoenix from the President of Greece. In 2005, he was commissioned by the Athens Festival to conduct the opening concert celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Beyond music, Plessas was also distinguished in science. He completed a PhD in Chemistry at Cornell University, focusing on the study of myelin proteins, crucial in research on multiple sclerosis. Balancing his dual careers, he continued to maintain an interest in both scientific and artistic endeavours throughout his life.
Mimis Plessas, a master of both music and chemistry, leaves behind a profound legacy in both fields. His work will continue to inspire generations, and his contribution to Greek music remains unparalleled.
