Thanos Mitsalas

Thanos Mitsalas is a highly acclaimed Greek classical guitarist recognized as one of the leading virtuosos of his generation. Born in Naoussa, Greece, he began his musical journey early, recording a full solo recital and debuting as an orchestral soloist at just 14. He studied at prestigious institutions including the New Conservatory of Thessaloniki, Hochschule für Musik Köln/Aachen, and the Juilliard School, where he was a full-scholarship student of Sharon Isbin. Mitsalas has won numerous international guitar competitions and gained recognition for his performances of challenging repertoire, including Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez.

Mitsalas is celebrated not only for his technical mastery but also for his expressive musicianship. He has premiered works by important contemporary composers like Sergio Assad, Gerard Drozd, and Simone Iannarelli, some of whom have dedicated compositions to him. He performs as a soloist and in chamber ensembles, has recorded extensively, and appeared on Greek and international radio and television. Beyond performing, Mitsalas is an experienced educator, teaching at the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki and the Conservatory of Northern Greece, and serving as a guest professor at international festivals and academies. His deep involvement with the music of Sergio Assad is notable, including premiering Assad’s recently composed Naoussa Concerto for Guitar and Symphony Orchestra, written especially for him.

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