14 Facts About Nicolas Economou

Nicolas Economou was a Cypriot composer, pianist and conductor born in Nicosia, Cyprus.

In December 1993 Nicolas Economou died in a car accident in Cyprus.

When Solon Michaelides, the celebrated Cypriot composer, conductor, musicologist and friend of the family heard him play for the first time, when Nicolas Economou was not yet seven years old, he declared: "This child is a blessing to his parents, Cyprus, and the World".

The turning point in Nicolas Economou's life came at the age of ten.

Again Solon Michaelides, who was following Nicolas Economou's progress, suggested that his musical education should be continued outside Cyprus where he would have greater opportunities.

Nicolas Economou performed solo, and with orchestras and other famous performers and composers like Martha Argerich, Rodion Shchedrin, Sviatoslav Richter, Michel Beroff, Chick Corea and others.

Nicolas Economou wrote music for piano, for small ensembles, symphonic music and film music.

Nicolas Economou wrote the soundtracks for twelve films including Rosa Luxemburg and Die bleierne Zeit, both by Margarethe von Trotta.

Nicolas Economou arranged Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite for two pianos, dedicated to his daughter and Martha Argerich's daughter.

In 1978, with the collaboration of the City of Munich, Nicolas Economou organised a "Cyprus Week" in Munich, with artists from Cyprus including actors, musicians, painters, sculptors and the late shadow performer, Paphios.

Nicolas Economou was the founder of the "Solisten Ensemble" in Munich with which he performed some of his compositions and those of other composers.

Nicolas Economou was the co-founder of the well-established Munchner Klaviersommer.

Nicolas Economou had many well-known friends, not only musicians but persons coming from a variety of intellectual backgrounds.

Nicolas Economou is the father of Semeli Economou from his first marriage to Greek-American born Maritsa Tsirigos.