Lefteris Bournias
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lefteris Bournias | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 3, 1968 |
| Origin | Astoria, New York, U.S.; Bayside, New York |
| Genres | Greek traditional, Gypsy, Classical, Turkish Gypsy, rhythmical and harmonic Jazz |
| Occupations | Clarinetist |
| Instruments | Clarinet |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Website | http://www.apolloorchestras.com/ |
Lefteris Bournias Greek Λευτέρης Μπουρνιάς (born September 3, 1968) is a Greek-American clarinetist and leader of Apollo Orchestras.[1]
Lefteris Bournias was born in Queens, New York, and grew up there as well as in Greece. His parents came to America from the Greek island of Chios. Lefteri has played the clarinet since age 11, strongly influenced by his father, Elias Bournias, a Greek floghera player, who introduced him to the music of his ancestors from Asia minor in modern-day Tsesme (Çeşme).[2]
Lefteris’ style combines Greek traditional, Gypsy, Classical, Turkish Gypsy, and elements of Jazz (rhythmical and harmonic).[3] and is largely self-taught.[4]
Living near famous gypsy clarinetist, Mr. Vasilis Soukas, Lefteris Bournias frequented his house for lessons while attending the Athens Conservatory of Music under the guidance of clarinetist Mr. Farandatos.[2] Later, he underwent graduate studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College earning a B.A. in Performance and a Masters of Science in Music Education.[2]
