Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis
(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)
Stavros Salabasopoulos is a distinguished Greek tenor known for his powerful voice and dynamic performances. Educated at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, he has captivated audiences across various stages. Based in Athens, Salabasopoulos continues to enhance his artistic repertoire while engaging with fans through social media and live performances, showcasing his passion for music and the arts.
Can you describe your early musical experiences and how they shaped your career?
My earliest memories are filled with music. I began piano lessons while listening to my parents’ music choices—my father, a church singer, inspired me deeply. These experiences nurtured my love for melody and storytelling, which became the foundation of my musical journey.
What motivated you to pursue classical singing after starting with piano studies?
Piano was my first passion, but singing opened a new world of expression. Initially, I performed contemporary pop and the audience’s positive response encouraged me. To enhance my skills, I studied singing at the conservatory, where my teacher, the great mezzo-soprano Maria Marketou, introduced me to opera. It was life-changing and I haven’t looked back since.
How did your scholarship to Paris influence your development as an artist?
Studying in Paris was transformative. The intense program at École Normale de Musique de Paris shaped me profoundly. Within a year, I was performing at the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra National de Paris alongside incredible artists. It was a turning point for my growth as both a person and an artist.
Can you share some memorable experiences from your time working with the Paris Opera?
Working at the two Paris Opera houses was a dream come true. A highlight was performing two seasons of Don Giovanni under the direction of Michael Haneke, from whom I learned so much.
What have been the most challenging roles you’ve performed, and how did you prepare for them?
Mozart’s and Rossini’s tenor roles, like Tamino in The Magic Flute and Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, have been the most challenging. Preparing for these involved intense study to master the vocal and technical demands, as well as tackling the challenges of live performance.
How do you blend different musical genres, such as classical and pop?
It’s a delicate dance. I approach pop with the discipline of a classical artist while keeping it fresh and contemporary. This blend makes the music resonate with a wider audience.
What is your process for selecting repertoire for performances, especially in international festivals?
The repertoire must resonate with the audience and reflect my artistic identity. I balance beloved classics with contemporary pieces and try to blend classical music with modern sounds, always considering the festival’s cultural context.
How do collaborations with other artists influence your music and artistic vision?
Collaborating with diverse artists is inspiring. It pushes me to explore new ideas, enriches my artistry and broadens my perspective. I’ve learned invaluable lessons from working with experienced performers.
What advice would you give to young musicians aspiring to follow a similar path in opera and classical music?
Stay dedicated, resilient, and focused on your purpose. Keep learning, embrace setbacks as growth opportunities and stay true to yourself and your vision.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of your music career?
I aim to continue bridging classical and modern genres, pursue exciting artistic collaborations, and expand my discography with innovative music projects.
Tell us a few things about this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
It would be a great honor for me to represent Greece in this year’s Eurovision, a contest with a long-held history that has showcased remarkable artists. Greeks like Jimmy Makulis in 1961, Nana Mouskouri in 1963 and Vicky Leandros in 1967 laid the foundation for Greece’s presence in the competition. Greece reached the top with Helena Paparizou and her ‘My Number One’ in 2005. This year, my entry aims to bridge the past and the present, blending elements of tradition with a symphonic, operatic and pop sound. I aim to present something unique that reflects today while paying tribute to our rich musical heritage. I hope my song will touch the hearts of audiences in Greece and across Europe!
