Tania Giannouli – “The Improviser”
Redefining Jazz with a Lyrical and Eclectic Approach
Tania Giannouli is a distinguished Greek pianist, composer, improviser, and bandleader known for her innovative approach to jazz.
Her genre-defying “open sound language” is often described as lyrical and eclectic, inviting listeners to explore profound emotional landscapes. She has released five acclaimed albums and has performed extensively across Europe and collaborated with notable musicians in the international jazz scene. Art & Culture award winner, from the Greek International Women Awards in 2023, she recognized as a New International Talent by Musica Jazz magazine, nominated for the Deutscher Jazz Preis for Piano / Keyboards international and continues to push boundaries in contemporary music, making her an exciting figure in today’s jazz landscape.
Can you share with us how your journey into music began? What inspired you to pursue a career as a pianist and composer?
I started piano lessons at the age of five, following the initiative of my mother, who apparently “saw” some inclination toward music. Although I eventually graduated in Agriculture, as I progressed in my music studies, it became clearer to me that music was the only thing I wanted to pursue. And so, it happened.
Your music blends elements of classical, jazz, and world music. How do you approach merging these different genres?
For me, music is one, and I never think in terms of “genres.” I carry my influences, but I am always open to new stimuli and the music of today. I make music that expresses me and reflects my true self in each period. And of course, this is something that happens neither consciously nor with planning.
How does collaborating with international musicians affect your creations?
I consider myself very lucky because I have collaborated with some outstanding musicians over the years. We share the same respect for the art of music and, above all, for the art of musical collaboration. And this is something very important. They are people I admire greatly, and, of course, playing with them has taught me a lot and helped me grow as a person and as a musician. I will mention a few names such as Maria Pia De Vito, Nik Bärtsch, Reginald Mobley, Amir ElSaffar, Arve Henriksen, and many others.
How do you see the current state of the Greek music scene?
I will speak about the Greek jazz scene that I am probably more familiar with. More and more talented musicians are graduating from jazz departments at universities. However, I think there is still a certain insularity.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry?
The conditions for musicians have never been easy, and this is not just a Greek phenomenon. Being a female musician, bandleader—and even more so—coming from Southern Europe likely makes things more challenging. The competition is incredible, and getting, as well as maintaining, a spot in the line-ups of good festivals and venues is very difficult. Women in my field unfortunately experience exclusion, discrimination, and are constantly faced with behaviors and stereotypes, and even lower pay compared to their male counterparts. There is a lot of discussion about this, but unfortunately, it is still happening.
Is there a particular performance or concert that stands out as a milestone in your career? What made it special?
After receiving my diploma as solist in piano, several years passed before I finally released my first album with the New Zealand label Rattle, which has published my recordings up to now. All these years since 2012, my projects have been ensembles performing my own music. However, it was never just piano. Shortly before the Covid era, I received an invitation from Rainer Kern, director of the German jazz festival Enjoy Jazz Festival, to perform solo piano for the first time at the Kunsthalle in Mannheim. It was a magical evening for me, and the sense of fulfillment was such that that night I realized how incredibly important it is for me to play solo piano concerts. The result of this realization was, a few years later, the release of my first solo piano album, titled Solo. I am very proud of this album.
Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or performances? What can your audience expect from you soon?
After a solo piano concert in Cologne, there will be a solo piano concert in Heidelberg on October 19th, as part of the Enjoy Jazz Festival. One of the concerts I am eagerly anticipating is on November 22nd at Wigmore Hall—considered by many to be the venue with the finest acoustics for chamber music in the world—within the framework of the London Jazz Festival, along with Swiss pianist Nik Bärtsch and our piano duo project. We will travel to Rome with my trio for the Roma Jazz Festival on November 21st, and on December 18th, Nik and I will perform at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. In 2025, we will be with the same duo at one of my favorite venues in Europe, Studio 1 at Flagey in Brussels for the Flagey Piano Days. These are some of my upcoming performances. Another album is on my plans.
What advice would you give to young musicians and composers who are trying to find their own voice in today’s competitive music world?
To stay true to their dreams and goals. If they believe they have something good, they should work hard to make it become a reality. Without getting discouraged by obstacles along the way.
Thank you very much!
Interview: Alina Asteriadi
Photo: Daniel Wetzel, Yiannis Soulis
