Biography
Instead of a biographical note
In order to satisfy your interest, I would inform you that I was born in the village of Zouridi in the province of Rethymna, in Crete. I was brought up on the Erotokritos poetry and Rizitika songs, which my Great Teacher and Noble Father used to sing. I grew and shot up to the accompaniment of the primordial and eternal sounds of his voice, the voice of an archangel, and his lyrical speech. After my poverty-stricken years in high school, and my equally poverty-stricken time in the Chemistry Department of the University of Patra, I pursued my postgraduate studies at the University of Zurich, where I was awarded my doctorate in Chemistry. In the 34 years of my teaching career, I have respected my vocation and attempted " ... to give light from my flame, even if it is only a humble lamp ... ". At some point I wrote the song below as counsel - legacy to my pupils, which I interpret by borrowing the tune of a familiar rizitiko, on a CD which I am bringing out:
It is the moment when teacher and pupil say farewell
Here at the parting of the ways, at this moment,
tell me, Teacher - God bless you - what you advise me.
My dear young man, take great care of your youth,
and best to take the uphill road as you pass through.
It takes much toil to reach the summit,
but when you get there, your mind will rejoice and be filled with delight.
In FREEDOM and HONOUR live your life.
My second excellent Teacher was the great Simon Karas, whose pupil I was and to whom I dedicate my first CD, entitled 'My precious ruby and sapphire' - songs from Asia Minor.
Now I am a retired teacher. A result of my lifelong study of and research into music is the 'Musical Works' (CD) which I have prepared for publication and which, if a sponsor can be found, I am ready to bring out.
Bon voyage to the places and sounds which this page contains.
Thomas Venakis
