Pianist and composer Yiannis Karygiannis grew up in Khalkis, Greece. Currently based in Rotterdam, bringing his background of classical , rock and jazz together with his Mediterranean roots, he is seeking unique ways to intergrade his influences , to deliver a richly layered and narrative contemporary work. Melodically lyrical , sensitive and polyrhythmic, explosive and daring , are words to describe Karygiannis' musical temperament. Karygiannis has played in various projects with local and world famous artists such as Marshall Gilkes, Andy Hunter and Ilja Rheingoud (Codarts Big Band), Freddy Briant and Rubin Hein (PCC Big Band), Ben Van Gelder and Reinier Baas (Metropole Academy Orchestra project "Young Lions", Metropole Orchestra studio) appearing in prestigious venues such as De Doelen and Lantaren Venster.