Ο Myrtia Association is organizing a special evening, where the Cretan Music It will take center stage. Kythira welcomes one of the most dynamic and talked-about groups in contemporary Cretan music: George and Nikos Stratakis. The big party will take place at Mitaton Square, starting at 9:30 p.m., with general admission priced at 10€.
The Stratakis brothers need no special introduction. Born and raised in Heraklion, Crete, with strong musical roots, have breathed new life into the island’s traditional music. Giorgos Stratakis, with his lyre and voice, and Nikos Stratakis, with his lute and distinctive stage presence, form an explosive duo that masterfully navigates the space between the traditional and the new.
Their performances are always full of energy, emotion, and dance, offering an authentic musical journey that touches the audience.
The Stratakis brothers will be accompanied by an exceptional musical ensemble:
Manolis Stratakis – Daouli, Alekos Hatzakis – Double bass, Giorgos Saloustros – Wind instruments, Yiannis Kozirakis – Guitar, Manos Tsirigotakis – Sound recording.
So, the date is:
Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. – Admission: 10€
Mitaton Square, Kythira
Organization: Myrtia Association (Mitata, Kythira)
The musical duo from Crete
George Stratakis is the second of the seven children of Yannis and Eleni Stratakis. Born in Heraklion, Crete, he is originally from the picturesque village of Rodia, in the district of Malevizi. From a very young age—just nine years old—George began to immerse himself in Cretan music, learning to play the lyra.
At almost the same time, and at a similar age, his younger brother, Nikos Stratakis—the family’s third child—also began his musical career,
choosing the lute, with which he would later showcase his virtuosity and unique musical personality.
It was only a matter of time before the two brothers joined their musical paths.
Giorgos's spontaneity and passion combined with his knowledge,
Nikos’s experience and technical mastery, creating an artistic ensemble characterized by authenticity and soul.
Together, ptake part at numerous musical events, keeping the traditions of Crete alive
and renewώby imbuing it with personal integrity and artistic identity.
Every summer, Giorgos and Nikos Stratakis travel all over Crete and the rest of Greece.
With their passion for music and their love for the world, they transformand every celebration into an authentic experience of joy and emotion.
Few people understand the spirit of a Cretan celebration as well as they do—and they know how to bring it to life with every performance.
Each of their performances is a vibrant journey to the beat of the the heart of Crete.
Their joint discography includes works such as March 7,
The Boy and the Dragon, Diktamo & Nerantzi, Advance, Through Fire and Iron
which highlight the essence of traditional music through contemporary arrangements and inspired lyrics.
At the same time, Nikos has also presented his own work, such as the Breath and the Water & Salt,
while Giorgos has released a multitude of albums and singles in recent years,
such as the An Ancient God
Their discography is not merely a collection of songs—it is a living record of the evolution of the Cretan musical tradition.
