The piano soloist from Kalamata achieved a major milestone in his career Christos Danakas, who was named the winner of the category “Best Song” with the “What Can Break This Echo” at the Cannes World Film Festival: ”Remember the Future”! The song is the theme song for the film by the up-and-coming and dynamic director from Kalamata Giorgos Louridas, which was screened at the Cannes International Film Festival, “The Clay and the Girl”.
The songwriter and performer of the song is George Breadman with whom Christos had an excellent collaboration that yielded outstanding results! At the same festival, Christos Danakas was also nominated in other categories: “Best Composer of the Future” and “Best Soundtrack.”.
The song that took first place was written for the film's soundtrack “The Clay and the Girl”, “The Clay and the Girl” which is a social drama centered on the relationship of a middle-aged couple following the sudden loss of their daughter. It explores the values of family and love, and the role that art plays in the relationship between the two. The director is from Kalamata. George Louridas.
It’s worth noting that the film was nominated in a total of eight categories! With actor G. O Breadman winning the award for “Best Singer” and the George Louridas the “”Best Director, Indie Short".
Christos Danakas was born in Kalamata. At the age of 6, he began taking piano lessons, first at the “Messinia Conservatory” and, starting in 2000, at the “Kalamata Municipal Conservatory” under the guidance of Nelli Semitekolo. In 2009, he continued his studies at the “Athenaeum” Conservatory under the guidance of Nelli Semitekolo, where he received his diploma with unanimous honors in 2011.
In 2000, he won First Prize and an Award of Excellence in the national ’Talents – Philon Awards“ competition, and in 2004, he won Third Prize in the same competition. In 2005, he won First Prize in the Regional Student Competitions (Peloponnese region) organized by the Ministry of Education. In 2006, he received Third Prize.
at the “W.A. Mozart” International Piano Competition organized by the Municipality of Kavala and the Municipal Conservatory of Kavala. In 2012, she won second prize at the ’Maria Chairogiorgou–Sigara“ Panhellenic Competition.
In 2013, he continued his studies in Germany. He was admitted to the “Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Trossingen,” where he studied under Professor Raluca Chifane–Wagenhäuser. He completed his bachelor’s degree in 2017 and his master’s degree as a soloist in 2020, graduating with honors and a special distinction.
In 2015, he recorded an interview for ERT Radio’s Third Program. He has given recitals and chamber music concerts in various cities in Greece, Germany, and Switzerland.
In 2020, he began composing his own music with the piano piece cycle “Music Stories,” which he continues to this day. In 2021, he composed the music for the short film “Pelos and the Girl,” whose theme song, titled “What Can Break This Echo,” won the award in the “Best Song” category”
at the Cannes World Film Festival. At the same festival, he was also nominated for awards in the “Best Composer of the Future” and “Best Soundtrack” categories.
He currently lives in Stuttgart, Germany, where he teaches piano at conservatories and music academies.
