Mikis Theodorakis

Mikis Theodorakis (Greek: Μίκης Θεοδωράκης) (b. July 29, 1925) is perhaps the most important Greek music composer of the 20th century, and one of the most significant in the world. Politically, until the collapse of the military junta in 1974, he identified with the left; in 1990 he became a member of parliament with the centre-right New Democracy party. He has consistently opposed oppressive regimes. He was born on the island of Chios in Greece, and spent his childhood years in different provincial Greek cities such as Mytilene, Cephallonia, Pyrgos, Patras, and Tripolis. His father came from Crete and his mother from Asia Minor. He has received several offers to serve as President of Greece, but has refused them. He is known internationally for his scores in the Hollywood films, Zorba the Greek (1964), Serpico (1973)and Z (1969).