Panayiotis Kokoras

Kokoras is an internationally award-winning composer and computer music innovator. Since fall 2012 he has been appointed Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas. Born in Greece (1974), he studied classical guitar and composition in Athens, Greece and the University of York in England: he taught for many years at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki (among others). Kokoras's sound compositions use timbre as the main element of form. His concept of "holophony" describes his goal that each independent sound (phonos), contributes equally into the synthesis of the total (holos). In both instrumental and electroacoustic writing, his music calls upon a "virtuosity of sound," emphasizing the precise production of variable sound possibilities and the correct distinction between one timbre and another to convey the musical ideas and structure of the piece. His compositions have received 56 distinctions and prizes in international competitions, and have been selected by juries in more than 130 international calls for scores.