"With deep emotion and sorrow, we bid farewell to Petros-Loukas Chalkias, the foremost representative of traditional music from Epirus, the unparalleled clarinetist, the master performer who, through his music, introduced Greeks and the world to the living voice of our tradition. His loss is not merely the loss of a great musician, but of a devoted guardian of our musical heritage and cultural identity. He leaves behind an irreplaceable void in traditional music and in the heart of Epirus," said Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni in her condolence message on the passing of Petros-Loukas Chalkias.
Born in 1934 in Delvinaki, Ioannina, Petros-Loukas Chalkias grew up in a family deeply rooted in the musical tradition of Epirus. The clarinet expressed his soul, and from a young age, he stood out for his unique virtuosity and unmatched sound. He did not limit himself to performing traditional music; he renewed it, enriched it, and made it speak to the hearts of his audience.