Kíklos means ‘circle’

it’s how we dance

together, as equals, to celebrate the greatest of joys; to endure the greavest of sorrows; to overcome the greatest of challenges

it’s how we grow

like a ripple; the lightest touch can reach the farthest

Kíklos is devoted to the evolution of Greek traditional culture in its capacity to innovate as a collection of living art forms

Kíklos supports emerging artists who draw inspiration from these idioms to create original, contemporary works of art for international audiences

From an evocative past to a vibrant future, Kíklos connects Greek music with the world today

Official media sponsor for Yia Mas, Generation Y Productions & the 4th Mediterranean Jazz Festival NYC

Greek composer, producer, performer & founder of kiklos festival

Niko Paterakis

As a multi-instrumentalist, niko began composing music for performing arts while living and studying in the UK in the late 2000s. During this time, he performed original material in the world-renowned SWSX Festival (Austin, TX – 2010) and premiered his first musical theater production, ANO THROSKO: Musical for the 21st Century (sponsored by ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND).

Later on, Niko was awarded a scholarship to study for a Master’s Degree in Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music (Berklee Valencia – 2013-14).

After graduating, he moved to New York to work with ROLI, a thriving music tech start-up that brought to market innovations such as the Seaboard & BLOCKS.

In 2018, Niko founded and directed KÍKLOS FESTIVAL NYC under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in New York to showcase Greek traditional music to international audiences. After 2 successful years of planning and executing events, he was invited to manage a North American tour for major Greek artist George Dalaras.

Niko is currently based between NYC and his hometown Athens, greece.

Why traditional culture today?

Traditional culture in every society has a dual role. On the one hand, it preserves the collection of customs and other expressions that constitute cultural identity. This provides a link between the past and present that can inform a society’s future. On the other hand, the force that brings these customs to life is a creative one and direct participation in this culture is what strengthens communities’ awareness of their values.

While the preservative element tends to overpower the creative one, in recent years, a resurgence of this traditional culture has been noted among young Greeks. Many new students of traditional instruments, as well as emerging artists seek inspiration within tradition for contemporary expression. This has led to a small Renaissance, which Kíklos hopes to help nurture into a new ethnic music scene and Global Music market with export potential.

Read more here