In memory of
Andreas Chianis
A Clarinetist Joins the Heavenly Host By Marta Schill
Andreas ( Andy ) Chianis , thought by many to be America ’ s greatest Greek clarinetist , was a true legend . His mastery and knowledge of ethnic Greek music was epic , and his amazing ability to play long , complicated phrases with perfect breath control have placed him among the ranks of the finest Greek musicians . Andreas ’ musical knowledge ranged from the North of Greece all the way to the Greek Islands .
As a young American army pilot in World War II , Andreas ’ plane was shot down near the Swiss border in Germany . From his father , he had learned the master craft of boot building and repair . Upon discovering his skills , Andreas was given the ‘ freedom ’ of plying his craft in a nearby village . He patiently waited for the rescue from the Allied forces , and was not disappointed . He was returned to Long Beach , CA , and resumed his music career .
January 2017 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 9