IZAKI METROPOULOS

about izaki

Izaki Metropoulos is a multi-instrumentalist, trained traditional and classical vocalist, and specialist in Greek folk music with over two decades of performance experience. His work focuses on the musical traditions of the Greek islands, particularly those of the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Aegean, and Ionian Islands, while also drawing from rebetiko, laïko, and the broader folk traditions of Greece and Asia Minor.He has performed extensively as a violinist and vocalist across North America, appearing at festivals, concerts, dances, and cultural events. Izaki is also a regular performer at the Hellenic Dance Festival and Hellenic Folk Dance Festival, performing alongside his sister Sophia Metropoulos (laouto, vocals), as well as musicians from the bands Endasi and Methorios. Over the years, he has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles and has performed alongside singers from Greece on their North American tours, including laïko and traditional singers Kostas Karafotis and Ritsa Poziou.

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THE "ZYGIA"

Metropouleiko is a Greek folk duo built around the nisiotiki zygia (prounounced zee-yah); νησιώτικη ζυγιά): the classic island pairing of violin and laouto, one of the most enduring small-ensemble formats in Greek traditional music.Formed by siblings Izaki Metropoulos and Sophia Metropoulos, the duo performs music from the Greek islands, Asia Minor, and the mainland, with a special focus on the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Aegean, and Ionian Islands. Their repertoire includes modern and traditional island songs.With Izaki on violin and Sophia on laouto, combined with their rich vocal ability, Metropouleiko brings a lively, dance-driven energy to the music while staying close to the regional styles and traditions that shape it.

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