The official presentation of the historic piano that belonged to Nikos and Eleni Kazantzakis was held with great emotion and a large turnout on Tuesday evening at the Museum of Traditional Musical Instruments “Thyrathen”. A unique musical instrument with ebony and ivory keys, which now adorns the museum and symbolically returns to the place of origin of the great Greek thinker.

The donor of the piano, visual artist and art historian Ms. Vanna Karamaouna, moved with her speech, referring to her deep personal relationship with Eleni Kazantzakis and how she gave her the piano in her childhood, when they lived in Geneva. The gesture of donating this unique musical object to the Museum “Thyrathen” is the highest honor for Heraklion and Cretan culture.

The event opened with a greeting from Mr. George Stasinakis, co-founder of the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis, followed by a speech by professor and researcher Mr. Nikos Gigourtakis on the life and work of Nikos Kazantzakis.

The audience had the opportunity to enjoy a special musical event, with composer and musician Isidoros Papadakis on the piano and Marilena Vasilaki on vocals, in an atmosphere of deep emotional charge.

We extend our warm thanks to:

To Ms. Vanna Karamaouna for her significant donation and the trust she showed us.

To Father Demetrios, a Mount Athos monk, who brought the donor into contact with the museum and contributed decisively to the realization of the vision.

To the businessman Mr. Michalis Lempidakis, who took full responsibility for the safe transport of the piano from Geneva to Heraklion.

To the MP of Heraklion of the New Democracy party, Mr. Maximos Senetakis, who honored Ms. Karamaouna for her contribution.

To the Deputy Governor of Crete, Mr. Giorgos Pitsoulis, for his support and awarding Mr. Lempidakis.

To the Mayor of Malevizi, Mr. Menelaos Bokeas, the Deputy Governor of Culture, Ms. Georgia Milaki, the Commissioner for Education, Ms. Eleni Maraki, as well as the Deputy Mayors of Heraklion, Mr. Nikos Gialitakis and Ms. Rena Papadakis, for their honorary presence.

The contribution of Father Demetrios was recognized with an award from our museum.

For the year 2025-2026, the actions of the Museum "Thyrathen" will be dedicated to Ms. Vanna Karamaouna, as a minimal sign of honor and gratitude for her invaluable contribution.

This piano, completely connected to the life of Nikos and Eleni Kazantzakis, is now located just a few meters from Martinego, the resting place of the writer, returning to where it belongs: in the Great Castle, the heart of Crete.

For the Museum "Thyrathen",

The Artistic Director

Grigoris Pitsikakis