The baritone of the National Opera, Andreas Kouloumbis, her husband, has died Carmen Ruggeri for 57 years.
Who was Andreas Kouloumbis?
Andreas Kouloumbis was born in Athens. He is a graduate of the National High School (first prize) and immediately at the National Opera.
Since 1967 he sings almost the first baritone roles in performances staged in Athens, Thessaloniki, the Athens Festival and the Megaro Musikis. During the same period he appeared in many opera theaters abroad (Italy, Germany, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Poland and USA).
Soloist of the State Orchestra of Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as the ERT Symphony Orchestra, he gives solo recitals in Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and participates in opera recordings. He is a founding and executive member of the Athens Chamber Opera.
Great career milestones
In the period 1977-2009 he participated in “Axion esti” of Mikis Theodorakis, performing the role of Psaltis (baritone), in concerts in many cities in Europe, America and Africa and was seen on the television of the these countries.
He made a record with “Axion Esti” which sold out every issue.
He performed the role of Karyotakis, in the opera of the same name by Mikis Theodorakis, staged at the National Opera, “Epilogue” Kounadis at the Megaro Musikis and “Eleni” by Thanos Mikroutsikos, with a libretto by Christos Lambrakis, also at the Megaro Musikis .
He was Deputy Artistic Director of the National Opera in the period 1994-1977.
Until the last minute he taught singing to opera singers and actors.
He has written the lyrics to many operas and all the plays on Carmen Ruggeri’s Children’s Stage.
He has published a collection of poems, as well as a fairy tale for children entitled “Grandfather’s Tales”.
The wedding with Carmen Ruggeri
Beloved husband of 57 years for Carmen Ruggeri. They had two children, Christina and Victor.
“I remember that night…. writes Carmen Ruggeri … Everything was so magical .. so beautiful … I saw my young Andrea again … laying her soul up there on Lycabettus … singing Theodorakis Masterpiece … . How fast the years go by…….very fast……”