Birbillia Ethnic style, Greek and traditional Mediterranean with voice,piano, kanonaki-ney

Based in Greece

Mykonos, Greece
Main band photo

LOCATION
Mykonos, Greece

TRAVEL
up to 12500 miles

PRICE
from €600 (EUR)

RATED
10 / 10 from 3 reviews

Watch / Listen

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Price Guide

Description Price
Acoustic duo (piano, kanonaki, ney, flute reed, ud– up to 2 x 45-minute sets€400 (EUR)
Ethnic trio with piano (kanonaki, ney, piano, vocals) – full performance (up to 90 minutes)€600 (EUR)
Private concert – customised repertoire for special events, up to 2 hours€600 (EUR)
Ethnic quartet with piano (kanonaki, ney, piano, vocals, santouri) – full performance (up to 90 minutes) with 2 traditional dancers€1000 (EUR)
• Prices include travel within Syros island CYCLADES GREECE. For gigs off-island, additional travel/accommodation fees apply. • A 50% deposit is required to confirm the booking. • Cancellation less than 7 days before the event incurs a 50% fee. • Equipment (basic PA, mics, stands) provided by the group if requested in advance. • All performances are fully acoustic unless otherwise agreed.

About / Biography

Birbillia – Music Group Overview

About the Group:

Birbillia is a dynamic acoustic trio offering a unique blend of ethnic melodies and cinematic soundscapes from Greece and the broader Mediterranean Sea. The group brings together diverse musical elements, traditions, and instruments in a contemporary yet authentic format, ideal for international audiences seeking a cultural yet familiar experience.

Members:

Apostolos Maris: Kanonaki & Ney
Apostolos plays the kanonaki, an ancient harp-like instrument widely used in Eastern Mediterranean musical traditions, and the ney, a reed flute with deep spiritual and expressive tones. His playing brings a refined traditional character to the group’s sound.

Eftyhia Panopoulou: Vocals & Percussion
Eftyhia is a native English speaker and a powerful, soulful singer. She also enriches the rhythm section with hand percussion, including the bendir (frame drum) and traditional wooden spoons, adding a vibrant, folk-inspired pulse to the music.

George Georgousopoulos: Piano Stage
George blends classical technique with ethnic improvisation, performing on a portable stage piano. His playing creates the harmonic foundation and cinematic atmosphere that connects East and West, tradition and modernity.

Musical Direction:

The group’s repertoire focuses on ethnic melodies from Greece and the Mediterranean, enhanced by influences from cinema and world music. Their aim is to create an immersive musical journey that speaks to the heart, combining tradition with global appeal.

Reviews (3)

There are currently 3 user ratings for Birbillia

AVERAGE RATING

10 / 101

Location

Based in Greece

Mykonos, Greece
Travels worldwide
pink circle = free travel (up to 5 miles)

Our Musical Genre

Birbillia’s music is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Mediterranean Sea. Our repertoire blends melodies and rhythms from Greece, Turkey, and the broader Eastern Mediterranean, along with influences from Sephardic and Middle Eastern traditions.

We perform songs in multiple languages, including:

Greek – traditional, folk, and urban songs

Turkish – classical and folk melodies from Anatolia and Istanbul

Ladino (Sephardic) – songs of the Jewish communities of the Mediterranean

English – with a native speaker in the group, we also share stories and songs that help connect with international audiences

Our style is ethnic-acoustic, combining authenticity with personal expression, and bridging past and present through heartfelt performance. We aim to create a musical experience that feels both intimate and universal, deeply emotional yet open and accessible to all.

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

1 x Mixer with at least 6 input channels and phantom power

2 x Full-range PA speakers suitable for the performance space

2 x Monitor speakers (if available, preferred but not essential)

2. Microphones and DI Boxes:

2 x Condenser microphones with stands (for kanonaki and ney)

1 x Dynamic or condenser microphone with stand (for vocals)

2 x DI boxes (for piano and optional percussion)

3. Cables and Accessories:

All necessary XLR and jack cables

3 x Microphone stands (boom type preferred)

4. Power Supply:

Stable power source with minimum 2 available sockets near the stage area

Extension cables/multi-plugs if needed

5. Setup Time:

Minimum 45 minutes for soundcheck and setup before performance

6. Stage Requirements:

Clean, flat surface with enough space for 3 musicians and instruments

2 chairs without armrests (for kanonaki and ney)

We are fully flexible and happy to adjust based on the venue's available equipment.


What information do you require about a venue?

To prepare properly, we kindly ask for:

Venue address & access details (loading, parking, contact person)

Performance area size, indoor/outdoor, stage or floor setup

Available sound equipment (PA, mixer, mics, DI, cables, power outlets)

Soundcheck & performance times, access time

Expected audience size & type of event

Seating layout (chairs, lounge, open space)

Hospitality (water/snacks, resting area, parking)


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

We can provide basic sound equipment if needed, including:

1 x JBL speaker

1 x Mixer

Microphones with cables

1 x Monitor speaker

This setup is suitable for small to medium-sized venues and is available only in Syros.

Extra charge: €200

Lighting is not included. Let us know in advance if sound equipment is required so we can prepare accordingly.


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes, we can provide background music via Spotify or a DJ-style playlist before and between our sets. Just let us know the style or mood you prefer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever worked at?

Some of the most memorable gigs we’ve done include performances at:

The historic Apollo Theater of Syros

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens

The Athens Concert Hall (Megaron)

Prestigious venues across several European countries

The Opera of Algiers

International stages in New York City and Boston

Each one offered a unique atmosphere, great audiences, and unforgettable musical moments.


What's your favourite type of event?

We love events that create real connection—intimate concerts, cultural evenings, and acoustic performances where the audience is close and engaged. Festivals with an international or Mediterranean flair are also among our favourites, as well as special events on ships or outdoor venues with a magical view!


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

Our journey began through a shared love for traditional and Mediterranean music. Each member of Birbillia has years of experience performing in Greece and abroad—in concert halls, festivals, cultural events, and unique venues like the Opera of Algiers, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and stages in New York and Boston.

We started gigging together to blend our diverse backgrounds into a fresh, acoustic sound rooted in the traditions of the Mediterranean. Since then, we’ve performed at numerous events, offering audiences an authentic and heartfelt musical experience.


Which artists have you been most influenced by, who is your favourite artist and what is the greatest song of all time?

Musical Influences & Favorites

We’ve been most influenced by artists who blend tradition with emotion and innovation, such as:

Ara Dinkjian

Manos Hatzidakis

Goran Bregovic

Savina Yannatou


Each member has personal tastes, but collectively we admire artists who create deep emotional connection and timeless sound.

Favourite Artist:
It’s hard to choose just one, but Ara Dinkjian stands out for his ability to combine Eastern modal music with Western sensitivity in a beautiful and heartfelt way.

Greatest Song of All Time:
An impossible choice — but if we had to pick one that transcends borders and speaks to all hearts, it might be “Enderlezi” — a melody from Goran Bregovic


Can you adapt your repertoire to include more songs in English?

Yes, we can!
We’re happy to adapt to the audience and include more songs in English when requested. With a native English speaker in the group, we can smoothly introduce and perform songs that are familiar and engaging for international guests, while still keeping our unique Mediterranean sound.

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

We typically need 45–60 minutes for setup and soundcheck before the performance.

A standard performance includes:

2 sets of 40–45 minutes each

15–20 minute break between sets

Spotify/DJ-style music before and between sets (if requested)

We’re flexible and can adjust timing based on the event schedule.


Are you happy to perform outside?

Yes, we’re happy to perform outside!
We just kindly ask that the performance area is covered or shaded, especially for our instruments (like the kanonaki and piano), and that there is access to electricity nearby.
In case of bad weather, an alternative indoor option is appreciated.


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

We have a carefully curated repertoire, but we’re always happy to adapt!
Clients are welcome to suggest styles, specific songs, or moods they’d like to hear.
If a request fits our instrumentation and vibe, we’ll gladly include it.
Special requests are best shared in advance so we can prepare properly.


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

Previous clients often describe our performances as:

Atmospheric and soulful

Culturally rich and unique

Emotional, yet elegant

Engaging and professional

A perfect blend of tradition and modern flair

Many mention the warm connection we create with the audience and the authentic Mediterranean character of our sound.

Recent Clients

Birbillia has performed for these clients:

One of our most recent and memorable performances took place on board the Caledonian Sky, which visited the port of Syros on May 20, 2025. We received very positive feedback from both the guests and the ship’s team.

A special thanks to Ms. Nicola and Craig from the crew, who were exceptionally kind and supportive throughout the experience. Their appreciation, along with the warm response from the audience, made it a truly rewarding collaboration.

Venues

Birbillia has performed at these venues:

Birbillia and its members have performed at a wide variety of prestigious and unique venues, including:

Apollo Theater, Syros

Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens

Athens Concert Hall (Megaron)

Opera of Algiers, Algeria

Cultural centers and concert halls across Europe

International stages in New York and Boston

Cruise ships (including the Caledonian Sky)

Open-air festivals and heritage sites across the Mediterranean

Each venue brings a new atmosphere and energy, allowing us to connect with audiences in meaningful and memorable ways.

More Info

Events types:

Private Event

Hotel / Restaurant Event

Concert

Cruise

Charity Event

Theatre Show

Genres:

Easy Listening

Background Music

World Music

Greek Music

Features:

Instrumental

Male & female vocalists

Female vocalist

Public liability insurance

DJ / background music options

Will travel internationally

PA / sound system included

Male vocalist

Contact

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