Vasilis Kostas is a Grammy-nominated laouto (long-necked fretted lute) player, composer and educator from Epirus, a mountainous region in northwestern Greece known for music with strong melodic lines and slow rhythms. He is internationally recognized for reintroducing the laouto, one of the most demanding instruments in the lute family, as a leading melodic voice in both traditional and contemporary music, and for his work with master pianist Danilo Pérez and the late legendary clarinetist Petroloukas Halkias, with whom he recorded two albums under the title The Soul of Epirus. Deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Epirus, Kostas transforms the laouto from its historic role as an accompanying instrument into a vehicle for lyrical expression and improvisation, bridging centuries-old sounds with new musical expressions. His honors include the Forty Under 40 Award by the Greek American Foundation, recognizing his efforts in preserving and promoting Greek traditional music in the US.

He will share the world premiere of original compositions from his new CD, Léna, to be released in April 2026, bridging contemporary influences and traditional repertoire adapted for the laouto as a tribute to his mentor Petroloukas Halkias. Vasilis will lead his trio with acclaimed musicians Ian Ashby (upright bass) and George Lernis (percussion). Renowned cellist Naseem Alatrash will join them on selected pieces.

“A master of the stringed instrument known as laouto…creating an innovative new place for it in contemporary music.” –RootsWorld Magazine

This performance is coproduced by Roulette, Robert Browning Associates, and Lotus Music & Dance.