Renowned artist Mario Fragkoulis recently shared the untold story of why he never met legendary composer Manos Hadjidakis up close, despite their mutual admiration. According to Fragkoulis, both artists wanted to meet, but it never happened—even when Hadjidakis was just a few steps away from him one afternoon. Fragkoulis learned about this moment from Manos Hadjidakis’s son, with whom he maintains a friendly relationship to this day. During an extensive interview with Zoe Pre, Fragkoulis revealed the reasons behind their missed encounter and discussed his ongoing bond with Hadjidakis’s son.
Fragkoulis explained that during a performance of ‘Les Misérables,’ Manos Hadjidakis had expressed admiration for his acting skills, calling him a remarkable Greek performer. However, when asked why Hadjidakis didn’t visit backstage after the show, Fragkoulis recounted that the composer felt shy and hesitant. “He was embarrassed,” Fragkoulis said, reflecting on how deeply moving this revelation was for him.
Despite never meeting in person, Fragkoulis honors Hadjidakis through collaborations with his son, including performances at Epidaurus Theater and tours with the Hadjidakis Music Ensemble. For Fragkoulis, the connection remains strong, as he stated: ‘Inside my heart, Manos is always there.’