Petros Halikias: The Demise of a Renowned Clarinetist and the Two Tragedies That Marked His Life

Petros Halikias, who passed away at the age of 90, left behind a legacy that marked a significant chapter in traditional music. Known for his exceptional clarinet skills, Halikias gained fame even in the United States, where he lived for nearly two decades before returning to Greece. The latter years were challenging—not only due to his age but also because of the deaths of his wife and one of his children. These losses were blows from which he never fully recovered. Born in Delvinaki, Ioannina, in 1934, Halikias started playing the clarinet at an early age. Despite his father’s wish for him to become an engineer, he chose to turn his childhood passion into a career—a decision that paid off handsomely both domestically and internationally. Notably, at just 12 years old, his talent caught the attention of a wealthy villager who had made his fortune in America. This encounter marked the beginning of a remarkable career. Although he spent about 20 years in the U.S., achieving great success, Greece and Epirus always remained close to his heart. By the late 1970s, he returned permanently to Greece, becoming a sought-after musician. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, his name was synonymous with excellence on almost every record by Epirotic singers. Despite his fame, Halikias remained humble and approachable, supporting his collaborators. Family tragedies deeply affected him, including the premature death of his talented clarinetist son, Babis, and the tragic car accident that claimed the life of his beloved wife, Maria. Even with these hardships, he found solace in his beloved clarinet, describing his playing as deeply personal: ‘When I play, my fingers move on their own, following the commands of my soul.’ Audiences adored him for the authenticity and emotion in every note. Petros Halikias wasn’t just a brilliant clarinetist; he was a poet of sound, a silent storyteller of place and people. Though physically gone, his musical legacy will continue to resonate in every festival and path of stone and tradition.