Panagiotis Fournarakis (b. 1963, Heraklion, Crete) is an accomplished composer and conductor with an extensive international presence in composition, performance, and music education. He received his foundational training at the Hellenic Conservatory of Heraklion, graduating with degrees in piano, singing, and harmony. He continued advanced studies at the Hellenic Conservatory of Athens under Professor Dimitris Katsimbas, earning degrees in counterpoint and fugue. He later studied composition and orchestral conducting with Professor Theodore Antoniou (Boston University), obtaining his Diploma in Composition (1996) with EXCELLENT, unanimously, First Prize.
His works have been presented internationally and featured in major composition competitions, including Besançon, Trieste, Boston University (Alea III), Spain, and the University of Illinois. His compositions have been performed across the United States (Washington, Boston, New York), Canada (Toronto, Montreal), and Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra).
He has collaborated with the Union of Greek Composers and presented works at the Athens Concert Hall, including Inner Voices. His orchestral work Theme and Variations for String Orchestra was performed by the Orchestra of Colors, and his composition Heliostalagma was included in a globally distributed CD published by Louisiana State University.
In 2007, as a board member of NOPEI, he established major musical ensembles in the Heraklion Prefecture, including a symphony orchestra, mixed choir, and youth choir, serving as Artistic Director and Conductor. In 2013, he founded the Conservatory of Colors, where he continues to serve as Artistic Director.
His later works include Overseas on Domestic Voyages (Athens Concert Hall, 2015) and a cantata presented by the ERT National Symphony Orchestra in Crete.
DISTINCTIONS & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS (2025)
ABSOLUTE PLATINUM MEDALIST — US-Canadian International Music Competition (2025)
Platinum Prize — Debussy International Music Competition (London, England)
Platinum Prize — Eric Satie International Music Competition (Wales)
Platinum Prize — World Exceptional Musicians Competition (London, England)
Platinum Prize — Schubert International Music Competition
Platinum Prize — Grant International Music Competition (Canada)
1st Prize (Composition) — Classical Music Stars International Competition (Gdansk, Poland)
1st Gold Prize — Fenix Award International Music Competition (Gdansk, Poland)
2nd Prize (Composition) — Bach International Music Competition (Warsaw, Poland)
2nd Prize (Composition) — World’s Best Musicians Competition (Warsaw, Poland)
Silver Prize — Brahms International Online Music Competition (Gdansk, Poland)
Silver Prize — Mozart International Music Competition (Gdansk, Poland)
WORKS
He has composed over 40 works, spanning orchestral, vocal, operatic, chamber, and theatrical repertoire, including works for solo instruments, choir a cappella, choir and orchestra, and large-scale symphonic forms.
DISCOGRAPHY
He has recorded five CDs of original works and a four - DVD symphonic recording collection.
