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Andreas Makris was a Greek-American composer who was born on September 9, 1930, in the city of Patras, Greece. He was the son of a prominent Greek composer, Andreas Makris Sr., who was also a conductor and music educator. Makris Jr. grew up in a musical family and began his musical education at a young age. Makris Jr. studied music at the Athens Conservatory, where he received a diploma in composition and conducting. He then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, where he received a Master of Music degree in composition. Makris Jr. began his career as a composer in the 1950s, and his early works were influenced by the neoclassical style of composers such as Stravinsky and Hindemith. He also drew inspiration from Greek folk music and mythology, which he incorporated into his compositions. One of Makris Jr.'s early works was his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1956. The symphony was premiered by the Athens State Orchestra and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Makris Jr. continued to compose symphonies throughout his career, and his Symphony No. 2, which he composed in 1960, was awarded the prestigious George Enescu Prize. In addition to his symphonies, Makris Jr. composed a number of works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1958. The quartet was premiered by the Juilliard String Quartet and was praised for its intricate harmonies and rhythmic complexity. Makris Jr. also composed a number of works for solo instruments, including his Piano Sonata No. 1, which he composed in 1962. The sonata was premiered by the pianist William Masselos and was noted for its virtuosic piano writing and dramatic intensity. Throughout his career, Makris Jr. was also active as a conductor and music educator. He served as the conductor of the Athens State Orchestra from 1964 to 1967 and was a professor of music at the University of Miami from 1967 to 1995. Makris Jr. continued to compose throughout his life, and his later works were characterized by a more experimental and avant-garde style. One of his most notable works from this period was his Symphony No. 10, which he composed in 1995. The symphony was premiered by the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and was noted for its use of electronic instruments and unconventional orchestration. Andreas Makris passed away on May 11, 2005, at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy of innovative and expressive compositions that continue to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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