Dimitris Gkogkas

He was born in Corfu in 1988. He took his first trumpet lessons at the "Mantzaros Philharmonic Society" with Spyros Nikas, and then at the Philippos Nakas Conservatory with Socrates Anthis, from where he received his diploma. In 2006 he continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, with a full scholarship from the Academy and the "Alexandra Trianti" scholarship of the "Friends of Music" association, where he graduated in 2011 with the title Bachelor of Music, with their teachers: James Watson (trumpet) and John Hutchins (baroque trumpet). He has also attended trumpet seminars as an active member with: R. Friedrich, F. Damrow G. Tarkovi and Hans Gansch. With appearances in Greece, Germany and Italy, he has performed several pan-Hellenic performances of works, such as G. Ligeti's "Macabre Tales" for trumpet and small chamber ensemble and A. Jolivet's "Eftada" for trumpet and percussion.
He has collaborated with composers such as: Sir Harrison Birtwistle, George Benjamin and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, whose Sonata for trumpet and piano he played in the BBC Young Artists Showcase program, which was broadcast live in many European countries. In 2016 he won the 3rd prize in the World Trumpet Competition "Girolamo Fantini Trumpet Competition" held in Rome. As a soloist he has appeared with the Athens State Orchestra, the Thessaloniki State Orchestra and the Athens Municipality Orchestra. He was a member of the National Symphony Orchestra of ERT and the Orchestra of the National Opera, while since May 2020 he has held the position of Principal A' in the Thessaloniki State Orchestra.