ARGOS

These two virtuosos combine humor and innovative versions of classical masterpieces through cascades of sound and outstanding cultural crossings. The improbable meeting of Julien Beautemps’ accordion and Sotiris Athanasiou’s guitar has dazzled audiences in France and Europe since their acclaimed performances on France Musique, including the captivating Black Earth by Fazil Say (December 2020) and Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (June 2023). Juggling musical worlds, Sotiris and Julien embrace the multiple facets of their instruments from fresh contemporary creations to virtuosic Brazilian dances. Both 2023 laureates of the Banque Populaire Foundation are prizewinners at the European FNAPEC Competition 2024, and First Prize winners in Chamber Music at the 2024 Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon. Formed under Philippe Bernold, François Salque, and Michel Michalakakos at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP), they hold Master’s degrees in Chamber Music and the Artist Diploma (DAI). Sotiris and Julien regularly tour France: festivals like Auvers-sur-Oise, Radio France, La Vézère, Musicales de Bagatelle, Festival Mozart, among others… The duo is also frequently invited to appear on France Musique, notably on Clément Rochefort’s program Générations France Musique : Le Live. Sotiris and Julien share their creativity on stage and in the studio with artists from all backgrounds, such as mezzo-soprano Axelle Saint-Cirel on their album “Argos – Masterworks”, and cellist François Salque on Sotiris’ solo album “Kithara” (2025) with Contrastes Records, featuring Julien’s piece Metamorphosis.