Duo Argos

These two virtuosos combine humour and fresh takes on the masterpieces of classical music, in cascades of sound and startling cultural crossings. The improbable meeting of Julien Beautemps’ accordion and Sotiris Athanasiou’s guitar has dazzled audiences in France and across Europe since their acclaimed appearances on France Musique, with the spellbinding Black Earth by Fazıl Say (December 2020) and Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (June 2023).

Juggling musical worlds, Sotiris and Julien embrace the many facets of their instruments, from fresh contemporary works to virtuosic Brazilian dances. Both were named 2023 laureates of the Fondation Banque Populaire, prizewinners at the 2024 European FNAPEC Competition and First Prize for Chamber Music at the 2024 Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon. Trained by Philippe Bernold, François Salque and Michel Michalakakos at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP), they hold a Master’s in Chamber Music and the Artist Diploma (DAI). Sotiris and Julien tour regularly throughout France: Festival d’Auvers-sur-Oise, Festival de Radio France, Festival de La Vézère, Musicales de Bagatelle, Festival Mozart… The duo is also a frequent guest on France Musique, notably on Clément Rochefort’s programme “Générations France Musique : Le Live”.

Sotiris and Julien share their creativity on stage and in the studio with artists from every background, such as mezzo-soprano Axelle Saint-Cirel on the album “Argos – Masterworks”, and cellist François Salque on Sotiris’ solo album “Kithara” (2025) for Contrastes Records, which features Julien’s piece Metamorphosis. Their very first record, produced by DiscAuverS — the “Discoveries” label of the Festival d’Auvers-sur-Oise — and entitled “MASTERWORKS”, was released in autumn 2025.