Professor Antonis Simintiras (pictured) who was born and raised in the rural northern Greek village of Kimina, nestled in the heart of Macedonia, divides his time as a professor of marketing and business school dean between Swansea and Kuwait, but he has spent most of his life learning and writing music.  The completion of his first album, Recollections, is the realisation of a long-held dream: “I purchased my first guitar in 1975 which I have been learning and writing music with ever since.  I am a professor of marketing and a business school dean by vocation, but remain a music composer by avocation”, said Professor Simintiras.

As a ‘weekend’ composer, Professor Simintiras has written numerous pieces of orchestral music over a period exceeding 40 years. He describes Recollections as: “a compilation of many of my favourite pieces, reflecting important moments in my life – inspired by family, friends, colleagues, and students.”

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will perform the inaugural live performance of Recollections at Swansea University’s Great Hall on Saturday 20 October. 

Professor Simintiras said: “The inescapable hurdles, distractions, and responsibilities associated with life have postponed this project by decades. Nonetheless, I am delighted to have finally found the time to see this passion through to the point that it is ready to share.”

Professor Marc Clement, Dean of the School of Management at Swansea University, said: “I feel honoured and privileged to support this event and the work of Professor Simintiras.  He is an accomplished academic, an entrepreneur, an artistic talent and is perennially popular with students and colleagues alike. What he has achieved makes him an exemplary role model for our students. A true renaissance man, he represents the kind of proactive attitude and social responsibility that we want to see in all our colleagues and students.”

Tickets for Recollections are available to purchase from the University’s Taliesin Arts Centre.  All proceeds from the event will be donated to Maggie’s Centre, Swansea; Local Aid for Children and Community Special Needs.