World-renowned Greek composer Vangelis Papathanassiou has died at the age of 79. The world of art and music is in grief after Vangelis, as he became known around the world reportedly died at a hospital in France where he was being treated for coronavirus.

The news was confirmed by the law firm representing Vangelis Papathanassiou. “It is with great sadness that we announce that the great Greek Vangelis Papathanassiou passed away late at night on Tuesday, May 17,” the announcement reads.

Who was Vangelis Papathanassiou

Vangelis Papathanassiou (full name: Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou) was born in Agria, Magnesia on March 29, 1943. He became widely known as Vangelis. He was a Greek musician and composer of electronic, progressive, ambient, jazz, and orchestral music.

He influenced the development of different musical genres, while he is considered a pioneer of electronic sound. He won an Oscar for the music for the film “Roads of Fire” in 1982. He also invested in many other films such as Blade Runner, 1492: Christopher Columbus, Alexander, El Greco, and others.

He collaborated with Demis Rousseau, Irene Pappas, and John Anderson. In 1997 he directed the opening ceremony of the 6th IAAF World Open Track and Field Championships held at the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens. His work “Mythodia” was chosen by NASA as the official music for its mission: Official music for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea – Japan.

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