ARGOS

ARGOS is the duo of guitarist Sotiris Athanasiou and accordionist-whistler Julien Beautemps, two virtuosos who combine humor and innovative interpretations of classical masterpieces through cascades of sound and dazzling cultural crossings. Since their acclaimed performances on France Musique—including Fazil Say’s Black Earth (December 2020) and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (June 2023)—their improbable yet captivating pairing has enthralled audiences across France and Europe.

Juggling musical worlds, Sotiris and Julien reveal the multiple facets of their instruments, from fresh contemporary creations to virtuosic Brazilian dances. Both laureates of the Banque Populaire Foundation (2023), they are prizewinners of the European FNAPEC Competition (2024) and First Prize winners in Chamber Music at the 2024 Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon. Formed under the guidance of 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).

Regularly touring France at major festivals including Radio France, La Vézère, Auvers-sur-Oise, Musicales de Bagatelle, and Festival Mozart, the duo is also frequently featured on France Musique, notably in Clément Rochefort’s program Générations France Musique: Le Live. Their creativity extends both on stage and in the studio in collaborations with artists of diverse 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, which also features Julien’s composition Metamorphosis.

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© Anne Bied

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