Ververis Panayiotis

Place of birth: Plomari, Lesvos

Year of birth: 1911

Short biography:

Panayiotis Ververis was a professional musician, having acquired theoretical musical knowledge, as well. He played “santouri” (dulcimer), as well as both drums and the guitar. However, violoncello was the first musical instrument he learnt. He reports: “I played “santouri” (dulcimer), the guitar, drums and violoncello. The first instrument I learnt was violoncello. I only played the guitar when I wanted to accompany other musicians.”

Family status:
Panayotis Ververis is married and lives in Plomari.
In his family there are many musicians.
– First of all his father, Giannis Ververis, was a “santouri” player.
– Dimitris Ververis, or “Piccolo”, his father’s brother, played the clarinet.
– Megaglis Ververis, his brother, he played the “santouri”, as well.
– Michalis Ververis, his twin brother, he played the violin.
– Yiannis Papgis, his cousin, on his mother’s side, made a career as a musician in the army.
– Panayiotis Papgis, his cousin, on his mother’s side, also made a career as a musician in the army, along with his brother Yiannis.
The three Ververis brothers had formed their own music group, in Plomari, widely known as the “Turko-yannides” group. Panayiotis Ververis says: “… my brother also plays the violin…When we meet, even after so many years, people still nostalgically reminisce: “Ah, you, the Turko-yannides, where have all these magnificent years of music and joy gone!”

Professional career – Jobs:
Panayiotis Ververis was a tailor and had his shop in Plomari. “I was a tailor. I had a shop. I learnt to be a tailor here, in Plomari, from another tailor. I currently receive my pension as a tailor now.”

His music group:
Panayiotis Ververis began playing both violoncello and drums, with Yannis’, his father’s, music group (Yannis played the “santouri”). In mid 50’s he worked for long periods of time along with his twin brother Michalis, who played the violin, as well as his other brother, Megaklis, who played the “santouri”. Dimitris Sterianos, or “Burlis”, another member of the group, played the clarinet. “Burlis” originated from a village near Plomari called Plagia. Giorgos Petrellis, whose origins were also from the village of Plagia, joined the group later. Panayiotis Ververis had also worked with Elias Roumeliotis or “Karachalias” from Plomari. He played the guitar and sometimes he also sang. The whole group was called “Ververis”. They used to play at music events, at the Club in Plomari (called “Veniamin Lesbios”), as well as, in traditional coffee shops, like “Batis” and “Athanasiadio”. During summer time they used to play in various summer clubs in Saint Isidoros, near Plomari.

Panayiotis Ververis also mentions the other musicians that he was playing with from Plomari’s district:
-Panayiotis Xaldezos was coming from Plomari. He was playing the trumpet, cornet and violin. He was also a barber.
– Dimitris Kabanis. He was playing the clarinet in Michalis Giannikos (his nickname was “Patentados”) music band. In the beginning he had also a second job. He was making halters and saddles for horses. He died in Australia.
-Michalis Giannikos or “Patentados” from Plagia. He was playing the violin. He was a photographer and a barber.
– Mpogiatzis or “Bogiatzis” from a village called Vrisa. He was playing the clarinet.