Object ID
2012.9.4
Object Name
Photograph
Object Collection
Object Entities
Safrithis, Spiros (is related to)
Safrithis, Spiro (is related to)
Robertson, Christina (is related to)
Object Description
A photograph of donor's grandfather, Spiros Safrithis, seated on a table, holding a guitar. Photograph is in relatively good condition with only minor stains on the left and bottom areas, and no rips or tears.
Origin
Spiros Safrithis came to the US from Greece in 1912 as a self-taught musician and composer of choral music.

He originally arrived in Washington D.C. where he pioneered a new style of liturgical music which incorporated polyphonic aspects. For this he was branded a "heretic" and barred from playing in many choir orchestras.

However, over the years, his style gained acceptance and he traveled to Baltimore, Jacksonville, Florida, St. Louis, New York, and Chicago to train and lead Greek Orthodox choirs.

Spiros Safrithis passed away in Chicago, in 1938, at the age of 57.
Rights and Reproduction
The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Photograph, Spiros Safrithis Collection, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/5535. Accessed 03/28/24.