On 13 July, under the Athenian sky and in the shadow of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus hosts a milestone performance of Axion Esti—a cultural landmark in modern Greek history. Composed by Mikis Theodorakis and based on Odysseas Elytis’ towering poetic work, Axion Esti is a unique oratorio that fuses poetry, folk tradition, and symphonic grandeur. Written in 1959 and structured in three movements—The Genesis, The Passion, and The Gloria—Elytis’ poem is both a personal spiritual journey and a collective hymn to Hellenism.
Theodorakis first encountered the poem in 1961, sent to him by Elytis while he was in Paris. So immediate was his connection to the text that, by nightfall, he had already composed sketches of the first two parts. As he later said, “The poem already contained the music.” The premiere in 1964 at the Rex Theatre was a triumph, though its original intended venue—the Odeon—was initially deemed unsuitable due to its “folk” character. Today, such distinctions have faded, and Axion Esti regularly returns to the ancient stage, resonating with timeless relevance.
This year’s performance is particularly symbolic, marking 70 years of the Athens Epidaurus Festival and 100 years since Theodorakis’ birth— a year officially dedicated to him.
The stellar cast includes George Dalaras as the folk singer, Dimitris Platanias as the cantor, and Dimitris Katalifos narrating the visionary texts. They are joined by the Athens State Orchestra under Myron Michailidis, with the Athens Mixed Municipal Choir and the ERT Choir.
The evening opens with Symphonic Concerto by Manolis Kalomiris, a pioneering work of the Greek National School, performed by virtuoso pianist Titos Gouvelis.
Two defining works of Greek music and poetry, born from the ashes of war and bound by a quest for cultural identity, unfold beneath the stars—an unforgettable celebration of soul, memory, and light.
The Athens State Orchestra is conducted by Myron Michailidis.
Manolis Kalomiris (1883–1962) Symphonic Concerto for piano and orchestra Soloist Titos Gouvelis
Mikis Theodorakis—Odysseas Elytis Axion Esti
George Dalaras: folk singer
Dimitris Platanias: cantor
Dimitris Katalifos: narrator
Athens Mixed Municipal Choir (Chorus master: Stavros Beris)
ERT Choir (Chorus master: Michalis Papapetrou)
With English surtitles
With the support of OPANDA
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