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LISTINGS / PERFORMING ARTS

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Mikis Theodorakis – Odysseas Elytis: Axion Esti

Odeon of Herodes Atticus – 13 July 2025, 21:00

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

Music

Why The Mountains Are Black 2025: The Musical Cultures of the Southern Balkans

Why The Mountains Are Black 2025: The Musical Cultures of the Southern Balkans

Konitsa, Greece
A musical exploration of Southern Balkan traditions, featuring performances that highlight regional cultural heritage.
Date: 2025-06-29
Start: Jun 27, 2025
End: Jun 29, 2025

Theater

Antigone

Antigone

Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Sophocles’ tragedy meets Ulrich Rasche’s rhythmic, musical direction in an imposing, visually striking production on the ancient stage.
Date: Jun 29, 2025
Start: Jun 27, 2025
End: Jun 29, 2025

Dance

In The News

In The News

In The News

Why the Mountains Are Black: Sounds Across the Southern Balkans

From June 27 to 29, 2025, the town of Konitsa hosts the third edition of Why the Mountains Are Black, a three-day festival exploring the musical cultures of the Southern Balkans. Curated by Onassis Stegi in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Christopher King, this year’s program highlights unexpected intersections between folk traditions from Greece, Asia Minor, Bulgaria, the Carpathians, and beyond. With live performances, bold improvisations, and ethnographic film screenings, the festival bridges memory and experimentation. In the heart of Epirus, histories converge and reemerge—through sound.

LEX at OAKA: A Rap Uprising in the Making

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Giorgos and Nikos Stratakis Tour Across Greece

The Stratakis brothers, heirs to Crete’s rich musical heritage, embark on a summer tour across Greece, ending September 20. Blending the power of the laouto and the soul of the lyra, they invite audiences to a series of passionate, high-energy performances that celebrate tradition with a modern twist.

Petros Klampanis – Remembering Miles

On Friday, July 4, in the Garden of the Athens Concert Hall, Petros Klampanis pays tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis. Unexpected moments featuring the bass take center stage—like a solo rendition of Footprints—alongside music from Klampanis’s latest album, Latent Info, in a unique open-air experience.

Burger Project & Friends are having a party!

The Burger Project returns to the Megaron Garden on 5th of July, 18:00–22:00, for a wild, all-ages summer party! With special guests, playful surprises, live music, DJ sets, and interactive games, kids (ages 3–12) and adults alike will dance, laugh, and celebrate together in Athens’ most joyful family-friendly event of the season.

Maria Farantouri—Tassis Christoyannis Enraptured Night—100 Years of Mikis Theodorakis

On 16 August 2025 at 21:30, at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, Maria Farantouri and Tassis Christoyannis pay tribute to Mikis Theodorakis’ centennial. Featuring works from Odyssey, Ta Lyrika, and Beatrice on Zero Street, this lyrical evening honors the composer’s deeply poetic musical legacy.

The Inner Child of… Marina Spanou

Marina Spanou returns to her beloved Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, on 30 August at 21:30, with The Inner Child, a musical performance drawing from childhood summers and balcony-born melodies. She invites us to revisit our own inner sanctuaries—where old songs, and youth’s echoes meet under the August stars.

Marina Satti: First Greek Artist in Spotify Singles Campaign

Following an official invitation from Spotify, Marina traveled to the company’s studios in Stockholm, where she recorded a special Greek rendition of MARO’s Portuguese hit “Saudade, Saudade.” The track, titled “Fovamai,” brings Marina’s sound to a global audience, blending cultural roots with international flair.

Master the Music — MAAKSS 2025 Returns to Spetses

The International Music Academy of Spetses of Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses (MAAKSS) returns July 24 – August 2, 2025. Masterclasses with acclaimed teachers, concerts, and the Academy Orchestra offer young musicians a unique artistic experience on Spetses island. Applications are now open.

Music, Nature & Escape: Anilio Park Festival 2025

Anilio Park Festival returns August 8-10, 2025, at Anilio Metsovo Ski Center in the heart of Pindos. Three days full of music, nature, and mountain adventure with top artists, outdoor activities, and a refreshing lake experience. Presale tickets are now available!

Σtella: New Album Adagio & Extended Tour

Following the release of her new album Adagio—available via Sub Pop—Stella is hitting the road across the UK and Europe. After wrapping up the first leg of her tour (April 7–18, 2025), the new leg kicks off on October 1st in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and wraps up on October 19th in Manchester, UK.

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