A Celebration of Greek Soul and Spirit: Mikis Theodorakis – Odysseas Elytis: To Axion Esti
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 21:00
Location: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens
Part of the 70th Athens & Epidaurus Festival
This July, the iconic Herodeion, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, will host a powerful musical tribute to two towering figures of modern Greek culture: composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel laureate poet Odysseas Elytis. The concert honors the centenary of Theodorakis’s birth and features one of the most important works in Greek music history: the oratorio To Axion Esti.
The evening opens with a piano concerto by Manolis Kalomiris, one of the founding fathers of Greek classical music, performed by acclaimed pianist Titos Gouvelis. This sets the stage for the centerpiece of the night—To Axion Esti, a masterpiece blending Byzantine chant, Greek folk traditions, symphonic music, and the passionate poetry of Elytis.
Leading the performance is the internationally renowned Athens State Orchestra, conducted by Myron Michailidis. Joining them on stage will be the Choir of the Municipality of Athens, the ERT Choir, and a folk ensemble featuring traditional instruments such as bouzouki and santouri.
The vocal parts will be brought to life by:
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Giorgos Dalaras, a beloved figure in Greek music, as the popular singer,
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Dimitris Platanias, one of Greece’s foremost baritones, as the cantor,
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Dimitris Katalifos, respected actor and voice of Greek theater, as the narrator.
To Axion Esti is more than a concert—it is a poetic and musical chronicle of the Greek soul, combining deeply personal themes with national memory and resilience. First performed in 1964, the work remains a cultural landmark, reflecting Greece’s struggles, hopes, and timeless beauty.
The setting at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, with its stunning acoustics and views of the illuminated Parthenon, adds unique gravity and emotion to the performance. English surtitles will be available, making this a welcoming experience for international audiences.
Don’t miss this exceptional summer night—a meeting of poetry and music under the stars, celebrating Greece’s artistic heritage and modern identity.
