A Grand Farewell Before Restoration

For one final month in June 2026, the iconic Odeon of Herodes Atticus will open its gates to the public before closing for a multi-year restoration project.

The Athens & Epidaurus Festival has prepared a rich and emotionally charged program titled “Farewell Celebrations” — a fitting tribute to one of the world’s most beautiful ancient theatres.

Artistic Director Michael Marmarinos described the special month as turning a temporary closure into a unique artistic opportunity: “Every night on the stage of the Herodion will be a special Farewell Celebration.”

Program Highlights

The June program blends classical music, avant-garde performances, Greek musical tradition, and theatrical depth under the illuminated Acropolis.

June 3
Víkingur Ólafsson
The acclaimed Icelandic pianist makes his Greek debut with works by Bach, Beethoven, and Schubert, featuring music from his Grammy-winning album.

June 4
Blade Runner Live
Ridley Scott’s dystopian masterpiece is screened in HD while Vangelis’ legendary soundtrack is performed live by the Avex Ensemble.

June 5–6
Stavros Xarchakos: “In the Present”
The beloved composer returns with a multi-layered concert featuring Lina Nikolakopoulou, Iro Saia, Dimitris Basis, and young musicians from Syros.

June 9
Epirus
A heartfelt tribute to the late Petroloukas Chalkias, featuring 20 young musicians and veteran performers celebrating the soul of the Epirus clarinet tradition.

June 10 & 17
Manos Hadjidakis: “America” (Parts 1 & 2)
Two special concerts honoring the 100th anniversary of the great composer’s birth, featuring the Athens State Orchestra, Raining Pleasure, and pianist George-Emmanuel Lazaridis.

June 12–13
Stamatis Kraounakis: “Lysistrata”
A humorous operetta based on Aristophanes’ comedy with Dimitra Galani and Lena Ouzounidou.

June 15
Arvo Pärt
The Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir perform mystical works under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste.

June 18
Einstürzende Neubauten
The German industrial pioneers bring their raw, metallic sound to the ancient marble theatre in a historic avant-garde encounter.

June 19
Lena Platonos & Maria Farantouri: “Fate”
A unique evening exploring ancient Greek poetry through the music of Lena Platonos and the legendary voice of Maria Farantouri.

June 22
Lykke Li
The Swedish indie-pop star makes her long-awaited Greek debut.

June 25–26
Stathis Livathinos: “Hecabe – In the Shadow of the State”
A bold theatrical performance combining Euripides’ Hecuba with Plato’s Republic (Myth of the Cave).

June 29
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 8 “Symphony of a Thousand”
The grand finale — the Athens State Orchestra under Michal Nesterovich performs Mahler’s monumental masterpiece.

Click here for more info https://www.aefestival.gr/?lang=en

Tags:
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