In June 2026, the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Roman theater nestled beneath the Acropolis, will open its gates for one final, momentous month before closing for extensive restoration.
Titled “Farewell Celebrations,” this year’s program serves as a symbolic send-off, curated to transform a temporary closure into a creative milestone. Artistic Director Michail Marmarinos describes the month as a series of unique nights, each serving as a distinct tribute to the monument’s enduring legacy.
Artistic highlights at Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The schedule, as outlined, balances classical mastery with avant-garde experimentation and Greek tradition:
- Vikingur Ólaffson (June 3): The acclaimed Icelandic pianist makes his Greek debut, weaving together Bach, Beethoven, and Schubert through the lens of synesthesia.
- Blade Runner Live (June 4): Vangelis’ iconic dystopian score meets the ancient stone shell, performed live by the Avex Ensemble alongside an HD screening.
- Einstürzende Neubauten (June 18): German industrial pioneers bring metallic avant-garde sounds to the ancient marbles, a poetic contrast before the site surrenders to construction tools.
- Indie Pop & Minimalism: Sweden’s Lykke Li (June 22) brings her ethereal lyricism to Athens for the first time, while the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra (June 15) performs a mystical evening dedicated to Arvo Pärt.
Celebrating Greek heritage
This year, 2026, marks the centenary of the legendary Manos Hadjidakis. The festival honors him with two major concerts titled “America” (June 10 & 17), featuring the Athens State Orchestra and Raining Pleasure. Other local highlights include:
- Stavros Xarchakos (June 5–6): A multi-layered performance titled “In the Present”
- Stamatis Kraounakis (June 12–13): A “hilarious opera” adaptation of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata
- Epirus Tribute (June 9): A journey through the mournful beauty of the Epirotic clarinet
The grand finale
The program concludes with philosophical and symphonic grandeur. Stathis Livathinos presents “Hecuba” (June 25–26), merging Euripidean tragedy with Plato’s Republic.
Finally, on June 29, the Athens State Orchestra performs Mahler’s 8th Symphony (the “Symphony of a Thousand”), a colossal production offering a spiritual and musical crescendo before the Odeon falls silent for its long-awaited restoration.
Related: The Dark Secret Behind the Ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens
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