XpatAthens

XpatAthens

About Athens Day Cruise

With over 30 years of expertise in the tourism industry, Athens Day Cruise sets the standard for unforgettable one-day escapes from Athens. Operating the largest and safest fleet of day cruise ships in Greece, they’ve completed more than 12,000 successful cruises, delighting over 12 million happy customers.

Athens Day Cruise is a premier collaboration between Hydraiki Naval Company and Evermore Cruises, the two leading shipping companies in Athens specializing in day trips to the stunning Saronic Islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. 

The Experience

Step aboard Cosmos, a spacious and modern ship designed with safety and comfort in mind. Whether you choose the VIP lounge with its exclusive amenities or enjoy the open-air deck, attentive staff will ensure your journey is seamless and memorable. Start your day with a rich breakfast and freshly brewed coffee (available at extra charge) as the ship sails toward Hydra, the iconic car-free island.

Stroll the charming streets, explore local shops, or join a guided walking tour to uncover the fascinating history of Hydra. Onboard, enjoy live Greek music, with announcements in multiple languages to keep everyone fully informed and engaged.

Next, indulge in a chef-prepared Greek lunch with dishes crafted for all tastes, while soaking up the sun and sea breeze on the way to Poros. Take 50 minutes to explore this lush green island or relax back on deck, sipping a refreshing drink.

Aegina, famous for its beautiful coastal scenery, is the final stop. Choose from guided tours to see iconic landmarks, take a panoramic view of the island, swim, or stroll through the vibrant streets. Then, celebrate the day with live Greek music, traditional dances, and even a short dance lesson onboard as Cosmos sails back to Athens.

Want more details? Click here to read all about this amazing trip!

Why Choose Athens Day Cruise?
  • Spacious, safe ships with attentive staff
  • Multilingual announcements and expert guides
  • 2025 TripAdvisor Choice recognized experience
  • Free chef-prepared Greek lunch included
  • Live Greek music and traditional dancing onboard
  • Cosmos ship shop 
  • VIP options for extra comfort and exclusive perks
Who Is It For?

Perfect for families, friends, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike. Whether you want to soak in culture, explore iconic islands, or simply enjoy a day of sun, music, and Greek hospitality, Athens Day Cruise brings the best of the Saronic Islands together in one unforgettable journey.

Explore 3 Greek Islands In One Day

Stroll cobblestone streets, shop local treasures, savor authentic flavors, and dance to the rhythms of Greece — all in a single day! 

Click here to see and book your cruise with 22% off with code XPAT10!


Monday, 22 September 2025 14:05

A One-Day Escape With Athens Day Cruise

We arrived at the marina of Kallithea early in the morning, around 7:00, ready to board Cosmos, our companion for the day. For VIP guests, Athens Day Cruise even provides transfers to the marina, which makes the start of the trip effortlessly smooth.

By 7:45, we were sailing off on our adventure and the excitement of a full day at sea was already in the air. The moment we stepped onboard, the Athens Day Cruise staff welcomed us warmly and not just with smiles. They snapped our photo dressed up as tsoliades - it was a fun touch that set the tone as we embarked on our Greek island adventure!

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Once inside, we made our way to the deck. For those choosing the VIP option, there’s the comfort of the business-class lounge, but we decided to enjoy the open air outside. Soon enough, a waiter stopped by, warmly cracking a couple of jokes as he took our order. The coffee was tastefully good; not your usual bland “ship coffee,” but a rich and tasty brew that paired perfectly with the morning sea breeze. The menu offered everything from mocktails and cocktails to sandwiches, wraps, and light snacks. In short: plenty of options to keep you nurished and happy during the voyage.

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With music accompanying us along the way, the three-hour trip to Hydra didn’t feel long at all. Just before arrival, we got to enjoy live music on deck: a talented bouzouki player filled the air with the sounds of Ta Paidia tou Peiraia. It was one of those moments: the sea, the music, and the undeniable spirit of Greece coming alive around us. Announcements were made in Greek, English, Spanish, and French, making sure everyone felt included.

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And then…Hydra. That postcard-perfect port appeared, framed by stone mansions and a fortress-like charm that transports you back in time. A car-free paradise where donkeys replace taxis and cobblestone streets invite you to wander. With almost 2 hours of free time, we were ready to dive into this little slice of heaven.

Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.



For those in the VIP lounge, Athens Day Cruise offers the option to join a guided walking tour of Hydra, a wonderful opportunity to learn about the island’s history, hidden corners, and stories that make it so special.

Back on Cosmos, it was already lunchtime, and the crew had prepared a feast. The buffet, designed by the ship’s chef, was a true “chef’s kiss.” There were plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, all traditional Greek favorites. We couldn’t resist trying everything: tender chickpeas (revithia), flavorful briam, tender fish kokkinisto, oven-baked potatoes, roasted chicken legs, fusilli with sauce, fresh salad. Each dish was cooked with care and tasted authentically good.

And then came dessert: a melomakarono cookie. It may not have been Christmas, but honestly, who wouldn’t want a taste of one of Greece’s most iconic sweets? Sweet, aromatic — the scent of orange filled the air — with its melt-in-the-mouth texture, it was the perfect ending to the meal.

The one-hour journey to Poros passed quickly, especially after such a lunch. The staff were attentive throughout, clearing plates, checking in with a smile, and making sure everyone felt cared for. It was really impressive how personal the service felt despite the number of people onboard. Music, as always, filled the atmosphere: Greek melodies accompanied our meal, and in the VIP lounge, a pianist entertained guests with Greek tunes.

Poros soon appeared on the horizon, a green island with lush pine trees and calm waters. We had about 50 minutes to explore, just enough time to stroll the waterfront, snap some photos, or pick up a small souvenir.



Next, we headed toward Aegina, a one-hour-and-twenty-minute journey, just enough time to explore Cosmos’ boutique. The 2025 summer collection was stunning: elegant swimsuits, breezy cover-ups, and airy outfits perfect for a Greek vacation (or any vacation, really). The sales attendant was knowledgeable and eager to help. VIP lounge guests also enjoyed special discounts.

We arrived in Aegina with 2 hours to explore, and the timelines for each stop had been clearly explained, repeated many times so everyone was on the same page. This attention to detail from the Athens Day Cruise allowed us to fully relax and be completely present in the moment. Aegina itself was lively and fun, a pistachio lover’s dream. Tens of kiosks sold pistachio in every form imaginable: pasteli, bars, yogurt, ice cream — heavenly for anyone who loves this iconic Greek nut. The two-hour visit was perfectly paced to wander a bit, snap photos, or simply soak in the island vibes.

With only an hour and a half remaining until we got back to Athens, the ship readied for the finale: Greek party time! As the sun dipped toward the horizon and fairy lights flickered, dancers in traditional attire guided us through dances from all over Greece, from the Kalamatiano and Milo mou Kokkino, to Kotsaris, Pentozali, and, of course, the grand finale with Zorbas and sirtaki. Guests were even invited for a short dance lesson to show off their moves!

The DJ, a true crowd-pleaser, kept the energy sky-high, so much so that a visiting Mexican group even jumped in with their traditional beats, for a truly international party! Dancing spilled out across the ship, and even folks strolling along the Kallithea marina joined in the fun. The combination of music, lights, and the Aegean breeze made it feel like a floating festival.

By the time we docked, we were buzzing with joy, laughter, and memories of a day perfectly spent between breathtaking islands, good food, and the Greek spirit that’s impossible not to fall in love with.


Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.




Do We Recommend Athens One Day Cruise? Yes!

This cruise is a unique way for someone who wants to catch a glimpse of 3 Greek islands, all within a day’s journey from Athens. From Hydra, voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world, to Poros, to Aegina, each stop offers its own unique charm. For us, what truly made the day memorable were the people and the energy aboard Cosmos.

The staff’s warmth and attention to detail were remarkable - true to their roots of Greek hospitality. The combination of food, music, and culture created an experience that was far more than a cruise. It was a taste of Greek culture. Dancing to traditional music, savoring authentic flavors, enjoying live performances, and sharing laughter with fellow travelers all blended together to form a day full of joy.


Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.
5-10 Νοεμβρίου - Μετά από αρκετά χρόνια, οι Juan & Ivan Nunez del Prado θα διδάξουν και πάλι στην Αθήνα ολοκληρωμένη την κοσμοθεωρία των Άνδεων.

Πρόκειται για την αρχαιότερη σωζόμενη παράδοση (η πολιτεία του Καράλ από την οποία άρχισε να σχηματίζεται η γνώση αυτή, χρονολογείται περίπου στο 5000πΧ), η οποία αποτελείται από θεωρία – πρακτική και εξηγήσεις για πολλά θέματα τα οποία είναι πάντα επίκαιρα για τον άνθρωπο (εσωτερική υγεία, αρμονική ζωή, κοινωνική διάταξη, επαφή με την φύση, θεραπεία, ψυχολογική στήριξη, μυστικιστικά ερωτήματα κ.ά.). Πρόκειται για την παράδοση που διαμόρφωσαν στην σημερινή σωζόμενη μορφή οι Ίνκας.

XpatAthens is excited to let you know that we will begin to introduce some Greek content to our platform! We love the Greek language and there are many of us within the international community who speak the language and like to connect with our local communities in their native language.
Και τι μπορεί να κερδίσει κάποιος σε αυτό το σεμινάριο; Πρωταρχικά, η θεωρία αλλά κυρίως η πρακτική εστιάζει στο να είσαι πάντα καλά, υπό οποιεσδήποτε συνθήκες. Αυτό δεν είναι ουτοπικό, αφού εάν ανακαλύψεις την πραγματική δύναμη μέσα σου, τότε μπορείς να ζήσεις μέσα στην ζωή φέρνοντας σε πρώτο πλάνο τον εαυτό σου, το σώμα σου, την ψυχή σου, το πνεύμα σου.

Η παράδοση αυτή μας θυμίζει ότι είμαστε πολύ δυνατότεροι από όσο νομίζουμε, και μας υπενθυμίζει όσα έχουμε ξεχάσει πως γνωρίζουμε για την ενέργεια που κινεί τα πάντα. Ο κύκλος μαθημάτων περιλαμβάνει θεραπευτικές πρακτικές για όποιον θέλει να διατηρήσει την υγεία του, αλλά και να βοηθήσει άλλους μέσα στην καθημερινότητα

Πότε: 5-10 Νοεμβρίου 2025

Πού: Αθήνα

Ωρες Σεμιναρίου: Καθημερινές 17.30 - 21.30, Σαββατοκύριακο: 11.00 - 17.30

Email: soqtantin@gmail.com

Site του Διοργανωτή: Divine Nektar Workshops

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Wednesday, 17 September 2025 19:08

Syros Healing Waves Festival

From October 2–5, 2025, the island of Syros will host the Syros Healing Waves Festival, a pioneering mental health event that blends science, art, and psychotherapy.
 
With workshops, lectures, artistic performances, and sensory activities led by experts and creators, the festival invites participants on a transformative journey of growth, healing, and emotional well-being - positioning Syros as a global hub for therapeutic innovation.

EVENT INFO
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Thursday, 18 September 2025 18:57

BeWell Festival 2025

September 27 & 28 - The BeWell Festival 2025 returns to OAKA in Athens, offering a unique two-day event full of vitality, inspiration and well-being.
 
The largest wellness and fitness event in Greece invites everyone who follows a healthy and balanced lifestyle, as well as those who wish to take their first steps towards personal development and well-being.

EVENT INFO
Get Your Tickets Here

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The heartbeat of the Olympic Movement will once again echo powerfully in Thessaloniki! The 8th “Olympic Day Run” Greece, the only Olympic Road Race in the country, joins forces with the 1st Thessaloniki City Marathon, the first City Marathon ever to be held in Greece, creating a groundbreaking event that transforms the city into the sports and cultural capital of the year!

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Olympic Day Run Greece returns for its 8th consecutive edition, featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1.5K races (all certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). Carrying the world’s most recognizable brand – the Olympic Rings – the event launches the celebration of Olympic Day 2025. Olympians, Paralympians, members of the Olympic family and thousands of runners from across the globe embrace our vision, joining forces under a worldwide initiative held in more than 150 countries and attracting over 5.5 million participants annually!

Inspired by the vision of Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis and warmly supported by Kalamaria Mayor Chryssa Arapoglou, this year’s Olympic experience reaches new heights with the debut of the 1st Thessaloniki City Marathon – a global institution that Greece is hosting for the very first time! The Thessaloniki City Marathon makes its debut, strengthening the city’s identity as an Olympic City and establishing it as an international destination distinguished by its course, its character, and its vibrant atmosphere. Harnessing Thessaloniki’s unique coastal landscape, the seaside axis will be transformed into a grand celebration – stretching from the heart of the city to Kalamaria – against the backdrop of its most iconic landmarks.

Together, the “Olympic Day Run” and the “Thessaloniki City Marathon” are shaping an international event built on Olympic Values, designed to strengthen Thessaloniki’s global profile and enhance its tourism brand. Alongside parallel cultural and educational activities across the city, Thessaloniki is preparing to welcome visitors and participants from all over the world to a multifaceted celebration that will leave a lasting legacy and turn the global spotlight on Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

The event is organized by the Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki, the Municipalities of Thessaloniki and Kalamaria, the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy, the Hellenic Olympians Association, Hellenic Athletics Association SEGAS and the IOC OLYMPiA, under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee and with the support of Olympians, Paralympians, institutions and all local sports clubs and federations.  

Register now at olympicdayrun.gr  /  EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS UNTIL 15/9!!

Follow ODR on FB, & INSTAGRAM to be the first to get updates from Greece’s top running event!!!!   Hashtags: #olympicdayrungreece #thessalonikicitymarathon 

The Acropolis Museum participates in the European Heritage Days 2025 with the program "The Erechtheion and the Acropolis Museum: an unusual ancient temple within a contemporary building". The program explores two remarkable landmarks - the Erechtheion of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum - and shows the subtle analogies that connect them.  

Situated on the northern side of the Sacred Rock, the Erechtheion is distinguished by its ingenious architectural design, which successfully accommodated multiple cults, incorporated mythical sacred sites, and preserved local traditions of Athens’ distant past. In parallel, the Acropolis Museum - an emblematic contemporary public building - was created to safeguard, house, and showcase the masterpieces of the Acropolis, as well as the remains of the ancient neighborhood uncovered on its site. Its architectural design, shaped by the constraints of its location, reflects the continuity of history, mirrors the ancient routes and topographies of the Sacred Rock, and forges a connection between the ancient world of gods and mortals and today’s visitor.

Join the Museum’s archaeologists on an engaging dual journey through time, bridging past and future. The program is in line with this year’s pan-European theme ‘Architectural heritage - bridging the past with the future’.

Useful Information:

Registration: Limited to 30 persons per program. For you participation, please register online at events.theacropolismuseum.gr (Registrations start on Friday 19/9)
Participation: To ensure your participation in the program, a general admission ticket must be obtained by presenting your reservation code at the ticket counters up to 20 minutes before the program starts.

On the occasion of this year’s celebration of the European Heritage Days, on Sunday 28 September 2025, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., entrance to the Museum exhibition areas will be free for visitors.

📅 September 27–28, 2025 | 📍 Athens Centre for Arts (Parko Eleftherias)
For children ages 4–15 | Free entry

The Cycladic Kids Festival, hosted by the Museum of Cycladic Art, is back for its third year — this time with a special focus on the environment. Over two days, kids will explore creativity, imagination, and ecological awareness through theatre, music, dance, film, storytelling, and hands-on art workshops — all outside the museum and fully accessible.

2. Cycladic Kids Festival Μουσείο Κυκλαδικής Τέχνης

This year, the festival features a host of inspiring activities, including:
  • Interactive music workshops with Zammominia

  • Theatrical performances by Patari Project and storytelling ensembles like Oi Katsikes Xeron To Dromo and Paramythokores

  • Outdoor cinema under the Athens sky with the animated film Flow

  • Family dance workshops led by the International Dance Festival of Kalamata

  • Eco-art and silk-screening workshops with Louppes & Eurolife FFH

  • Environmental and sustainability activities by Plastic Clever Schools, Community Energy River, Symbeeosis, Bee Camp, Agále, and more

  • Hands-on exploration of the Cycladic heritage, crafts, and traditional materials


3. Cycladic Kids Festival Μουσείο Κυκλαδικής Τέχνης

Children will also participate in collecting and recycling activities, storytelling sessions, and creative labs that highlight biodiversity, conservation, and climate awareness. The festival partners with organizations like Library4All, ActionAid Hellas, and Cycladic Identity to connect art, education, and environmental responsibility.

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Highlights:
  • Experience the world of Greek islands through the eyes of young storytellers

  • Discover the Cycladic Children’s Art Competition winners and their creations

  • Enjoy a variety of workshops linking creativity and ecology

  • Participate in playful, educational, and interactive experiences

Dress comfortably, bring your curiosity, and get ready to dance, paint, sing, and create at the Cycladic Kids Festival!


See the full program HERE!


Since Saturday, September 13, Athens has officially operated a permanent 24-hour public transport service every Saturday.

OASA will now run Metro Lines 2 and 3, Tram Lines T6 and T7, as well as selected bus routes on a continuous, round-the-clock schedule, ensuring key areas of the city are always connected.

This initiative improves the overall travel experience in Athens, offering safe and reliable mobility at all hours, while also supporting tourism, nightlife, and the city’s economy. It represents a major step in upgrading Athens’ urban transport services and enhancing its profile as a vibrant European metropolis.

The move from pilot testing to permanent service was made possible thanks to the professionalism and dedication of transport staff across all networks.

Metro & Tram Service
  • Metro Line 2 (Anthoupoli–Elliniko) and Line 3 (Airport–Piraeus) will operate 24/7 on Saturdays, with adjusted overnight frequencies ranging from 9 to 15 minutes.

  • Tram Lines T6 (Pikrodafni–Syntagma) and T7 (Asklipieio Voulas–Agia Triada) will also run continuously, with intervals between 12 and 25 minutes depending on the time.

Bus Service

In addition to existing 24-hour and night routes, ten more bus lines will now operate overnight every Saturday, ensuring seamless travel across Athens and Piraeus. Key routes include:
  • 221, 224, 421, 608, 703, 842, 049, A15, B11, B12.
  • Night services: 11, 040, 400, 500, 790, Χ93, Χ95, Χ96, Χ97, Χ14.
Two great sacred musical traditions meet on 27 September 2025 at the Archaeological Site of Eleusis, against the backdrop of the ecstatic whirling of the Mevlevi Dervishes.
The Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul and the Byzantine Choir of the Association of the Constantinopolitan Friends of Music in Athens, following their sold-out performance at the Philharmonie de Paris, bring together their voices and movement in an evening of spiritual convergence, marking the culmination of the 3rd New Eleusis Symposion – “Re-enchanting the World”. 
 
This exceptional event also features Sokratis Sinopoulos, master of the lyra, and acclaimed director Michail Marmarinos as narrator.
 
A rare meeting between sacred traditions: one Christian, dating back to the 4th century Byzantine Empire; the other, shaped by the mystical Mevlevi order, founded in the 12th century by the great teacher Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rûmî.
 
In the land of the ancient Mysteries, this encounter becomes ritual—a spiritual journey that evokes timeless questions of the soul, the sacred, and our shared human paths. Through the dervishes’ whirling and the deep harmonies of Byzantine chant, Sacred Paths offers a moving exploration of sound and silence, presence and memory—a celebration of the enduring spiritual heritage that continues to connect East and West, past and future.

Archaeological Site of Eleusis – 27 September 2025, 20:00

BOOK HERE!

Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall (Christos Lambrakis Hall) – 29 September2025, 20:30

BOOK HERE!

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Contributors to the Performance

The Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul
Ensemble Director: Mete Edman
Musicians: Mete Edman (oud & vocals), Emre Isik (ney), Mustafa Dedeoglu (qanun)
Kaan Sezerler (kemence), Rifat Caliskan (bendir)

Dancers: Pinar Yatarkalkmaz, Deniz Evren Gügüs, Gökhan Denkel, Erdinç Mustafa Kızılöz, Gökhan Demir

Artistic Director: Kenan Öztürk
Production Manager: Ekim Öztürk
Management: CaféTurc Music & Arts

Choir of the Association of the Constantinopolitan Friends of Music in Athens
Choir Director: Kallistratos Kofopoulos
Chanting Ensemble: Stamatios-Nikolaos Kissas, Evangelos Kissas, Nikolaos Tyrovolis, Efstathios Anats, Spyridon Papakostopoulos, Charalambos Stefanidis, Christos Kontakinos, Dimitrios Lagouros, Christos Piperos, Loukas Prokopiou, Efstratios Lagoumidis, and others.

Lyra: Sokratis Sinopoulos
Narration: Michail Marmarinos
Artistic Advisory: Jochen Sandig

About the Performers

The Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul

The music and dance ensemble Derviches Tourneurs d’Istanbul wasfounded in 2006 and has since performed at some of the most iconic venues worldwide, including the Philharmonie de Paris, the Fez Festival of Sacred Music in Morocco, the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, and the Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus in Turkey.

Led by Mete Edman, the ensemble comprises both men and women who have embraced Turkish Sufism as a spiritual path. They accompany the Whirling Dervishes in an authentic ceremony, set to the hymns of great Sufi composers.

The Whirling Dervishes, members of the Mevlevi Order founded by disciples of Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rûmî in the 12th century, embody a mystical tradition rooted in medieval Islam. Their philosophy, influenced by Rûmî and his master, Shams al-Dîn Tabrîzî —a heterodox Ismaili spiritual guide—advocates the quest for the Absolute through music and art.

A danced ritual, the sema unites the dancer with the sacred in a mystical ecstasy. The ney(flute) —a symbol of the soul seeking the Beloved— accompanies the ceremony along with other traditional instruments, creating a captivating and spiritual atmosphere. The ceremony’s name itself means “spiritual listening” and symbolises cosmic motion. With the right hand turned to the sky and the left to the earth, the dervish becomes the intermediary of divine grace. His attire is rich in symbolism: the sikke (hat) symbolises the tombstone of the ego, the white robe (tennure) the shroud, and the black cloak the grave. Before beginning to whirl, the dervish crosses his arms over his chest—a gesture evoking divine unity.

Association of the Constantinopolitan Friends of Music in Athens

The Association of the Constantinopolitan Friends of Music in Athens was founded in 1985 by members of the Byzantine Choir of Constantinopolitans, which had been active in Athens since 1975. It brings together experienced chanters and talented young musicians. The Association aims to continue the legacy of the historic Musical Friends’ Society of Pera, itself the successor of the renowned Musical Society of the Phanar, which flourished from the 19th century until the Asia Minor Catastrophe. Since 2023, the Choir has been under the direction of Kallistratos Kofopoulos.

The Association has made several visits to Istanbul for ecclesiastical events and has also given concerts in Paris, Bulgaria, London, Cardiff, and Cyprus. In 2016, it participated as a choir at the Holy and Great Council of Crete, by official invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In November 2021, it took part in the Jubilee of the Ecumenical Patriarch, held at the Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall.

To date, the Association has released around 30 cassette tapes and CDs, all distinguished by their fidelity to the Constantinopolitan chanting tradition.

Sokratis Sinopoulos

Sokratis Sinopoulos was born in Athens. He studied classical guitar with Maria Galani and Vassilis Gratsounas, music theory with Michalis Adamis, and Byzantine music and folk song with Yannis Tsiamoulis. In 1988, he began studying Constantinopolitan lyra and laouto with Ross Daly, and one year later, became a member of Daly’s ensemble Labyrinth.

Since then, he has collaborated with musicians from Greece and abroad across a wide range of ensembles, participating in recordings and performances around the world. He has recorded for Blue Note with Charles Lloyd, Harmonia Mundi with Jean-Guihen Queyras, ECM Records with Eleni Karaindrou, and Fuga Libera with the early music group L’Achéron.

In 1999, he was awarded the State Prize for Young Artists: Melina Mercouri, by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

In 2010, he founded the Sokratis Sinopoulos Quartet. Their debut album, Eight Winds, was produced by Manfred Eicher and released by ECM Records in 2015, receiving international acclaim. In 2018, his album Under the Rose Tree –Tunes from the Greek Musical Traditionswas released by Saphrane Records, and was selected among the best CDs of the year by the German Music Critics’ Association. In 2019, the Quartet released its second album, Metamodal.

Sokratis Sinopoulos is currently a Professor at the Department of Music Science and Art at the University of Macedonia.

Michail Marmarinos

Michail Marmarinos was born in Athens and studied neurobiology, theatre, and theatre directing. In 1983–84, he founded the theatre group "Diploos Eros, Theatre Company", which was later renamed Theseum Ensemble. His productions have been staged in Greece (National Theatre, National Theatre of Northern Greece, Onassis Stegi, Athens and Epidaurus Festival, among others) and have travelled to festivals internationally (in Austria, Belgium, Venezuela, France, Germany, Georgia, Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Italy, China, Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Serbia).

He has participated in international co-productions with artists such as Albrecht Hirche, Heiner Goebbels, Daniel Wetzel and Helgard Haug (Rimini Protokoll), VeenFabriek and Paul Koek, the NOH theatre and Gensho Umewaka. As an actor, he has also appeared in numerous theatre productions and films by renowned Greek directors.

He served as General Artistic Director of 2023 Eleusis – European Capital of Culture and is now the new Artistic Director of the Athens Epidaurus Festival.

He is a member of the International Heiner Müller Society and the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis. From 2006 to 2009, he served as President of the Hellenic Centre of the International Theatre Institute. He has taught at the universities of Patras, Nafplio, and Thessaloniki—where, from 2006, he held the position of full professor.

He has received the Mikhail Tumanishvili Award in Tbilisi, Georgia, and has been named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by the French Ministry of Culture.

Jochen Sandig

Jochen Sandig was born in Esslingen, Germany. In 1990 he moved to Berlin to study psychology and philosophy. Following the founding of the Tacheles Art Centre in 1990, in 1993, together with Sasha Waltz, he founded Sasha Waltz & Guests. 

In 1996 he cofounded Sophiensæle, an independent venue for dance and theatre productions in Berlin Mitte, which he directed until 1999. From 2000 to 2004 Jochen was a member of the artistic direction at the Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz. Since 2004 he is the director of the independent Sasha Waltz & Guests GmbH. In 2006, together with Folkert Uhde, he founded the Radialsystem in Berlin. 

In 2010 he was awarded the French cultural order “Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”. In February 2012, he debuted as director with “Human Requiem”, a staging of Johannes Brahms’ “Ein Deutsches Requiem” in cooperation with the Rundfunkchor in Berlin and Simon Halsey. Since its premiere the production travelled to Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, Granada, Rotterdam, Athens, Hong-Kong, Adelaide and New York. The production was awarded with the “Classical Next Innovation Award 2016”. 

As a social and political activist he became one of the three co-founders of the World Human Forum in Delphi, Greece. From 2019 to 2024, Jochen Sandig was artistic and executive director of the Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele / Internationale Festspiele Baden-Württemberg. In the year 2022 Jochen Sandig was awarded the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.


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