AEF2026: Athens State Orchestra – Lukas Karytinos

This June marks a poignant milestone in Athenian venue history. Before the legendary Odeon of Herodes Atticus falls silent for a multi-year restoration, the Athens Epidaurus Festival presents the 'Farewell Festivities'. It is the last chance to catch a performance under the stars before the "ancient shell" is tucked away for its essential makeover.
The legacy of the two Romans, Emperor Hadrian and Herodes Atticus, redefined the architectural and cultural landscape of Athens. Upon ascending the throne in 117 AD, Hadrian became a visionary patron who inspired the young Herodes Atticus to dedicate his immense wealth to the city's public works. Together, they gifted Athens monumental landmarks that remain iconic today: Herodes oversaw the complete reconstruction of the Panathenaic Stadium in marble by 143 AD and later, in 161 AD, gifted the city this magnificent, then cedar-roofed Odeon on the southern slope of the Acropolis.  Their shared vision continues to pulse through the capital’s modern identity. These historic sites remain some of the most breathtaking places we still gather under the Athenian sky.

America by Manos X Part I marks the centenary of composer Manos Hadjidakis, as the Athens State Orchestra revisits his prolific years in the United States (1966–1972). Under the baton of Lukas Karytinos, the ensemble dives into the lush, cinematic textures that defined Hadjidakis’ international career. The evening’s centrepiece is the legendary Gioconda’s Smile, an album that remains a global benchmark for melodic elegance. This is a sophisticated look at how a Greek genius interpreted the "American Dream" while living in self-imposed exile, blending the warmth of the Mediterranean with the grand scale of New York’s mid-century music scene.

A true highlight for aficionados is the rare live performance of the score for Blue, a 1968 Western. While the film may have faded from the box office, the music is considered one of Hadjidakis’ finest orchestral achievements, a sweeping, ambitious work that pulses with dramatic intensity.