ZOE LYMPERIS
A four-day journey into the Baroque period, filled with passion, inspiration, and historically informed performances. Experience period instruments, distinguished interpreters of Baroque music, and events designed for both adults and children.
The Grand Celebration of Baroque Music Returns
September 25 – 28 | German Church of Athens
Programme Overview
18th-CENTURY MUSIC FROM THE IBERIAN COURTS
Thursday, September 25 | 20:30
The Iberian Ensemble from Portugal – Alexandre Andrade (traverso), David Cruz (baroque cello), and Ivan Oliveira (theorbo, baroque guitar) – presents a rare programme featuring works by composers who flourished at the royal courts of Portugal and Spain, shaping the musical identity of the Iberian Peninsula.
Featured composers include: José António Carlos de Seixas (1704–1742), Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757), and Luigi Boccherini (1743–1805).
With the support of the Embassy of Portugal in Greece.
“DIDO AND AENEAS”
Friday, September 26 & Saturday, September 27 | 20:30
Tragic opera in three acts – concert performance
Music: Henry Purcell (1659–1695)
Libretto: Nahum Tate (1652–1715)
Based on Book IV of Virgil’s Aeneid, this iconic opera narrates the doomed love of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan hero Aeneas. Among the earliest known English operas, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and fluid drama. Purcell’s use of the English language throughout is unmatched for its simplicity and rhythmic clarity, while his seemingly simple harmonic language and structures reveal remarkable intelligence and detail.
Conductor: Romanos Papazoglou
Translation & surtitles editing: Anna Papagiannaki-Divani
Cast
Dido – Despina Panagiotou
Aeneas – Nikos Ziazaris
Belinda – Ilektra Papasimaki
Sorceress – Stamatis Pavlous
First Witch / Second Woman – Maria Svarna
Second Witch – Manto Mantziou
Sailor / Spirit – Aliko Kasma
Motectum Vocal Ensemble
Soprani: Sissy Kotsoni, Anta Kostourou
Alti: Manto Mantziou, Marissa Bili
Tenori: Takis Tsevelekos, Nikos Andreadakis
Bassi: Giannis Vryzakis, Andreas Metaxas-Mariatos
Musical preparation: Giannis Vryzakis, Anastasia Miliori
Orchestra
Anastasia Miliori – baroque violin
Rebecka Karlsson – baroque violin
Katalin Kertesz – baroque viola
Giannos Giovanos – baroque cello
Giannis Efstathopoulos – baroque guitar
Sebastianos Motorinos – harpsichord
In collaboration with the Swedish Institute at Athens.
“CHILDREN MEET THE PERIOD INSTRUMENTS”
Saturday, September 27 | 12:00
An interactive introduction to Baroque instruments and music, specially designed for children aged 6–12. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the session.
Presented by: Kyra Saplachidou, Giorgos Aggelakis, Giannis Efstathopoulos, Anastasia Miliori, and Sebastianos Motorinos.
“GOETHE LIEDER COMPOSED BY HIS CONTEMPORARIES”
Sunday, September 28 | 20:30
Music accompanied Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) throughout his life. Surrounded by music from childhood, his role as Director of the Court Theatre in Weimar brought him into close contact with celebrated musicians, while virtuosi from across Europe – including Maria Szymanowska and Clara Wieck – were frequent guests at his home.
This programme, curated by Fani Antonelou and Sofya Gandilyan, invites the audience into the rich musical world surrounding Goethe, showcasing the diversity of compositions by his contemporaries. Many of the featured composers had personal relationships with Goethe, and several collaborated directly with him when setting his poetry to music.
Performances will feature authentic and replica fortepianos, offering a soundscape close to what Goethe himself might have heard.
Programme includes works by:
Carl Friedrich Zelter, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Friedrich Reichardt, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Maria Szymanowska.
Performers:
Fani Antonelou – soprano
Sofya Gandilyan – fortepiano
Find more information at athensbaroquefestival.com
