Alternative Stage Founding Donor
Major Sponsor of the Greek National Opera
The Byzantine Music Days festival, titled "Genres and generations of contemporary psaltic art" and curated by performer and theologian Zaharias Karounis, presents four unique concerts at the GNO Alternative Stage at the SNFCC, highlighting the tradition of Byzantine music and its contemporary manifestations. On 21, 22, 23 and 24 October 2026, historic choirs, distinguished chief cantors, new voices, and female psaltic ensembles will showcase the wealth of a musical legacy that remains vibrant and creatively present.
The Festival's central axis is the concept of "genre," as expressed through the musical genres of Byzantine theory, the various psaltic schools and traditions that have evolved over the centuries, and modern approaches to psaltic art. Each day of the festival is organised around a major hymnological and theological axis of the Church's worship experience. The four concerts - "Christmas Hymns" (21/10), "Hymns of the Divine Liturgy: Hymns from the Paraklesis and Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos (Virgin Mary)" (22/10), "Hymns of Holy Week and the Resurrection" (23/10), and "Hymns of the All-Night Vigil" (24/10) - compose a polyphonic tableau of modern-day psaltic art.
The festival aspires to become a new meeting ground for the GNO Alternative Stage and the vibrant Greek musical tradition, and to expand Byzantine music's reach to a wider contemporary audience.
Hymns of the Divine Liturgy - Hymns from the Paraklesis and Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos (Virgin Mary) | 22 October 2026
Featuring:
Women's choral ensemble “Ouranisma”
Women's Byzantine Choir “Psaltries,” Choirmistress: Nektaria Karantzi
Girls Byzantine Choir “Nektar”
Solo chanter Georgios Dovolos, Archon Maistor of the Great Church of Christ
Ainountes • Choirmaster Anastasios Stellas
Introduction to the Divine Liturgy
Opening address by f. Evangelos Papanikolaou, theologian, doctor, missionary at the Holy Church of Cameroon
The second day will focus on the Divine Liturgy, the heart of Orthodox worship, where the ecclesial body unites “in one mouth and one heart,” praising the Holy Trinity and participating in the mystery of the Divine Eucharist. The Byzantine Choir "Ainountes" will perform chants from the Divine Liturgy, highlighting the deep connection among speech, melos, and worship practices. Alongside them, women's choirs will chant hymns from the services of the Paraklesis and the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos.
