When Petros-Loukas Chalkias, an iconic figure in Greek clarinet tradition, was living in the United States, he once faced the threat of deportation. The authorities claimed, “We have other musicians like you,” a remark that deeply offended him. He responded boldly, saying he would only leave if they could bring their best musician to play alongside him. The great clarinetist, in this impromptu challenge, delivered everything he had learned from his mentors and predecessors. The outcome? The Americans were mesmerized by the sounds of Epirus and acknowledged their uniqueness.
This is just one of the stories the legendary musician shared with Vasiliki Karakosta — an artist who explores Greek tradition with unwavering respect and curiosity. She recalls the anecdote as she prepares to take part in the “Musical Traditions” tribute at Olympia Theatre, running from April 23 to 30. The program celebrates the musical heritage of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, the Balkans, and Latin America.
Karakosta’s concert (Saturday, April 26 at 20:30), presented in collaboration with the String Ensemble of the Athens Municipality Symphony Orchestra, brings a new perspective to Greek folk music through contemporary orchestrations for classical strings. Conducted by Asterios Pouftis, with Stella Valasi on the santouri, the performance offers a musical journey through Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Crete, the Peloponnese, the Aegean, the Ionian Islands, and finally Asia Minor, Pontus, and Cyprus.
The “Invisible” Voices of Kypseli
Another standout moment of the festival comes from The AfroGreeks, performing on Friday, April 25 at 20:30. Their work, which began in 2009, is part of an artistic initiative spearheaded by director Menelaos Karamaghiolis and the Documatism collective. It follows and documents the lives of Kypseli’s “invisible” residents — Greeks of African descent claiming their rightful place in Greek society.
“The idea came to me while filming JACE,” Karamaghiolis explains. “I was tired of people referring to Kypseli as a ‘ghetto.’ Art became the most respectful and effective means of highlighting these social issues.”
Credit: Olympia Municipal Music Theatre Maria Callas/Facebook
The performance is part of the “Black History Month 2025” program, whose activities will culminate in May and June with a film festival focused on the AfroGreeks’ collective journey — a work still in progress. Curated by Karamaghiolis, the concert was originally proposed by singer and anthropologist Grace Nwoke. “Her idea stemmed from the fact that, in May, a bill regarding citizenship had been opened for public consultation,” he notes.
Three years ago, the first Black History Month initiative launched in Greece. This year, it opens with a concert at Olympia Theatre , where AfroGreeks perform both Greek and African traditional music (April 25 at 8:30pm). At a venue named after Maria Callas, they address a timeless struggle: the pursuit of belonging and acceptance. This year’s edition is dedicated to James Baldwin, the African American writer, essayist, playwright, and activist, commemorating 101 years since his birth.
This vibrant celebration of musical heritage — echoing themes of movement and cultural convergence — opens on April 23 with Ex Silentio, presenting medieval sounds from the Mediterranean and the East.
Ex Silentio ensemble. Credit: Olympia Municipal Music Theatre Maria Callas/Facebook
On April 24, Savina Yannatou and Primavera en Salonico present a rich musical mosaic drawn from the diverse traditions of the Mediterranean. Featuring songs from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Spain, and North Africa, the performance blends languages, dialects, and styles in a journey through East and West, tradition and improvisation. Guest artist Lamia Bedioui from Tunisia adds the soulful tones of the desert through Arabic songs and Bedouin dialects.
The program continues with a vibrant performance by El Sistema Greece (April 27), featuring melodies that span from Romania and Hungary to Spain and Latin America. On April 28, the musical traditions of the Mediterranean come to life through the voices of Zacharias Karounis and Iro Saia, taking the audience on a sonic journey from Corsica to Crete, and from Portugal to Egypt and Lebanon.
Finally, The Athens Big Band joins forces with Mayquel Gonzalez, one of the leading figures of Latin jazz on the international stage. The virtuoso trumpeter, composer, and arranger from Cuba has collaborated with legendary artists such as Chucho Valdés and Pablo Milanés. Blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with elements of fusion and contemporary improvisation, this electrifying performance promises an unforgettable experience for jazz aficionados.
For the detailed program please go here.
