Every year on June 21, cities across the globe mark the Fête de la Musique, or World Music Day—a global celebration of music that encourages citizens to take to the streets, parks, and public spaces with free performances open to all. Originating in Paris in 1982 through the vision of then-French Culture Minister Jack Lang and musicologist Maurice Fleuret, the celebration has grown to more than 120 countries, promoting music as a shared human experience.
Athens joins the worldwide festivities with a rich and eclectic program of free concerts across the city—from its most iconic ancient amphitheaters to modern cultural venues and leafy public gardens.
A Musical Evening Beneath the Acropolis
Odeon of Herodes Atticus | Saturday, June 21 | 21:00
In one of the city’s most majestic settings, the ERT National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Michalis Economou, will present a powerful program titled Sounds of the World. Audiences will journey across continents through masterpieces like Ravel’s Boléro, Smetana’s The Moldau, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, and more. The program includes works by Wagner, Adams, Mascagni, and Khachaturian, among others—culminating in a musical experience as globally inspired as the day itself.
Free admission with entry passes available online.
In the Garden: Classical, Contemporary, and Folk in Harmony
Athens Concert Hall Garden | Saturday, June 21 | From 20:00
The Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) transforms its summer garden into an open-air musical stage, hosting a series of performances that bridge genres and generations:
- 20:00 | State Orchestra of Athens opens the evening with Mikis Theodorakis’ iconic Zorba Suite, conducted by Anastasios Symeonidis and featuring mezzo-soprano Margarita Syngeniotou.
- 20:45 | Aether Quartet performs Dvořák’s lyrical “American” String Quartet No. 12.
- 21:30 | The Domna Samiou Association of Folk Music presents Ήλιε μ’, τριήλιε μ’, στάσου και βγες, a tribute to Greek folk traditions with guests from Taiwan’s Yu Percussion ensemble.
Admission is free and seating is unreserved—arrive early to find a spot under the stars.
Youthful Energy at the Maria Callas Museum
Mitropoleos Square | Friday, June 20 | 19:30
In collaboration with The Friends of Music Society, the Maria Callas Museum brings a vibrant early celebration to central Athens. The Camerata Junior, the Athens Concert Hall’s resident youth orchestra, will perform a lively outdoor concert across from the museum.
Under the guidance of conductor Aristea Tsichli, young musicians will present a genre-spanning program including works by Sibelius, Fauré, Vanhal, Mansell—and Greek legend Mikis Theodorakis—showcasing both talent and promise in a performance for all ages.
Musical Dialogues in the National Garden
Presented by OPANDA | Friday, June 20 & Saturday, June 21 | Free entry
The City of Athens’ Organization for Culture, Sports and Youth (OPANDA) also joins the celebration with three unique performances at the National Garden:
- Friday, June 20 | 19:00 | The Athens Municipal Symphony Orchestra honors Georges Bizet with an homage led by maestro Andreas Tselikas, featuring new talents in works by Bizet, Saint-Saëns, and Sarasate.
- Saturday, June 21 | 18:30 | The Athens Big Band, under the artistic direction of Sami Amiris, brings the golden age of jazz to life with timeless standards and bold arrangements.
- Saturday, June 21 | 19:30 | The Athens Workshop of Greek Music presents an evocative tribute to the golden era of Greek cinema, performing beloved melodies by composers such as Theodorakis, Hatzidakis, and Xarhakos.
Featured vocalists: Dora Loizou and Manolis Skoulas.
Musical direction and arrangements: Angelos Ilias.
