Ancient Corinth witnessed a truly magical night of music on Sunday, July 20, 2025, as the esteemed METALLON Brass Ensemble of the Athens State Orchestra brought history and artistry to life at the iconic Temple of Apollo.
In a unique experience where modern musical brilliance met the profound echoes of antiquity, the concert, directed by the accomplished Nikos Chalias, captivated an audience gathered at this emblematic archaeological site.
The Athens State Orchestra, Greece’s oldest and most prestigious orchestral ensemble, boasts a rich history of presenting international masterworks and championing Greek compositions. Its “Metallon” Brass Ensemble, known for its dynamic and vibrant sound, is a testament to the orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence and diverse musical exploration.
The Temple of Apollo itself stands as a powerful testament to Ancient Corinth’s grandeur and its pivotal role in classical antiquity. Built around 540 BC, it is one of the earliest Doric temples in mainland Greece, its imposing, monolithic columns, though only seven remain standing today, once formed a peripteral colonnade of 38 columns (6×15), each over 7 meters high. Perched atop a rocky hill, it served as an emblem of the city’s prosperity and power, dominating the skyline and offering a visible symbol of Corinth’s dedication to Apollo, the god of light, music, prophecy, and the arts.
This ancient sanctuary holds layers of history, built upon the ruins of an even earlier 7th-century BCE temple. Over the centuries, it witnessed the ebb and flow of empires, from its original Greek builders to its adaptation during the Roman period, when Corinth was refounded. Its enduring presence, even in its ruined state, makes it one of the most significant and recognizable landmarks in Greece, a silent witness to millennia of human endeavor and a perfect stage for a modern celebration of art.
Under the twilight sky, beneath the imposing Doric columns of the Temple of Apollo – a monument dedicated to the god of light, music, and prophecy – the METALLON Brass Ensemble unfolded a rich program.
The evening transcended time, featuring well-known works from cinema, jazz masterpieces, and contemporary compositions, all specially adapted to showcase the bright and powerful timbre of brass instruments. The juxtaposition of contemporary sounds against a backdrop of millennia-old stones created an ethereal atmosphere, where the spirit of ancient worship seemed to converse with the vibrant pulse of modern art.
The event, a collaborative effort by the Municipality of Corinth’s Directorate of Culture and supported by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinth, aimed to forge a deeper connection with the region’s cultural heritage through high-level musical interpretations.
Nikos Stavrelis, the Mayor of Corinth, articulated the municipality’s vision: “The cultural policy of the Municipality invests in creating events with added value for the city and its citizens. The METALLON Brass Ensemble at the Temple of Apollo is such an event.”
Panagiotis Lambrinos, Deputy Mayor for Culture, further emphasized the extraordinary nature of the occasion: “This year’s cultural summer goes beyond the boundaries of the conventional. Concerts like this, in monuments with a history of thousands of years, highlight the timelessness of Art.”
Indeed, the performance at the Temple of Apollo offered more than just a concert; it was an immersive journey, inviting attendees to experience the harmonious blend of human creativity, historical grandeur, and the enchanting power of music. It was, truly, a night where every note resonated with the ancient stones, creating an unforgettable sensory and historical tapestry.
Related: Ten Stunning Ancient Greek Temples You Must See
