Poets from Greece and around the world will gather at the Athens Concert Hall on Monday, September 29, at 19:00, for the opening of the 11th Athens World Poetry Festival – a major annual celebration of words, creativity, and the unique emotional resonance that only poetry can offer.
The opening ceremony will feature poetry readings by Greek and international voices, in a setting where words meet imagery and music. Audiences will experience poetry brought to life on stage, in dialogue with the concerns of our time and the rhythm of today’s world.
Honoring Mikis Theodorakis
This year, the festival pays tribute to Mikis Theodorakis, marking 100 years since his birth. The legendary composer, who elevated both Greek and world poetry through his music, will be honored with a special performance. Pianist and composer Christos Papageorgiou will present Stylistic Variations on “Sto periyali to kryfo”, inspired by Theodorakis’ iconic setting of George Seferis’ poem Denial (Άρνηση), offering a live interpretation that bridges music, memory, and poetry.
A Global Stage for Poets
As every year, the opening is not just a ceremony but a call to listen to the many languages of the world – literally and metaphorically. Through the voices of poets, audiences encounter the shared anxieties of our age, the tenderness of human experience, and the hope of a common future.
Among the poets reading this year are:
- Jan Wagner (Germany)
- Anna Griva
- Stavros Zafeiriou
- Efi Kalogeropoulou
- Doris Kareva (Estonia)
- Rolando Kattan (Honduras)
- Vicky Katsarou
- Giorgos Markopoulos
- Valzhyna Mort (Belarus)
- Linda Maria Baros (Romania–France)
- Pantelis Boukalas
- Hero Nikopoulou
- Víctor Rodríguez Núñez (Cuba)
- Yannis Patilis
- Angeliki Pechlivani
- Nilton Santiago (Peru)
- Nantia Stylianou (Cyprus)
- Myrto Chmielewski
Presentation: Ioanna Angelidi
Piano: Christos Papageorgiou
Practical Information
Admission is free with entry passes, available through megaron.gr two weeks before the event or on the day of the performance at the Concert Hall entrance, subject to availability.
Athens Concert Hall
Monday, September 29 at 19:00
For more details, visit the Athens Concert Hall website: 11th Athens World Poetry Festival.
