Overview

Every man, eminent or obscure, is a hero, if he places the welfare of society above his own welfare, and does his duty with self-sacrificing integrity, without sparing any effort or his life itself. The ‘Heroes’ Cycle explores the way music goes hand in hand with heroism, the latter frequently providing inspiration for the former. In the first concert of this cycle, the Athens State Orchestra, under the baton of rising young conductor Ektoras Tartanis, focuses on remarkable Greek compositions related to the Greek War of Independence. Nikos Skalkottas’ epic Violin Concerto, interpreted by violin virtuoso Ionian Ilias Kantesa, complements the evening’s programme.