On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, in the Ceremony Hall of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the new educational initiative “Discovering the Future at Aristotle University” was officially presented. The programme was implemented in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Central Macedonia and aims to offer students a comprehensive, hands‑on introduction to university life, research, and innovation. It seeks to connect AUTh with more than 236,000 students and 2,344 schools across the seven regional units of Central Macedonia.
As part of the event’s artistic programme, the students of the course “Conducting Vocal Ensembles III” (Choral Workshop) from the School of Music Studies presented a musical journey from the Renaissance to the present day. Through their performance, they demonstrated that choral music in Greece has a strong present and an even brighter future.
As the “Yannis Mantakas” Choir, we feel deep pride that the members of the workshop are an integral part of our family. Our pride grows even further for their instructor — and our own conductor — Erifili Damianou, who continues with dedication and inspiration the work of her teacher and founder of the AUTh choir, Yannis Mantakas.
Choral music in Thessaloniki has a past, a present, and a future. It is an honour for us to contribute to this vibrant and ever‑evolving tradition.
Programme
Tasos Pappas – The Fireplace
Michalis Adamis – Carols of Propontis
Thomas Morley – April Is in My Mistress’ Face
John Bennet – Weep, O Mine Eyes
Mikis Theodorakis – By the Light of the Star
Yiannis Konstantinidis – A Smyrna Girl at the Window
Conducted by the students:
Michalis Papageroudis
Giorgos Dafos
Nektaria Petrou
Maria Papadopoulou
Giannis Papadopoulos
Eirini Tsiagka
