On 17 May 2026, in the “Aimilios Riadis” Hall of the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, the official Opening Ceremony of the first Aristotle Innovation Forum (AIF) took place. The Forum aspires to establish itself as one of the most dynamic and internationally oriented innovation platforms in Southeastern Europe. The event brought together scientists, researchers, distinguished personalities, and institutions from around the world, marking the beginning of a week dedicated to research, technology, and artificial intelligence.
The participation of the “Yannis Mantakas” Choir and the Choir Workshop of the School of Music Studies highlighted the role of music as a cultural pillar within an environment devoted to technology and innovation. Their presence reaffirmed the prominent position these ensembles hold within AUTh as ambassadors of cultural outreach.
The Forum is held under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic and is supported by the Ministry of Education, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the Region of Central Macedonia, with TIF-Helexpo as strategic partner.
Programme:
Manos Hadjidakis: Persephone’s Nightmare (lyrics by Nikos Gatsos)
Manos Hadjidakis: The Children Down in the Plain (lyrics by Manos Hadjidakis)
Mikis Theodorakis: The Little Northerly Wind (from the song cycle “Small Cyclades”, poetry by Odysseas Elytis)
Mikis Theodorakis: Give Me Mint to Smell (from the song cycle “Small Cyclades”, poetry by Odysseas Elytis)
Mikis Theodorakis: Maya (from the song cycle “Small Cyclades”, poetry by Odysseas Elytis)
Participants:
Yannis Mantakas Choir, AUTh
Choir Workshop, School of Music Studies, AUTh
Triantafyllenia Athanasiou, flute
Maria Papadopoulou, cello
Giorgos Dafos, piano
Erifili Damianou, conductor
Ieroklis Michailidis, actor
