As part of the centennial celebration marking the 100 years since the founding of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the AUTh Choir “Yannis Mantakas” took part in the major tribute concert dedicated to the music of Manos Hadjidakis, held on 7 May 2026 in the University’s Ceremonial Hall.
The evening brought together the musical forces of the University:
the “Yannis Mantakas” Choir and the Choir Workshop of the School of Music Studies joined on stage with Plaza Ensemble, creating a rich sonic tapestry that highlighted the lyricism, sensitivity, and timelessness of Hadjidakis’ work.
The concert was warmly received by the audience, which filled the Ceremonial Hall and followed the musical narrative with emotion and enthusiasm. It was an evening that honored Manos Hadjidakis while also showcasing the creative collaboration between AUTh’s musical ensembles and the Plaza Ensemble.
Programme:
Three Songs for Women’s Choir (arr. Kostas Tsougras)
- Lullaby (from “Blood Wedding”, lyrics by F. G. Lorca & Nikos Gatsos)
- The Rose (lyrics by F. G. Lorca & Alexis Solomos)
- Paper Moon (lyrics by Nikos Gatsos)
A Madonna (lyrics by Nikos Gatsos, arr. Thanasis Bililis)
The Children Down in the Plain (lyrics by Manos Hadjidakis)
Persephone’s Nightmare (lyrics by Nikos Gatsos)
Immortality (lyrics by Nikos Gatsos)
Don’t Ask the Sky (lyrics by Giannis Ioannidis)
Participants:
Mela Gerofoti, singer
Andreas Karakotas, singer
Yannis Mantakas Choir, AUTh
Choir Workshop, School of Music Studies, AUTh
Thanasis Bililis, piano
Kostas Tsougras, accordion
Akis Archontis, violin
Giannis Polymereris, double bass & mandolin
Erifili Damianou, choir preparation
