Planning
At the beginning of each academic year, a general schedule is created, which includes collaborations and concerts by the choir at the University, in Thessaloniki, and in other Greek cities, featuring both Greek and international repertoire.
Registration
New member registrations take place regularly at the start of each semester (September / February), but are also possible at any time throughout the year. A necessary condition is that they align with the choir’s immediate planning.
According to the choir’s new regulations, individuals over the age of 65 cannot register as choir members.
Rehearsals / Auditions
Choir rehearsals are open to anyone who would like to observe, listen, and learn more about the group. Rehearsals are held regularly every Tuesday and Thursday from 19:30 to 21:30 in the Music Department hall of the University Student Club of AUTH (Upper Club, to the left of the Café entrance).
Member Responsibilities
Active choir members are expected to:
If you would like to join the choir, you may contact the conductor, Ms. Erifyli Damianou, using the details below, or fill out the corresponding participation form.
“Yannis Mantakas” Choir of AUTH
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the structure and operation of the choir, ways to participate, its events, and its presence on social media and the internet in general.
The choir is named after its founder, Yannis Mantakas, who established it in 1953 while he was a student at the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH).
The choir is not private. It belongs to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and its purpose is to promote the University’s cultural activities.
It is not professional in the sense that the choir members are not paid. However, in terms of quality, it rivals many professional choirs in Greece and abroad.
The choir provides musical accompaniment for events organized by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the University’s Symphony Orchestra and other AUTH choirs (the Choir of the Department of Music Studies and the “Trisevgeni Kalokyri” Choir).
In addition, it participates in events co-organized by AUTH and collaborates with the city’s symphony orchestras (Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, Thessaloniki Municipal Orchestra, MOYSA) to present major and noteworthy musical works.
Yes, the choir participates in concerts and events abroad, either in collaboration with choirs from other universities around the world or through the European Choral Association (Europa Cantat festival).
Additionally, international performances take place whenever a partnership or invitation to a choral festival arises, further enhancing the choir’s outreach and global presence.
The most important “requirement” is a love for music. Some musical knowledge (e.g. reading sheet music) is desirable but not essential. Additionally, to register as a new member, you must be under 65 years of age.
First, you need to attend an audition with the choir’s conductor. Auditions are held at the beginning of each academic year (early September), as well as throughout the year, provided they do not interfere with the choir’s event schedule.
After the audition and your placement into a vocal section, you begin attending rehearsals regularly.
According to the current schedule, rehearsals are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 19:30 to 21:45 at the Upper Student Club of Thessaloniki, on the 3rd floor (next to the Club’s Café).
In the case of an upcoming concert, the conductor determines the number of additional rehearsals needed, as well as their location.
Participation in the choir is free of charge. You do not need to pay to attend rehearsals or concerts. Likewise, your involvement in the choir’s events and performances is unpaid.
However, in special cases – such as when large musical works are taught that require sheet music with copyright restrictions – choir members may be asked to contribute a small amount to cover related expenses.
Additionally, unexpected costs may arise at any time, especially in cases where the choir travels to participate in festivals, concerts, or other events outside Thessaloniki or abroad. In such instances, members are informed in advance and with full transparency regarding any financial obligations.
You must be consistent and punctual in attending rehearsals, follow the conductor attentively, and be able to perform your part in the presented work accurately and clearly.
No. The pronunciation and recitation of a musical work’s text are taught each time by the conductor or by performers specialized in the respective language. However, it’s helpful to have some exposure to foreign languages; listening to them can aid in learning a piece more quickly.
No. As mentioned above, participation in the choir is completely free and does not require payment of any membership fee.
Alongside the choir, the Association “Friends of the ‘Yannis Mantakas’ Choir of AUTH” operates with the aim of supporting the choir’s activities (such as participation in concerts abroad, collaborations with renowned conductors/soloists, etc.), as well as promoting other initiatives beyond concerts, including music symposia, excursions, guided tours, and music-themed outings.
For more information, please visit the Association’s official website.
All required materials are provided by the choir conductor. You’ll receive printed sheet music for the pieces you’ll be learning, along with informative emails containing links to instructional videos and audio files.
Additionally, there is a dedicated website exclusively for active choir members. On this site, besides updates on rehearsals and upcoming events, you can access a detailed repertoire of the choir’s musical works, complete sheet music in digital format (PDF), learning videos, audio files, as well as historical background and information about each piece.
Once your participation in the choir is approved by the conductor, you will receive a username and password, which you use to log in to the members’ section.
IMPORTANT: The username and password are strictly personal. They may not be transferred, shared with third parties, or used by individuals who are not members of the choir. If any violation of these terms is detected, access will be immediately revoked.
If you have further questions or would like more information about the choir, please contact the choir conductor, Ms. Erifyli Damianou (YiannisMantakas_choir@auth.gr, 6942673144).