Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral (Duomo) Corfu

Nikos Spanatis & The Woodwind Ensemble of Heptanesian Music of the Mantzaros Philharmonic Society

Saturday, 3 October 2026

Conductor: Spyros Rouvas

Countertenor Nikos Spanatis collaborates with the Woodwind Ensemble of Heptanesian Music of the "Mantzaros" Philharmonic Society for an exceptional concert on Saturday, 4 October 2026, at the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral (Duomo) of Corfu.

This musical encounter highlights the profound relationship between the illustrious 18th-century Neapolitan School and Nikolaos Halikiopoulos-Mantzaros, exploring the aesthetic influences that shaped the musical heritage of the Heptanese (Ionian Islands). Featuring his distinctive countertenor voice, Nikos Spanatis will perform demanding and highly virtuosic arias by Porpora, Vinci, Pergolesi, Sarti, and Scarlatti—masterpieces originally composed for the leading castrati of the era. The programme is complemented by instrumental and vocal works by Nikolaos Halikiopoulos-Mantzaros.

Within the historic setting of the cathedral, this collaboration brings to life operatic arias that represent some of the most significant excerpts of the Neapolitan School, each possessing its own unique character and distinct atmosphere.


PROGRAMME

D. Cimarosa | Overture to the opera Achille

G. Sarti | Giulio Sabino | G. Sabino: “Lungi dal caro bene” | N. Spanatis

N. H. Mantzaros | Fugue No. 1, Book 5 from Partimenti

G. B. Pergolesi | Salve Regina | Contralto: “Largo” | N. Spanatis

S. Mercadante | Andante, from Concerto for Clarinet in B-flat | Georgina Skiadopoulou

L. Vinci | Artaserse | Arbace: “Vo solcando un mar crudele” | N. Spanatis

INTERMISSION

N. Porpora | Polifemo | Aci: “Alto Giove” | N. Spanatis

N. H. Mantzaros | Romance for Trumpet | Spyros El Tsampan

A. Scarlatti | La Giuditta | Nutrice: “Dormi, o fulmine di guerra” | N. Spanatis

N. A. Zingarelli | Overture to the opera Antigone

N. A. Zingarelli | Giulietta e Romeo | Romeo: “Ciel pietoso” | N. Spanatis

N. H. Mantzaros | Andante per clarinetto | Iliana Molinari

N. Halikiopoulos-Mantzaros | “Vieni a dori” | N. Spanatis

N. Halikiopoulos-Mantzaros | “Ascolta infida” | N. Spanatis

Spyridon Rouvas, Conductor

Born in Athens in 1977, Spyridon Rouvas studied music at the "Mantzaros" Philharmonic Society, the Corfu Conservatory, and the Ionian Conservatory, where he earned degrees and diplomas in Harmony, Counterpoint, Wind Instrumentation & Band Conducting, Fugue, Composition, and Trombone. He is a graduate of the Department of Music Studies of the Ionian University, holding a Master’s degree in Composition, and holds the Associate of the London College of Music (ALCM) Diploma in Conducting. He also studied Band Conducting at the Libera Accademia DAS of the Associazione Musicale Amadeus in Fermo, Italy. He has composed works for symphonic band, orchestra, chamber music ensembles, vocal music, as well as music for children's theatre, school performances, and educational songs. Furthermore, he has arranged works by several composers of the Heptanesian School for small and large wind ensembles, aiming to promote and disseminate their artistic legacy. His compositions and arrangements are published by Sheet Music Plus (www.sheetmusicplus.com) and J.W. Pepper (www.jwpepper.com). His work Prelude for Meditation for symphonic band co-won second prize at the 1st Panhellenic Composition Competition for Original Band Works, organised in 2014 by the "Mantzaros" Philharmonic Society, and he has participated in several international composition competitions. Since 2003, he has served as a music educator in primary education. He has taught Advanced Music Theory at the Ionian Conservatory since 2004, and at the Corfu Conservatory since 2019. From 2004 to 2017, he served as Conductor (Artistic Director) of the Skripero Philharmonic Association. In January 2014, he was appointed Assistant Conductor of the "Mantzaros" Philharmonic Society, and since June 2019, he has served as its Associate Conductor. Since September 2018, he has been the Artistic Director of the Centre of Heptanesian Music and Culture of the Corfu Choir. He also holds a PhD from the Department of Music Science and Art of the University of Macedonia and is a lecturer at the Department of Music Studies of the Ionian University. He has presented papers at academic conferences and delivered lectures focusing on the wind band tradition. He is a member of the Greek Composers Union, the Panhellenic Association of Conductors (PASYDAYFO), and WASBE (World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles).

The Woodwind Ensemble of Heptanesian Music of the "Mantzaros" Philharmonic Society was founded in 2014 as part of the chamber music activities of the Society. The ensemble's primary objective is to promote and disseminate the works of both historical and contemporary Heptanesian composers through past and upcoming projects. Consequently, its repertoire consists exclusively of works by Ionian composers, comprising original compositions as well as arrangements specifically crafted for this ensemble. To date, the Woodwind Ensemble has performed notable concerts both in Corfu and throughout Greece. Highlights include performances in Lefkada (2016) in collaboration with the Lefkada Music School; Kefalonia (2018) in collaboration with the Pallis Philharmonic School of Lixouri; and at the Achilleion Palace in Corfu (2022) featuring works by musicians associated with the "Mantzaros" Philharmonic Society. Among the ensemble's most prestigious international milestones are concerts at the Sala Scarlatti of the Conservatorio San Pietro a Majella in Naples (September 2024), and at the Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro, September 2025). A crowning achievement was the historic performance—for the first time in 200 years—of the complete "12 Fugues" by Nikolaos Halikiopoulos-Mantzaros, in collaboration with the Camerata Vocalis Choir at the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral (Duomo) of Corfu in October 2025. The ensemble was also highly active during the pandemic period, producing several recorded digital concerts. Prominent artists and ensembles have collaborated with the group, including the Camerata Vocalis Choir and the Corfu Men's Choir, as well as distinguished opera singers such as Jelena Radovanović-Banković (soprano), Elli Karydi (soprano), Marilena Kyriakopoulou (soprano), Eleni Bikou (soprano), Akis Kalmoukis (tenor), and Pantelis Kontos (baritone). Members of the ensemble also frequently perform as soloists. The ensemble is conducted by the Associate Conductor of the "Mantzaros" Philharmonic Society, Mr. Spyridon Rouvas.

Old Fortress of Corfu

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana

Symphony Orchestra of the Heptanese & Ionian Conservatory

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Soloists: Dimitra Kottidou, Soprano Nikos Spanatis, Countertenor Sotiris Triantis, Baritone

Conductor: Katia Molfesi

Pianists: Dimitrios Marinos Manos Kitsikopoulos

Percussion: Ionian Conservatory Percussion Faculty and Alumni Ensemble Marios Mouzakitis Nikos Metallinos Sokratis Trouptsidis Thodoris Koskinas Dimitris Aspiotis Andreas Kalogiannis

Featuring: City of Athens Choir San Giacomo Municipal Choir of Corfu

Few works in the history of music have achieved the global acclaim and timeless resonance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

The Symphony Orchestra of the Heptanese and the Ionian Conservatory invite audiences to an exceptional musical evening on Saturday, September 12, at 21:00, at the iconic Old Fortress of Corfu, featuring Carl Orff’s masterpiece, Carmina Burana.

For the first time in Corfu, the public will have the opportunity to experience the rare version of the work written for two pianos and percussion—an arrangement created by Carl Orff himself in collaboration with his pupil and close associate, Wilhelm Killmayer. This version preserves the dramatic intensity and raw power of the original work intact, uniquely highlighting its rhythmic and choral character.

The performance is conducted by Katia Molfesi, featuring distinguished soloists Dimitra Kottidou (soprano), Nikos Spanatis (countertenor), and Sotiris Triantis (baritone). Performing on the pianos are the acclaimed soloists Dimitrios Marinos and Manos Kitsikopoulos. The percussion section features the Percussion Ensemble of Teachers and Alumni of the Ionian Conservatory, consisting of Marios Mouzakitis, Nikos Metallinos, Sokratis Trouptsidis, Thodoris Koskinas, Dimitris Aspiotis, and Andreas Kalogiannis. Also performing are the Athens Municipal Choir and the "San Giacomo" Municipal Choir of Corfu.

From the iconic "O Fortuna" to its lyrical and explosive passages, Carmina Burana remains one of the most beloved and recognizable masterpieces of the 20th century. Based on medieval poems that celebrate life, love, nature, and the constant turning of human fortune, Carl Orff’s work continues to deeply move and captivate audiences worldwide.

The concert is held under the auspices and with the support of the Hellenic Parliament and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

14th ARION – Molyvos International Guitar Festival 2026

Monday 03.08

Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production of Lesvos, Agia Paraskevi

“The Garden Sees”

Renaissance arias and songs, inspired by Nature and Greek Mythology.

Featuring:

Maira Milolidaki, soprano

Nikos Spanatis, countertenor

Korina Vougiouka, guitar

14th ARION – Molyvos International Guitar Festival 2026

"Philoctetes" by Yannis Ritsos – Behind the Hero’s Mask

Saturday 01.08 | Desmos Cultural Center, Molyvos

Music Theater

A musical presentation of the poetic work Philoctetes by Yannis Ritsos.

Poetic language meets music in a quest to penetrate the rigid "mask" of the myth. Philoctetes and Neoptolemus are no longer mere figures of antiquity, but profound symbols of human isolation and the innate search for truth. Through an evocative synergy of lyric singing, narration, and the distinct timbres of the yaylı tambur and the guitar, the music unveils the existential fragility hidden behind the mask: vulnerability, pain, and ultimate redemption. A mystagogic experience that seeks the human essence beyond the predetermined boundaries of history and duty.

Creative Team & Cast:

Korina Vougiouka: concept, artistic curation, guitar

Maira Milolidaki: soprano

Nikos Spanatis: countertenor

Haris Karydis Maronitis: narration

Stefanos Pourianos: yaylı tambur

Tasos Rosopoulos: music transcriptions

14th ARION – Molyvos International Guitar Festival 2026

“From East to West"

Friday, 31.07 | Desmos Cultural Venue, Molyvos

“From East to West”

Greek composers of Constantinople meet Renaissance arias and songs inspired by Greek mythology. A deeply captivating musical journey bridging the refined tradition of Constantinople’s Greek composers with the splendor of the European Renaissance. In a rare artistic collaboration, the melancholic sound of the yayli tanbur meets the crystal-clear voices of the soprano and the countertenor, accompanied by the guitar. Through famous arias and songs inspired by Greek mythology, the program highlights how shared myths and human passions traveled from the palaces of the West to the traditional divans of the East, creating a cultural bridge that remains vibrant to this day.

Performers:

Stefanos Pourianos: yayli tanbur, vocals

Maira Milolidaki: sopranο

Nikos Spanatis: counterteno

Korina Vougiouka: guitar

Megaron Athens Concert Hall
Journey to the Center of Music – Opera

Athens State Orchestra - Orchestra in Residence of the Megaron

April 24–25, 2026

A series of interactive concerts designed to shed light on what connects the modern listener with timeless symphonic music, bringing it closer to newcomers and dedicated music lovers alike. Through a dynamic blend of videos, talks, and live performances, each event brings the portrait of a different symphonic genre to life. Well-known and obscure historical facts, personal stories, hidden symbols, musical motifs, and the sheer magic behind each work's structure are presented in a highly engaging and entertaining format.

With Greek surtitles

CONTRIBUTORS

PRESENTED BY

Maria Efthymiou

Christos Papageorgiou

Athens State Orchestra - Orchestra in Residence of the Megaron Athens Concert Hall

STAGE DIRECTION

Katerina Evangelakou

CONDUCTED BY

Loukas Karytinos


SOLOISTS

Nikos Spanatis (countertenor)

Christos Delizonas (tenor)

Eleni Voudouraki (mezzo-soprano)

Anny Fassea (soprano)

Despina Skarlatou (soprano)

Marinos Tarnanas (baritone)

Martha Sotiriou (mezzo-soprano)

St. Paul's Anglican Church

Holy Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Sacred Music Concert

“SACRI RESPIRI”

Πρόγραμμα:

Marco Rosano (1964 - )
"Stabat Mater" (I)

Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741)
"Stabat Mater" (I έως IX)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)
Brandenburg Concerto No.3 in G major

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710 - 1736)
"Salve Regina" (I - VI)

Marco Rosano (1964 - )
"Stabat Mater" (II)

Nikos Spanatis, countertenor

"S.T.A.B. Quartet" (Saxophone Quartet)

Guido De Flaviis (Soprano Saxophone)

Stathis Mavrommatis (Alto Saxophone)

Babis Vlachοs (Tenor Saxophone)

Ilia Samsonov (Baritone Saxophone)

Dimitris Tigkas (Double Bass)

“Sacri Respiri”

"Sacred Breaths: The Christian Lament through the Baroque Mystagogy of Transcendence"

On Holy Wednesday, April 8, at 20:30, within the Neo-Gothic architecture of St. Paul's Anglican Church in Athens, the Days of the Passion meet the spiritual musical realms of Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, and contemporary Italian composer Marco Rosano, in a mystical concert dedicated to the Divine Drama.

The music engages in a profound dialogue with the lament of the archetypal Mother through Vivaldi’s dramatic masterpiece, Stabat Mater, and the first two movements of Marco Rosano’s Stabat Mater. Dedicated to the renowned countertenor Andreas Scholl, Rosano’s work reimagines religious dramatic sentiment, bridging contemporary and Baroque mystagogy. This musical prayer culminates in Pergolesi’s deeply devotional Salve Regina, a hymn to the Virgin Mary radiating ethereal serenity and awe, which meets the architectural perfection of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.

The evening’s uniqueness lies in the original soundscape created by the "S.T.A.B. Quartet." The brass and woodwind timbres of the saxophones, complemented by the profound depth of the double bass, elegantly embrace the singular voice of the countertenor, creating a ritualistic, transcendent, and deeply moving atmosphere. The renowned acoustics of St. Paul's Anglican Church, with its austere Doric stone beauty, provide the ideal setting for this musical encounter, inviting the audience to reflect upon the Christian Lament and the tragic figure of the Virgin Mary during the Crucifixion.

"Nights of the Candles"

Christmas at the Queen's Tower
for the 4th consecutive year Christmas 2025
more than 25 performances

Artists

Nikos Spanatis, countertenor

Rezarta Krougia, violin

Semeli Kostourou, cello (specific dates)

Alba Lymtsiouli, cello (specific dates)

Countertenor Nikos Spanatis accompanied by Alexis Mastichiadis on the harpsichord, gave a concert for the first time in history of the Queen Amalia’s Tower at this very place… to make a long story short… Queen's Tower is catalogued as a National Monument of Greece’s recent history. The Tower was inaugurated in August 1854, and initially was the vineyard and country house of Greece’s first royal family. For several years The Queen’s Tower was left locked up but eventually in 2011 opened it’s doors back again to the crowd with guided tours and thousands of visitors since then. Many major events has happened there since then. The famous "Candlelight Nights" firstly presented there during the Christmas period of 2022, staging 15 concerts. Word of mouth caused a great success and so in 2023 Xmas period there were 17 concerts staged and the very next year topped up with 23 concerts with Athanasia Manou on the harp that time.

The central Hall of Shields of the Queen’s Tower and parts of the garden will be lit up again this Christmas as well as the historic Gothic chandelier inside the Tower.

The 4.5-meter Christmas Tree, along with a dreamy Christmas table, will set the tone and the magic of the holiday.

Vassilis Koutsavlis will welcome the audience with a presentation on Christmas customs and traditions around the world.

The renowned countertenor Nikos Spanatis with his distinctive voice, and the excellent Rezarta Krougia on the violin and Semeli Kostourou and Alba Lymtsiouli on the cello, will create a reverent but still festive atmosphere of rare musical sensibility.

All of Greece, One Culture

Oros Ensemble

"The Wondrous Story of Hor-Hor Agha"

19.08 — 20.08.2024
Start Time: 21:00
Venue: Cultural Venue of Islahane, Thessaloniki

The Wondrous Story of Hor-Hor Agha is a shadow puppet music theatre performance inspired by the 1875 operetta Leblebici hor-hor agha (The Chickpea Seller). It features original music for two singers and musicians from the Oros Ensemble, along with a new reading of the work, focusing on the tensions between the present and a past that is forever gone.

Searching for his daughter in the streets of a big city, the central hero clashes with a strange and at first hostile world, while his journey leads him to a path of transformation. Expanding its technical boundaries, the shadow puppet theatre form (featuring Eirini Mastora) transforms into the stage setting of a contemporary fairy tale. The music creates the background of sounds where the characters develop, while the text establishes a new story by combining folk and art traditions, oral and written language.

Municipal Theatre of Piraeus - Nikos Diamantis
What We Owe Democracy
Three-day platform of actions in co-production with the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus

Keratsini Sea Food Market 07/07/2024 at 19:00

Nikos Spanatis, countertenor

Ethics, justice, democracy, and the environment are always issues in the contemporary political landscape, shaken by distrust in the public sphere and disbelief in the potential to represent the ‘I’ within the community. Furthermore, the new realities emerging concerning issues of gender identities, bioethics, and the environment make it imperative to redefine the ‘We’ and to encourage social participation and inclusion. Focusing on the triptych Health – Food – Language, the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus proposes a platform of creative collaboration between about 30 artists aspiring to raise awareness, mobilise citizens, and create synergies. This highly aspiring action engages four social foundations* that address distinct population groups (people on the autism spectrum, people with special skills, children, etc.). The programme will take place in three different landmark venues, each corresponding to its different aspects: the Keratsini Sea Food Market (Food), the Sotiria Hospital (Health), and the National Library of Greece (Language).

The artistic contributors of this ‘dramaturgy of the urgent’, as Nikos Diamantis, artistic director of the Piraeus Municipal Theatre, calls it, will be seven renowned literary authors and playwrights (Glykeria Basdeki, Christos Chryssopoulos, Elias Maglinis, Michalis Makropoulos, Sofia Nikolaidou, Nikitas Siniosoglou, Vivian Stergiou), twelve actors-performers, three visual art curators, and a director. Poets, dancers, visual artists, musicians, and philosophers will contribute to the events that will be produced in these special venues.

* Piraeus Society for the Protection of Minors O kalos poimin, Hatzikyriakeio Foundation, Special Education Workshop Margarita, Mental and Social Support Organisation Pyxida.

www.aefestival.gr