Μake us preferred on Google Multi-instrumentalist Ross Daly and lyra soloist Kelly Thoma bring a mesmerising mix of traditional Cretan music, Eastern sounds and contemporary styles to Athens’ Theater of the NO for two shows on November 6-7.
With the lyra at the heart of their performances, the two musicians explore the connections between Cretan music and the modal traditions of the East, combining original compositions with improvisation.
Irish-born musician and composer Daly has lived on the island of Crete since 1975, dedicating much of his career to researching and bringing together musical traditions from Greece, the Middle East, India and beyond.
Photo: April Renae
With more than 35 albums under his belt and numerous collaborations with leading musicians worldwide, he developed a distinctive musical language rooted in traditional forms while embracing contemporary influences. A master of the Cretan lyra, Daly is also known for pioneering what he calls “Contemporary Modal Music”, which draws on centuries-old musical traditions while allowing room for experimentation.
Daly is also the founder of the Labyrinth Musical Workshop on Crete, an international center for the study, preservation and exchange of traditional musical practices.
Thoma began studying the lyra under Daly in 1995, and has participated in Labyrinth’s international activities since 1998. She has released three solo albums and collaborated with acclaimed musicians and ensembles around the world.
For the Athens concerts, Daly will perform on lyra, tarhu, rabab and saz, accompanied by Thoma on lyra. Together, they will create a musical dialogue that bridges generations, cultures and traditions.
The concerts take place at the 150-seat Theater of the NO, Greece’s first English-language theater, which has also established itself as a venue for music and artistic exchange. Both performances begin at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost 12 euros.
