Here is a list of things to do this weekend in and around Athens:
Events at the Greek National Opera (GNO)
Visualizing the Voice of Maria Callas
On the occasion of the celebration of 100 years since Maria Callas’ birth, GNO partners with the Digital Media Lab of the Technical University of Crete to create an educational workshop that combines architecture and music. The goal of Visualizing the Voice of Maria Callas’ goal is to visualize the very sound of Maria Callas under the use of creative new media tools. The workshop will open daily between 10AM and 10PM.
Unboxing Callas
Curated by artist Vassilis Zidianakis and ATOPOS cvc, UNBOXING CALLAS emulates an open-access archive, inviting conservators, archivists, and researchers to actively participate by unlocking archival boxes and revealing narratives, recollections, and items associated with Callas. The exhibition, organized by the GNO in partnership with the National Library of Greece (NLG), and SNFCC, will be housed in the NLG foyer from November 26 to January 10, operating daily from 10AM TO 10PM.
La Bohème
Giacomo Puccini’s enduring masterpiece returns to the GNO seven years after it was last presented in a legendary production directed by Graham Vick. La Bohème, based on the novel Scenes of Bohemian Life by Henry Murger, first premiered in 1986 at the Teatro Regio in Turin. It will be showcased in eight performances (December 9,12,17,27,29,31 and January 2,7).
Events at the National Gallery
Christmas Thematic Activities for Children
Children aged three to five years old participating in the thematic Magic Night Christmas educational program will hear Christmas stories written by the British Benji Davies and the Greek writer and greatest icon painter Fotis Kontoglou both on December 9 and 16. Children must be accompanied by one adult.
Urbanography
Urbanography explores the “Life of the City in the 1950’s-1970’s” through the perspective of visual artists and filmmakers using paintings, sculptures, prints, installations, photographs and film footage. Post- war Greece’s societal changes such as urbanization, reconstruction and migration are conceived engaging with Greek cinema, critical realism and alternative narratives. The exhibition will be open until March 3, 2024.
Events at SNFCC
Visitors of the SNFCC will have the opportunity to participate in an array of captivating free admission activities:
The SNFCC Ice Rink
From December 1 to January 7, both young and old are welcomed to embrace the festive spirit by gliding across the SNFCC Ice Rink to the tunes of cherished Christmas melodies. Operating daily from 10AM-10PM, weather permitting, ice-skating lovers will have an insider’s view of the Dancing Fountains while practicing their favorite winter sport.
Light Installations Festival
Stavros Niarchos Park will be illuminated by numerous large-scale light installations created by four internationally acclaimed artists and a Greek entry, aligning with this year’s broader theme of Gatherings: People Coming Together. Starting at 5PM visitors are invited to experience an open air magical light art display.
Silent Disco Party
The SNFCC Youth Council inspired by this year’s Light Installation Festival theme “Gatherings” is organizing a Christmas Silent Disco Party at the Foundation’s Dome. Equipped with wireless headphones, attendees can choose from various music genres expertly mixed by live DJs. The event will take place at the Dome between 10PM till 2AM.
