The Greek National Opera (GNO) travels to Crete – programme, Chania 7th – 31st May
With a major tour to Crete in May, the Greek National Opera continues its artistic ‘expedition’.
The GNO will present a diverse program of events that includes concerts, shadow opera, operetta, musicals for children and young people, musical theater performances, as well as documentary screenings – throughout the month of May, thus bringing music and opera closer to the island.
Free entrance.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW (details see below)
7th May at 10.00 and 12.00
Karagiozis Rigoletto (he performance combines traditional shadow theatre with excerpts from Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece opera Rigoletto performed in Greek by three lyrical singers and in a humorous way unfolds the entire background of a lyrical theatre, spreading knowledge and plenty of laughter.
The role of Karagiozis is embodied with vivacity and originality by Alexandros Melissinos, making the performance a fresh and interactive proposal in shadow theatre.–
at the Mikis Theodorakis Theater, Venetian Harbour, Chania
7th May at 10.00 and 11.30
‘Silence, the King Listens ‘ at the “Dimitris Vlisidis” Theater , Venetian Harbour, Koum Kapi
10th May at 20.30
100 Years of Mikis Theodorakis (see below) at the Giali Tsami Mosque Square, Venetian Harbour
12th May at 20.30
I Have Much to Tell You…details here – at the Catholic Church of Chania, Chalidon Rd.
14th May at 21.00
Lyric Song Recital at the Grand Arsenal (KAM), Venetian Harbour
(The recital includes compositions by leading composers, such as Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, Massenet and Ravel, as well as selections from important works of Greek musical theater, as well as songs by Konstantinidis and Sakellaridis)
14th May at 20.00
Andreas Rodinos: The Legendary Lyricist
(a legendary Cretan lyra player and composer rather than a lyricist, often regarded as one of the first and most influential masters of the Cretan lyra.Although he died young at age 22, his melodies are foundational to traditional Cretan music. –
at the Russian Barracks (West embankment of the Venetian walls/San Salvatore Bastion).
17th May at 20.30
The Crossroads of the World
with the ALCEDO folk band – a musical group with diverse influences and a colorful palette.
(A musical performance with songs from Crete and places close to it, East and West, that left their reflection on the island. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans and others left their own imprints on Crete, resulting in a mosaic of arts and ideas.The basic idea of the performance ‘The Crossroads of the World’ is to “paint” the multiculturalism of Crete through different musics, songs and dances, thus illuminating its influences with imagination. –
Giali Tzami Square, Venetian Harbour
18th May at 20.30
Asikiko Poulaki (M. Theodorakis), see below – Giali Tzami Square, Venetian Harbour
23rd May at 20.30
I want to see the Pope!
(a 1920s operetta by Theophrastos Sakellaridis. The comedic show focuses on a newlywed couple’s chaotic trip to Rome.)–
Mikis Theodorakis Theatre, Venetian Harbour.
31st May at 21.00
Mary, Marianna, Maria: The Unknown Greek Years of Callas – Kipos Municipal Open Air Cinema, Andrea Papandreou 63, Chania
PROGRAMME DETAILS OF 10th and 18th May
The GNO tour of Crete brings two unique concerts-tributes to the great work of Mikis Theodorakis. The grand concert 100 years of Mikis Theodorakis, orchestrated by Yannis Belonis and musically directed by Stathis Soulis, with the participation of Pantelis Thalassinos, Niki Granas, a ten-member musical ensemble of the GNO Orchestra and local choirs, will be presented in Chania on 10/5.
The work Ασίκικο Πουλάκη (Asikiko Poulakis)** by Mikis Theodorakis, with lyrics by Michalis Gana, comes to life in a unique concert orchestrated, adapted and musically directed by Andreas Katsigiannis, with Yiannis Dionysiou and the Estoudiantina of Nea Ionia Magnesia Orchestra*** and will be presented in Chania on 18/5.
**
The term “Asikiko“ derives from the word asikis (Turkish: aşık), referring to a man who is brave, proud, and honest. The music blends traditional Greek folk elements with Theodorakis’s distinct symphonic-laïko style.and the singer Vasilis Lekkas.
“Poulaki” (little bird) is a reference to the surname of Theodorakis’ mother, Aspasia Poulaki.
It is a moving tribute to the composer’s mother, Aspasia Poulaki, and her Asia Minor roots. It explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the pain of the 1922 Asia Minor Catastrophe.
“Asikiko Poulaki” is an iconic song cycle by Mikis Theodorakis released in 1996.
** The Estoudiantina of Nea Ionia (Magnesia) is one of Greece’s most prestigious orchestras, dedicated to exploring and preserving the musical traditions of the Mediterranean, with a special focus on the Asia Minor styles
The aim of the new major tour, which is a continuation of the extensive GNO tour program that began in July 2025, is to offer the audience of Crete the opportunity to come into contact with the fascinating world of opera, an art that is open, without boundaries and unhindered. The program is implemented with the support of a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
The tour in Crete is taking place with the support of the Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with the local municipalities
Sources: Greek National Opera, chania-culture.gr
Photo credit: zarpanews.gr
