The year 2025 marks the centenary of the birth of one of the towering figures of 20th-century Greek culture, Mikis Theodorakis. 

Come and share a deep love for the Greece that Theodorakis embodies

Mikis Theodorakis was a unique, multidimensional personality etched in the soul of every Greek. Not only was he a vibrant and restless spirit, an uncompromising fighter for freedom and democracy, a lover of life itself, but also one of the most famous Greeks in the world, with his work and melodies performed by the world's most prominent artists.

This centenary performance brings this personality back into the spotlight. This was a man who lived 100 lives in one and inspired generations with his songs, music, struggles and values. Father and son Bart and Julian Schneemann share a deep love for the Greece that Theodorakis embodies, in which music, culture, and a rich history are interwoven.

On a large projection behind the musicians, the audience lingers in an underground taverna, where smoke and the aroma of ouzo hang in the air and old photos of Greek historical heroes hang on the wall. Every so often, the viewer can zoom in on a photo that comes to life: you'll see Mikis’ personality and turbulent life, Mikis in exile, Mikis as a singer and conductor, Mikis as a politician and Mikis as a philosopher.

Meanwhile, old friends of Mikis, such as the legendary Maria Farandouri and Giorgos Dalaras, visit the taverna. Live on stage in the Netherlands, a fantastic group of musicians from around the world performs alongside Greek star singer Vassilis Lekkas.

Don't expect a traditional concert, but a performance that centres on Mikis' music and life, touches on current social developments, celebrating humanity, passion, joy, and the Sirtaki... A performance about Mikis Theodorakis.

This diverse lineup reflects Theodorakis's unifying spirit, who was always open to other cultures and sought to extend his music beyond Greece's borders. There's also an amateur choir at each concert venue in the Netherlands to perform in the concerts, in keeping with Theodorakis's belief that music is by and for everyone. These choirs will be coached in the weeks leading up to the concert by Greek choir conductor Angeliki Ploka.

Musicians performing at the Mikis Theodorakis tribute concert

These are the musicians performing at the tribute concert:

• Bart Schneemann, classical oboe
• Julian Schneemann, jazz piano
• Sinan Arat, Turkish ney
• John Joe Kelly, Irish bodhrán
• Emmy Storms, classical violin
• Simone Bottasso, Italian organetto
• Andreas Karantinis, Greek bouzouki
• Vasilis Lekkas, vocals

Get tickets to A Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis 

Get your tickets to A Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis online in advance. The concert takes place at De Duif on Prinsengracht in the heart of Amsterdam.