Tip of the day 21/06 – European Music Day

• June 21, 2023

Music Day was first celebrated in Paris in 1982, at the initiative of the then Minister of Culture Jacques Lang, and in 1985 the celebration spread beyond the French borders. Athens, European Capital of Culture 1985, was the first country outside France to host the Music Day. Within a few years, Music Day has become a true institution, a major European cultural event held every 21 June in more than 22 countries, from Ireland to Kazakhstan and from the Baltic States to Cyprus.

Amateur and professional musicians alike flood municipal spaces, squares, streets, streets, stations, parks and various other venues, presenting pro bono concerts from across the musical spectrum. This is an opportunity for a European cultural celebration that helps to develop cultural exchanges and collaborations between young and established artists from different countries.

So, today, as you wander through Athens, you might notice more street musicians than usual filling the city’s corners with music. Take a moment to pause and soak in the unique vibe they bring to the streets! One of the most popular spots to catch these live performances is around the small Kapnikarea Church on Ermou Street. But that’s not all — several events are happening across the city to mark the day. Scroll down to discover what’s on and plan your visit!

European Music Day at the National Garden, Syntagma

The European Music Day 2025 comes with 3 special concerts by the Musical Ensembles of the Municipality of Athens! Symphony Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens, Big Band of the Municipality of Athens, Workshop of Greek Music of the Municipality of Athens – come and enjoy them all together! Symphony, jazz & melodies of Greek cinema

Νational Garden
20 & 21 June 2025
Free entrance
More details  here

European Music Day at the Maria Callas Museum!

For the second consecutive year, the Maria Callas Museum and the Friends of Music Society join forces, this time celebrating European Music Day with an open event for all, right in the heart of Athens! On Friday, June 20, the neighborhood surrounding the Museum—directly across from its entrance, in Mitropoleos Square—will be filled with the sounds and colors of a group of young and promising musicians, performing a vibrant and unexpected repertoire. We invite you to an afternoon musical journey spanning from Baroque to the 20th century, with works by Sibelius, Vanhal, Fauré, Mansell, and Mikis Theodorakis.

Friday, June 20th 2025, 19:30
Mitropoleos Square – just across the museum entrance
Free entrance!

European Music Day at the garden of Athens Concert Hall  (Megaron)

Megaron the Athens Concert Hall joins in the celebration of World Music Day with a unique open-air concert in its lush Garden on Saturday 21 June—an evening filled with color, rhythm, and melodies from diverse musical genres.

On the main stage, the Athens State Orchestra performs the legendary suite “Alexis Zorbas” by Mikis Theodorakis, in a new orchestration by Dimitris Michas—an iconic work that fuses symphonic richness with the spirit of Greek tradition.

On the second stage, the Aether Quartet brings to life the popular String Quartet No. 12 “American” by Antonín Dvořák, performed by the distinguished musicians Andreas Papanikolaou, Vasilis Soukas, Enkela Kokolani, and Angelos Liakakis.

The evening concludes with the Domna Samiou Greek Folk Music Association, presenting a dynamic program rich in the authentic sounds of Greek musical heritage, back on the main stage.

Join us in celebrating Music, under the stars, in the blooming Garden of the Megaron!