Periklis Kanaris – Naftodia
Andros International Festival
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 9:00 PM
Composer and performer Pericles Kanaris has been recognized as one of the most important ambassadors of Greek music in the Diaspora. Not coincidentally, the International New York Times recognised in his music a “Greek identity with a global sounds.” Through his multifaceted work (recordings, concerts, productions) in Europe and America, he uniquely bridges the Greek sound and language with international musical trends, developing a distinctive “dialogue” between great poets such as Constantine P. Cavafy, Manos Eleftheriou, and T. S. Eliot, and acclaimed artists of the global music scene.
In the summer of 2025, Pericles Kanaris will present a new series of songs titled Naftodia. Following his album “Aoratos”, which features poetry by the great Greek poet Manos Eleftheriou, the composer and performer collaborates with contemporary poets and lyricists. It is a tribute to Greek seafaring, based on new poems set to music by the composer — including texts by important Greek poets as well as experiential lyrics from people belonging to the Greek nautical “family.”
Coming from families with a strong maritime tradition and having been part of the Greek diaspora for most of his life, the creator is especially inspired by the relationship between seafaring and Greek diaspora. From ancient times to the modern era, Greek shipping expertise enabled Greeks to use the sea as a bridge to new opportunities, fostering a worldwide diaspora rooted in maritime tradition — far beyond the borders of the homeland. This played a decisive role in shaping both Greek identity and Hellenism overall.
The presentation of Naftodia in Andros holds special emotional significance for the composer, as his mother’s entire family hails from the island, and he himself has a deep personal connection to it, visiting regularly without fail.
Periklis Kanaris will be joined by exceptional soloists with influences from the entire spectrum of the Greek and international music scene. Of particular significance is the participation of internationally renowned harmonica and accordion soloist, Gary Schreiner. The brilliant New York-based musician will be the guest star of the evening, and his presence is a generous offering from the Andros Society of USA, which, in this unique way, is making its debut in the island’s cultural events as a Diaspora organization. The concert is also held with the kind support of exploreandros.gr and Golden Star Ferries.
The program will also feature beloved songs written on the same theme by renowned Greek composers, performed with Periklis Kanaris’s orchestral vision.
Participants:
• Erriketi Katsani: voice
• Krystallia Gaitanou: viola
• George Kostopoulos: double bass
• Giwrgos Skarpelos: bouzouki, laouto, mandolin, guitar
• Dimitris Karpouzas: sound
Admission:
General admission: EUR 15
Discounted admission (students, unemployed, people with disabilities): EUR 12
Pre-sale starts on 23rd June 2025 at www.ticketservices.gr. From 23rd July 2025 tickets will also be available for sale at the theatre box office.