Doctor Honoris of N.K.U.A.

Greece, Athens, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Great Hall

Wednesday, 3 December 2025, 19:00

Maria Farantouri, the world-renowned performer of poetry set to music, receives the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from the Departments of Philology and Music Studies of the Faculty of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The university community celebrates a leading figure of modern Greek culture, whose artistic vision and influence have significantly shaped the global recognition of Greek poetry and music. Maria Farantouri is considered the ideal interpreter of Mikis Theodorakis and the most authentic expression of Greek Art Song, whose long-standing, creative collaboration with composers, poets, and lyricists, and the dissemination of Greek poetry on the world’s major stages constitute a legacy of high aesthetic and cultural value.

Address by the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Yerasimos Siassos. (00:00:32)

Presentation of the work and personality of the honoree by:
− Professor of the Department of Philology of the Faculty of Philosophy, Euripides Garantoudis. (00:07:18)
− Professor of the Department of Music Studies of the Faculty of Philosophy, Anastasia Georgaki. (00:22:43)

Proclamation of the honoree:
− Reading of the texts of the Resolution of the Departments, the Proclamation, and the Doctoral Diploma by the Vice-Chair of the Department of Philology, Professor Grammatiki Carla, (00:38:58), and the Chair of the Department of Music Studies, Professor Anastasios Hapsoulas, (00:41:31).
− Presentation of the honoree with the gown of the School of Philosophy by the Dean of the School, Professor Dimitrios Drossos, (00:44:28).
− Presentation of an honorary medal to the honoree by the Rector of the University of Athens, Professor Yerasimos Siassos, (00:45:20).

Speech by the honoree, Maria Farantouri, (00:47:47).

Musical programme (01:16:04)
Maria Farantouri | vocals
Alexandros Kapsokavadis | guitar, lavta
Heracles Zakkas | bouzouki
Spyros Manessis | piano

Special Guests:
Manolis Mitsias | vocals
Tassis Christoyannis | vocals
Achilles Wastor | piano