Freedom takes Virtue and Daring

Greece, Messolonghi, Trikoupeion Cultural, Centre

Tuesday, 31 March 2026, 21:00

Maria Farantouri appears in the commemorative events marking the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, singing songs that have left an indelible mark on time, having shaped our collective memory, and continue to show us the way forward. Through the works of the great Greek composers -Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hadzidakis, Manos Loizos, Yorgos Seferis, Odysseas Elytis, Yannis Ritsos, Nikos Gatsos, and others- the leading singer and the exceptional soloists accompanying her transport us to a place where the personal meets the collective and history becomes a lived experience.

The Exodus of Messolonghi (10-11 April 1826) is a landmark event in the Greek War of Independence, and the 200th anniversary is being heavily commemorated throughout 2026. It was a dramatic, tragic breakout attempt by Greek defenders after a year-long Ottoman siege. Starving and surrounded, thousands attempted to break through Ottoman lines; however, the plan was betrayed, resulting in a massacre where only about 1,300 of the roughly 10,500 residents survived, turning the event into a global symbol of heroic resistance and sacrifice.

Maria Farantouri | vocals
Vivian Douglas | vocals

Achilles Wastor | piano
Heracles Zakkas | bouzouki
David Lynch | wind instruments

Dimitris Bourboulis | sound