Keros Dawn Concert: 5,000 Years of Greek Music

A landmark cultural moment merges archaeology and music on a remote Cycladic island.

A prehistoric sanctuary in Greece comes alive

On 20 August 2025, Greek Reporter unveiled a unique cultural initiative: the uninhabited Cycladic island of Keros, home to the oldest sanctuary ever discovered, will host a dawn concert on 9 September as part of the Koufonisia Classical Music Festival.

Five Millennia of Greek Sound

This year marks the festival’s 10th edition under the artistic direction of conductor-pianist Kornilios Michailidis. The theme, “Five Millennia of Greek Sound”, features an unprecedented musical journey—from ancient melodies on replica Cycladic instruments through Byzantine chant, folk songs, and cutting-edge contemporary works.

Keros as a living monument

Located near Naxos, Keros was a hub of Bronze Age civilization and major archaeological discoveries, including the famed Cycladic figurines of Dhaskalio. Now, the island is being reimagined as a “living monument”, blending history and performance, in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Culture and local authorities.

The event

The performance will take place at first light, using only natural sunrise lighting, for a limited audience on-site—and streamed globally. Featured artists include baritone Dimitris Tiliakos, actress Olia Lazaridou, percussionist Dimitris Desyllas, guitarist George Tabakis, and lyra master Socratis Sinopoulos.

Why this matters

This concert transforms Keros from an archaeological relic into a space of sound and experience—fusing millennia of Greek musical heritage in one unforgettable moment. It celebrates the continuity of culture from antiquity to modern expression.

Source

Source: Greek Reporter – John Koutroumpis, 20 August 2025

Photo: Credit / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)