TO HAVE BEEN SO CLOSE SO MANY TIMES

Giorgos Koumendakis (Rethymno, 1959) is one of Greece’s most acclaimed contemporary composers, known for his diverse musical styles and continuous search for new directions. Since February 2017, he has served as the Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera, becoming the first Artistic Director in the Company’s 86-year-long history to be appointed for a fourth consecutive term. During his tenure, the GNO has opened a new chapter in its history by successfully operating at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and establishing a strong international presence and outreach.

His music includes symphonic pieces, chamber music, and a large body of compositions for the performing arts, including theatre, cinema, opera, and installations. He has composed four operas, with the most important being The Murderess (2014). He has collaborated with renowned artists from the theatre, opera, and dance worlds. His compositions have been performed in some of the world’s most prestigious halls and opera houses. In 2023, he served as Minister of Culture and Sports in the provisional government of Ioannis Sarmas, and in 2025, he was appointed Honorary President of the Greek Composers’ Union.

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Ilias Hatzigeorgiou is a performer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience in Greece and internationally. His choreographic works include A BOUNCE 4 MEN, Fixation in Duo, and SCARED. His piece, The Olympic Cypher (2024), followed the Olympic Games torch until it was delivered in Paris.

He received an award from the Aerowaves Startup Forum 2024 for his proposal which led to the three-day Dancells Dance Festival at Korydallos Prison. He has served as a dance consultant at the Athens Epidaurus Festival (2019–2022) and as curator of the Athens Festival Urban Dance Contest (2021–2025). 

Eva Georgitsopoulou is a Berlin-based dancer and choreographer from Patras. She studied law while also engaging in dance. After graduating from the National School of Dance, she received a full scholarship as a trainee with the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company.

She collaborated with renowned artists such as Cia Sonia Rodriguez, Inside The Body Performing Arts, Frantics Dance Company, Judith Sanchez Ruiz, and Edivaldo Ernesto. From 2016 to 2021, she was a member of Aerites Dance Company under the direction of Patricia Apergi. Since 2019, she has been working closely with Sasha Waltz & Guests in Berlin, participating both in new productions and in the company’s repertoire.

Her choreographic work includes commissions for the Greek National Opera Ballet and the Greek National School of Dance. Her independent creations have been presented at festivals including the Athens Epidaurus Festival, Kalamata International Dance Festival, RAW Tanzwerke Kassel, Dance Days Chania, Lange Nacht des Tanzes Pillberg, and the Arc for Dance Festival.