The university community celebrated 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, the world-renowned performer of poetry set to music, was awarded the title of doctor honoris causa by the Departments of Philology and Music Studies of the School of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Addressing the event was the Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos.
Shortly after, Professors Evripidis Garantoudis of the Department of Philology and Anastasia Georgaki of the Department of Music Studies presented the honouree’s contributions and personal qualities.
The awarding ceremony followed:
Professors Grammatiki Karla, Vice-Chair of the Department of Philology, and Anastasios Hapsoulas, Chair of the Department of Music Studies, read aloud the official texts connected to the conferment.
Subsequently, Professor Dimitrios Drosos, Dean of the School of Philosophy, invested the honouree with the academic gown of the School.
The Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, then presented Maria Farantouri with an honorary medal.
The ceremony closed with a speech by the awardee.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, said, among other things: ‘With a voice that wraps itself around the words of the poems and brings them to life, Maria Farantouri stands as one of the most iconic figures in contemporary Greek music. Her contribution to Greek song and Greek culture more broadly has been acknowledged far beyond the country’s borders. Her artistic journey has drawn the attention of leading composers, most notably Mikis Theodorakis. She has earned the admiration of the international Press, received a warm response from audiences worldwide, and been recognized with numerous global awards, reflecting the significance of her work.
In countless interviews and international media reports, journalists and commentators describe her as an artist whose work embodies values such as democracy and freedom, alongside a steadfast commitment to art song. She moves effortlessly across different musical forms, performing at times with symphony orchestras, at others with small ensembles, and occasionally accompanied only by a piano.
Maria Farantouri’s international acclaim reflects the full scope of her artistic brilliance. The Greek State has awarded her the Gold Cross of the Order of the Phoenix, honouring a singer so closely intertwined with our country’s history and self-consciousness. Abroad, institutions with deep cultural significance have recognized not only the power of her performances but also the way she has brought Greek poetry to a universal audience. At the same time, honorary awards from organizations that promote dialogue, democracy, and peace confirm that Maria Farantouri is not merely a leading performer, but also a symbol of culture and humanity’.
The event also featured a musical performance: Maria Farantouri (voice), Alexandros Kapsokavadis (guitar, lavta), Spyros Manesis (piano).
Photos: Dimitris Konstantinidis
