The recent tour of Alkistis Protopsalti, the legendary Greek vocalist with twenty-eight gold and platinum albums (IFPI Greece), captivated audiences across Athens, Thessaloniki, and Nicosia. With her commanding presence and timeless artistry, Protopsalti delivered sold-out performances that not only celebrated her illustrious career but also introduced a fresh and dynamic musical vision through her collaboration with the rising star of orchestration and conducting, Aris Antoniades.
Titled Songs I've Grown to Love, the tour reimagined beloved songs by various artists, carefully curated and rearranged to suit Protopsalti’s iconic style. “The concept itself is a challenge for me ... but I like challenges,” Protopsalti explained. “These are songs that I have loved, that have moved me, and that I know have moved others as well.” Central to this ambitious project was Antoniades’s innovative orchestrational vision, which breathed new life into these classics while staying true to their emotional core. The arrangements added a contemporary, theatrical vibrancy, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, which resonated deeply with audiences.
“The concept itself is a challenge for me ... but I like challenges,” Protopsalti explained
Protopsalti’s admiration for Antoniades was evident in her public praise: “He’s a genius orchestrator and a bright new star in the world of music. We vibed so well from the first moment; I think of him as my musical son.” For Antoniades, the opportunity to work with such a revered artist was both a professional milestone and a personal dream. “Bringing these songs to life through original arrangements tailored to Alkistis’s voice, and her energy, was an absolute pleasure, and a dream come true ... I have been a mega-fan of hers since I can remember!” he said.
The performances at Thessaloniki’s Radio City Theater, Athens’s Pallas Theatre, and Nicosia’s Municipal Theater were nothing short of magical. Backed by a stellar ensemble of fourteen musicians and three exceptional vocalists—Giorgos Karadimos, Giannis Mathes, and Konstantinos Kaikis. At each venue, the emotional connection between Protopsalti and her audience was palpable. Standing ovations greeted her every performance, reflecting not only the power of her voice but also the meticulous artistry behind the project. As Protopsalti reflected, “Aris Antoniades brought these songs to life with beautiful colors and a profound understanding of my psyche.”
“[Aris] is a genius orchestrator and a bright new star in the world of music. We vibed so well from the first moment; I think of him as my musical son.” - Alkistis Protopsalti
This tour was more than a series of concerts—it was a celebration of artistic collaboration and the enduring magic of music. While Protopsalti’s legacy as one of Greece’s most celebrated vocalists remains unshakable, the project also highlighted the emergence of Antoniades as a formidable talent in the world of music direction and orchestration.
After the remarkable success of their 2024 tour, Protopsalti and Antoniades are thrilled to announce their return to Athens and Thessaloniki for two highly anticipated performances. Mark your calendars: February 22, 2025 at the Pallas Theatre in Athens and March 19, 2025 at the Ioannis Vellides Center in Thessaloniki. More details will be announced soon, but one thing is certain—audiences can expect another unforgettable musical experience that will resonate long after the final note.
