Requiem for the End of Love 2026

Requiem for the End of Love returns, in a new reading by the internationally acclaimed conductor Teodor Currentzis, to the Stavros Niarchos Hall of the GNO at the SNFCC, on 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30 January 2026.




Οne of the iconic symphonic works from the early creative period of composer Giorgos Koumendakis, reviving, after three decades, a significant performance-installation that bears the signature of Dimitris Papaioannou.

Thirty-one years later, after cycles that have opened and closed and paths that were sometimes parallel and at other times opposing, Dimitris Papaioannou sets up the great ladder for that stage installation at the Greek National Opera and reworks anew the Requiem for the End of Love, “one of Giorgos Koumendakis’ most powerful music pieces”, as he notes. The synergy of these two creators, who paved the way for a new stage language in dance, theatre, opera, and even at the Olympic Games ceremonies, is complemented by an ingenious maestro whose name is internationally hailed for his idiosyncratic interpretations of major symphonic works and operas: Teodor Currentzis.

Greek and international audiences will have the chance to rediscover a work by Dimitris Papaioannou that strikes a balance between physical theatre and visual installation, based on a musical piece that serves as an early dramatic operatic harbinger in Giorgos Koumendakis’ compositional career.

Duration: 40 minutes approximately, without intermission.

Music: Giorgos Koumendakis
Conductor: Teodor Currentzis
Concept, stage direction, choreography, visual design: Dimitris Papaioannou
The set is designed by Dimitris Papaioannou and Loukas Bakas
Costumes: Vassilis Papatsarouchas
Lighting design: Dimitris Papaioannou, Stephanos Droussiotis
Chorus master: Agathangelos Georgakatos

With the participation of performers, soloist musicians of the GNO Orchestra, the ΜΕΙΖΟΝ Ensemble, and a soprano.