Iossif Valette 'Journey with Reverse Pedal' Opera for Piano in 7 Scenes
The theatrical group ‘Antivaro’ is organizing the performance of Iossif Valette’s piano opera ‘Journey with the Reverse Pedal’, under the auspices of the Greek Composers Union, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 8:30 PM, in the ‘Philippos Nakas’ Concert Hall.
"Six pianists perform the story told by their inner voice. They undertake an unconventional and transcendental journey with a piano as their vehicle."
Iossif Valette’s piano opera, based on the poetic idea of music educator and poet Elena Kyritsi, returns to Athens after a musical journey with performances in Thessaloniki and Heraklion, Crete. Elena Kyritsi created seven poetic sections/scenes, themed around different aspects of the life of a pianist, which are performed by the soloists, with their thoughts alternating with the music.
The works of ‘The Reverse Pedal’ are performed by the pianists: Titos Gouvellis, Dionyssis Mallouhos, Christina Sideropoulou, Eleni Papaspirou, Dimitris Karydis, and Lefki Karpodini. Alongside them, the talented young pianist Apostolos Balanos appears, in a mentor-student relationship with his mentors. The performance is directed by the acclaimed director Manolis Seiragakis (Antivaro Rethymno) together with his team.
The performance is dedicated to two distinguished artists who supported the premiere of the work (Beton7 Art and Culture Center, 2012): pianist Vicky Stylianou, and visual artist Maria Xenouli.
One hour before the performance, at 7:30 PM, there will be a presentation of the ‘Reverse Pedal’ publication by the publishing house ‘Philippos Nakas’.
TUESDAY 5 MAY 2026
AT 19:30 Presentation
AT 20:30 Performance
FREE ENTRANCE
PHILIPPOS NAKAS CONCERT HALL
