The Thessaloniki State Conservatory continues its tour of the city’s major landmarks. Following tonight’s (November 4) concert at the Archaeological Museum, on Monday, November 9, at 8:00 p.m. at the Bey Hamam (Paradise Baths), a rare lecture-recital will be presented featuring two distinguished artists: Alexis Karaiskakis (classical cello) and Gerasimos Hoidas (piano).

The recital is dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven’s complete set of variations, approached from the perspective of historically informed performance. Using period instruments—a classical cello and a fortepiano—the program highlights Beethoven’s unique sonic world, its transparency, chromatic contrasts, and the delicate balance between the two instruments. The three sets of variations, inspired by popular themes by Handel and Mozart, reveal the young composer’s ingenuity and his creative approach to the form of the variation.

The event is a standalone educational and artistic initiative of the Thessaloniki State Conservatory, combining live performance with historical and interpretive insights and offering the audience a comprehensive musical and educational experience. At the same time, listeners are given the rare opportunity to experience firsthand the sound, the construction, and the unique expressive capabilities of a fortepiano from Beethoven’s era, which will be in Thessaloniki for the 9th Thessaloniki Baroque Music Festival, titled “The Age of Revolutions.”

Admission is free – advance reservations by email are required (up to 2 seats) at [email protected] – first come, first served.