Monday 21 February 2022 21:00
As part of the five-day celebrations (Feb. 19–23, 2022) for its five years of operation, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is presenting an anniversary Jazz Chronicles session at the Lighthouse, featuring a very special guest and his remarkable band.
In February 2017, at the ceremony for the delivery of the SNFCC to the Greek State by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, George Kontrafouris was one of the prominent artists to musically accompany on his piano that milestone event in the history of the Cultural Center. Since then, he has appeared repeatedly at SNFCC events, partnering up with some of the greatest creators of the Greek jazz scene, as well as presenting its youngest and most promising representatives.
Therefore, George Kontrafouris could not be absent from the 5-year anniversary of the SNFCC. On Monday, Feb. 21, at 21:00, the world-renowned pianist and organist takes the stage at the Lighthouse alongside two former members of the Baby Trio, his iconic band, for a special concert. Released and unreleased compositions by Kontrafouris, as well as by guitarist Konstantinos Stouraitis, are interspersed with unexpected covers and remakes by these masters of jazz improvisation. The atmosphere on stage is one of reunion and homecoming, both thanks to the comeback of Kontrafouris at the SNFCC and to his reunification with former Baby Trio members.
One of the leading and most prolific figures in the Greek jazz scene, George Kontrafouris plays the hammond organ in his very own signature way. After he was established as one of Europe’s idiosyncratic pianists, he re-introduced himself as an organist with a visible presence on the international music scene and discography. A jazz piano and organ instructor at the Ionian University, he has taught at the Athenaeum Conservatoire in Athens and the Sibelius Academy in Finland, and has given numerous seminars at various schools in Greece, Ireland, Indonesia and Estonia.
Baby Trio was created by George Kontrafouris in 2009, aiming to express the naivete, teenage enthusiasm and, more broadly, anything young musicians find most exciting when they start performing in a band with their friends. The band is a musical “school” of sorts, seeing as the participants (guitarist and drummer) enter the ensemble at a very young age. When a young member reaches the age of 25, his or her “tenure” is over and they step down to give their place to a new member. Occasionally, former members rejoin the band for a limited number of live shows. Currently, Baby Trio is at its 9th edition and has thus far released two LPs and one EP, with a third album featuring recordings from various different periods expected to be released in 2023.
Kontrafouris Βaby Trio George Kontrafouris: Hammond Organ Konstantinos Stouraitis: GuitarYiannis Papadoulis: Drums
Monday 21/02 | 21:00 LIGHTHOUSE
Advance Ticket Sales Points: • online on Ticket Services website here • by phone: 210 7234567 (Ticket Services)
Ticket Prices: General entrance € 10, reduced € 5
Concession tickets of 5€ are available to students, people aged 65+, children and young people aged up to 18 years old, the unemployed, companions of Persons with Disabilities, multi-child families and residents of the Municipality of Kallithea.
On the day of the event, concession ticket holders will be asked to show their ID, as well as supporting documentation (student card, unemployment card, family status certificate for multi-child parents, utility bill for residents of Kallithea)
Free tickets are available to Persons with Disabilities, by contacting the call center at 210 7234567 and by showing their ID and certification of disability on the day of the event.
Online tickets pre-sales (Members)Online tickets pre-sales (Public)
Pre-sale for Members starts on Wednesday 09/02 at 12.00 Pre-sale for the public starts on Thursday 10/02 at 12.00
Important information:
According to the latest measures to protect public health from the risk of spreading COVID-19, a valid vaccination certificate or a valid disease certificate, is required for the public to enter the event venue, as the venue operates as a pure venue. The above applies to adults. Μinors from 4 to 17 years old may, alternatively, submit a statement of negative self test (24 hours), a certificate of PCR (72 hours) or rapid (48 hours) diagnostic test, in accordance with the recent government measures.
A parallel identity check will be carried out on the persons who show the required certificates, as provided by law.
Participants must wear a mask and keep their distance both during attendance and during events and in accordance with the instructions of NPHO.
Due to public health measures, there may be changes regarding either the staging of the event, or the maximum number of participants.
This event comes under a grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Alongside the majority of its events, which are free thanks to a series of SNF grants, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center also organizes a number of events with affordable tickets, thus enriching its income sources and securing its long-term financial integrity.
