Athens: In the Acropolis' Shadow

The final notes of The Cleveland Orchestra’s 2026 European tour rang out at Megaron in Athens, Greece, bringing an extraordinary journey to a close. The performance marked the Orchestra’s first time performing at the venue and its second-ever concert in Greece, following the previous evening’s performance in Thessaloniki.

Over 24 days, the Orchestra performed 15 concerts at 13 venues in 12 cities across nine countries. Each stop offered a new opportunity to share music, connect with audiences, and experience the rich cultures that make a European tour so rewarding.

Behind the performances was a remarkable logistical journey of its own: four train rides, 10 flights, and 37 bus rides carried musicians and staff from one destination to the next. That’s not even counting all the miles logged just to transport instruments and equipment.

A journey measured in miles, music and memories, and one that ended with the storied Acropolis standing watch nearby.