The acoustically marvelous new Megaron Mousikis Concert Hall, 89 Leoforos Vas. Sofias (tel. 210/729-0391 or 210/728-2333), hosts a wide range of classical music programs that include quartets, operas in concert, symphonies, and recitals. On performance nights, the box office is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 2pm, and Sunday from 6 to 10:30pm. Tickets are also sold Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm in the Megaron's convenient downtown kiosk in the Spiromillios Arcade, 4 Stadiou. Ticket prices run from 5€ ($6.50) to as much as 100€ ($130), depending on the performance. The Megaron has a limited summer season but is in full swing the rest of the year.
The Greek National Opera performs at Olympia Theater, 59 Akadimias at Mavromihali (tel. 210/361-2461). The summer months are usually off season.
Pallas Theater, 1 Voukourestiou (tel. 210/322-8275), hosts many jazz and rock concerts, as well as some classical performances. Prices vary from performance to performance, but you can get a cheap ticket from about 10€ ($13).
The Hellenic American Union, 22 Massalias between Kolonaki and Omonia squares (tel. 210/362-9886), often hosts performances of English-language theater and American-style music (tickets 10€/$13 and up). If you arrive early, check out the art shows or photo exhibitions in the adjacent gallery.
The Athens Center, 48 Archimidous (tel. 210/701-8603), often stages free performances of ancient Greek and contemporary international plays in June and July.
Since 1953, Dora Stratou Folk Dance Theater has been giving performances of traditional Greek folk dances on Filopappos Hill. At present, performances take place May through September, Tuesday through Sunday at 9:30pm, with additional performances at 8:15pm on Wednesday and Sunday. There are no performances on Monday. You can buy tickets at the box office, 8 Scholio, Plaka, from 8am to 2pm (tel. 210/924-4395 or 210/921-4650 after 5:30pm; www.grdance.org). Prices range from 12€ to 25€ ($16-$33). Tickets are also available at the theater before the performances. The program changes every 2 or 3 weeks.
Seen from Pnyx hill, sound-and-light shows illuminate (sorry) Athens's history by telling the story of the Acropolis. As lights pick out monuments on the Acropolis and the music swells, the narrator tells of the Persian attack, the Periclean days of glory, the invidious Turkish occupation -- you get the idea. Shows are held April through October. The 45-minute performances in English are given at 9pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets (10€/$13) can be purchased at the Hellenic Festival Office, 39 Panepistimiou (tel. 210/928-2900), or at the entrance to the sound-and-light show (tel. 210/922-6210). You'll hear the narrative best if you don't sit too close to the very loud public-address system.
