The Interdisciplinary Conference “Rena Kyriakou”, organised by the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), concluded with outstanding success. The event was held in Heraklion on 14, 15 and 16 November 2025, with the support of the Region of Crete, under the auspices of the Municipality of Heraklion, and in co-organisation with the Society of Cretan Historical Studies / Historical Museum of Crete, the “Lilian Voudouri” Music Library of the Friends of Music Association, the Cultural and Conference Centre of Heraklion (PSKI), and the Association of Women’s Clubs of Heraklion and its Prefecture.
The conference was hosted across three venues: the “Markos Karanastasis” Amphitheatre at HMU, the “Giannis Pertsélakis” Amphitheatre at the Historical Museum of Crete, and the Concert Hall of the PSKI.
Opening Session & Welcoming Remarks
A distinguished group of speakers and artists ensured an exceptionally high level of proceedings.
The opening ceremony, held at HMU’s “Markos Karanastasis” Amphitheatre, featured greetings from:
- a representative of His Eminence, the Archbishop of Crete, Eugenios
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the Mayor of Heraklion, Mr Alexis Kalokairinos
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the Regional Vice-Governor for Culture, Ms Georgia Milaki
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the Director of the Friends of Music Association, Mr Alexandros Charkiolakis
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the President of the Association of Women’s Clubs of Heraklion, Ms Mary Pachiadaki
Also present were the Deputy Mayor for Culture, Ms Rena Papadaki-Skalidi, the President of DEPANAL Mr Kostas Varverakis, the Vice-President of DEPANAL Ms Mara Panagiotaki, members of the HMU academic community, and numerous citizens.
HMU’s Rector, Professor Nikos Katsarakis, thanked all partners for their substantial support and highlighted the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with society and the younger generation, as well as the value of historical memory and cultural heritage.
A particularly moving address was delivered by Mr Alkiviadis Choidas, grandson of Rena Kyriakou, who travelled from Athens specifically to attend the conference and followed the proceedings with great interest.
Presentations & Thematic Axes
Across five sessions featuring scholarly presentations, piano recitals, performances of Kyriakou’s works, and interdisciplinary discussions, the conference illuminated many aspects of the artist’s multifaceted identity as both a concert pianist and a composer.
This was the first time that Rena Kyriakou was honoured with a dedicated conference in her hometown, Heraklion.
Speakers examined her relationship with the city—through her father, the renowned architect Dimitris Kyriakos, and through her own recitals, visits, and emotional attachment to her birthplace.
The conference documented her international solo career, her acclaimed discography, the outstanding reviews she received from the international press, her global reputation, and her connections with leading intellectual and artistic circles of her time.
Her pioneering compositional output—most of which remains unpublished and largely unknown—was explored both historically/musicologically and through live performances.
Special emphasis was placed on her personal archive, physically located between the Historical Museum of Crete and the Lilian Voudouri Music Library. Contemporary composers and performers provided experiential presentations of Kyriakou’s artistic journey.
A central theme across several talks was gender: the extent to which gender stereotypes and societal expectations may have influenced or hindered her compositional trajectory. This perspective was further elaborated in the contribution of the Association of Women’s Clubs of Heraklion.
Conference Conclusions
The first conference ever held in Heraklion dedicated to Rena Kyriakou concluded with high-quality contributions from distinguished presenters. Parallel to the scholarly sessions, piano recitals and concerts at HMU and the PSKI Concert Hall showcased previously unknown or unpublished works by Kyriakou, captivating audiences.
During the closing session, the conference conclusions were presented, reflecting the insights that emerged from the presentations and the rich dialogue with the public, which responded warmly across all three days.
HMU expresses its deep satisfaction and pride for the remarkable success of the conference, which brought to the forefront the legacy of one of Heraklion’s most significant 20th-century artists.
This initiative is expected to serve as a starting point for further research, visibility, and educational utilisation of her important compositional and pianistic oeuvre.
Statement by the Mayor of Heraklion
Mayor of Heraklion and President of the Society of Cretan Historical Studies / Historical Museum of Crete, Mr Alexis Kalokairinos, stated:
“It is remarkable that the foundation, the point of departure, and the culmination of this initiative rest with HMU. This says a great deal about a Higher Education Institution that is technological at its core, yet demonstrates the breadth of its cultural initiatives.
The conference, drawing upon the archival materials preserved at the Historical Museum and the Lilian Voudouri Music Library, offered a valuable opportunity to highlight both the human and musical identity of Rena Kyriakou, who in this way symbolically returns to Heraklion.
I hope this gathering marks the beginning of a broader effort to bring forward an important woman of the 20th century. The relevance of recognising such women is very timely.
Many steps are still needed regarding the position of women—especially in a period when misunderstandings or convenient justifications can obscure persistent inequalities. These must be confronted and challenged.
My thanks go to HMU, the Region of Crete, the Friends of Music Association, the Women’s Clubs Association, the Cultural and Conference Centre, and everyone who contributed to this event.”
Statement by the Regional Vice-Governor for Culture
Ms Georgia Milaki, Regional Vice-Governor for Culture, highlighted:
“The Region of Crete was honoured to support this conference dedicated to Rena Kyriakou, an artist who left a profound mark on Greek musical creation.
The presentations, archival material and musical events clearly demonstrated the depth of her work and her vital contribution to our cultural heritage.
The conference offered a rigorous and meaningful academic dialogue, illuminating important aspects of her life and creativity.
We warmly congratulate the organisers, presenters and everyone involved. The success of this event reaffirms our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote culture, strengthen research, and foreground the artistic voices of women who deserve wider recognition.”
