The ancient Greek lyre—one of antiquity’s most iconic musical instruments—has recently taken center stage across major cultural and educational platforms in the United Kingdom.
Musicians Theodoros Koumartzis and Lina Palera traveled to the UK to host educational workshops, perform live concerts, and appear on national radio. Their tour successfully introduced British audiences to the rich sound and history of an instrument that, for centuries, was known almost exclusively through archaeological artifacts and ancient iconography.
A historic debut of the ancient Greek lyre at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Their visit was featured as a highlight of the Guildhall Harp Festival, organized by harp professor Imogen Barford at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
This marked the first official presentation of the ancient Greek lyre in the institution’s history. Through a specialized concert and an immersive masterclass workshop, the duo collaborated with advanced Guildhall harp students, bridging ancient traditions with modern string techniques.
The duo wrapped up their UK tour with a feature interview and live performance on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune. During the broadcast, they delved into the lyre’s history, its intricate construction, and its contemporary musical capabilities, performing original compositions from their own discography.
This milestone appearance at two of the UK’s most influential musical institutions underscores a growing global fascination with ancient Greek music—moving it beyond the realm of textbook history and onto the stage as a living, breathing artistic practice.
Meet the musicians and creators
Lina Palera is the Director of Studies at the Lyre Academy, the world’s first international educational institution dedicated solely to teaching the ancient Greek lyre.
Theodoros Koumartzis collaborates with Palera on international concerts, educational programs, and artistic initiatives to bring the instrument to modern, global audiences.
The craftsmanship behind the revival
The foundation of this global movement rests on over twenty years of research by the Koumartzis family, based out of Evropos, Kilkis, and their renowned workshop, LUTHIEROS Musical Instruments.
Led by master luthier Anastasios Koumartzis alongside his sons—Iordanis, Nikolaos, and Theodore—the team has spent over two decades meticulously studying ancient texts, archaeological finds, and pottery illustrations. Their scientifically documented approach has sparked a revival in ancient Greek instrument-making. Today, LUTHIEROS instruments are sought after by musicians, research centers, universities, museums, and film productions in dozens of countries worldwide.
Related: Ancient Greek Lyres Make a Comeback in Thessaloniki
