Jean Michel Jarre was first invited to perform in Greece last year, with further background information listed here.

The concert itself is in aid of Elpida (in English 'hope') charity who helps children with cancert. Money from the concert will goes toward building a children's hospital in Athens, with Jarre performing free of charge, and in turn the Greek government have also given use of the Odeon of Herodus Atticus free as well.



As with all Jean Michel Jarre outdoor concerts, it is inspired by the location, with the show featuring Greek mythology. The set has been designed by supermo Mark Fisher, who has worked on Jarre's biggest performances before, his latest being The Twelve Dreams of the Sun.

The show has been estimated to have cost 410 Million Dr and Elpida have calculated they will receive 350 Million Dr from the concert. However 5% of this sum will go towards the construction of a new Acropolis museum.

Rehearsals for the concerts started in Paris on Monday 4th June and the team flew out to Athens on Thursday 14th June.

In all three concerts will be performed during the week. First of all on Monday 18th June will be a special mini-concert (before referred to as a dress reharsal) with most of the audience being made up of poor students and families with children suffering from cancer. A number of lucky fans will also attend the show, more here. The other two shows being performed on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th June.