ΑTHENS – A powerful message emerges from the site of ancient Olympia, Greece.

World-renowned opera singer Joyce DiDonato presents “Eden in Olympia,” from the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, an original project aiming to raise awareness about environmental stewardship. This iconic project, includes the emblematic performance of the Olympic Anthem sung for the first time in three languages. Filmed in April, the project has its world premiere through the leading European culture channel ARTE on July 21st at 5:35 pm, in Greece through national channel ERT2 on July 25th at 10:00 pm and will be also available for viewing on Carnegie Hall+ starting on July 26th.

As sustainability and inclusion take the lead in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, “Eden in Olympia” has created a bond of empathy and action. Joyce DiDonato’s presence in the birthplace of the Olympic Games embodies the timeless values of friendship, excellence, and respect. In this historic location, DiDonato and her team joined forces with the World Human Forum to honor the spirit of Olympism through a call to action for all life on our planet.

The orchestra Il Pomo d’Oro, with musicians from around the world, accompanied DiDonato, while with a symbolic approach that embodies the spirit of unity and cooperation at the heart of Olympic values, Joyce DiDonato, along with the participation of three children’s choirs: the Children’s Choir of the Greek National Opera, the Choeurs ECLATS choir from France, and the intercultural youth choir El Sistema Greece, jointly performed the Olympic Anthem, sung trilingual for the first time: Greek, French, and English. In challenging times, this is a global call to action that unites Greece, France, and the world.

“We are excited and proud to welcome Joyce DiDonato and the three children’s choirs to Ancient Olympia to perform the Olympic Anthem. This unique collaboration is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together across borders.” The president of the World Human Forum, Alexandra Mitsotaki, mentions.

“Eden,” which has moved and activated audiences in the world’s greatest concert halls, is a transcendent experience speaking to the urgent need to protect nature. It combines the timeless beauty of baroque and classical music with a targeted call to action to preserve our planet’s precious ecosystems.

The production of this significant event, that was held a few days before the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony in Ancient Olympia, embodies the timeless values of friendship, excellence, and respect. At this historic site, DiDonato and her team joined forces with the World Human Forum to honor the spirit of Olympism, while emphasizing the importance of preserving life on our planet for future generations.

“While Eden has been traveling the world in concert for the past 3 years, the idea that it could amplify the Olympic Values in such a concrete way at such an urgent moment in the world’s history, fills me with great joy. As you hear the deep sincerity in their voices and watch the pure commitment on the faces of these children – children from all walks of life and from across many borders – know that there is hope. But know also, that this hope requires our action and connection.” says Joyce DiDonato.

The film “Eden in Olympia” is an initiative of the World Human Forum, and was filmed a few days before the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony in Ancient Olympia. It is co-produced by the World Human Forum, Megaron the Athens Concert Hall, UNITEL, and ZDF, in association with ARTE and ERT. The direction is signed by the acclaimed Olivier Simonnet, this unique setting and presentation of the Olympic Anthem conveys the urgent message of hope and responsibility embedded in the Ancient grounds of Olympia and brought to life through the voices of Joyce and these children.

The film is also available online on arte.tv from July 20, until October 18 2024