Elena Xidia: The Flying Pianist taking music to new heights

By Despina Karpathiou

Playing the piano allows a person to express emotions that words often cannot, creating a deep emotional connection. This can be experienced in a concert setting or even in solitude while listening to music. For Elena Xidia, however, this connection takes place in some of the most beautiful locations on earth, with her piano as the centrepiece.

Known by many as “The Flying Pianist,” Elena’s most recent performance was atop the Agios Ioannis chapel, a famous site from Mamma Mia!, where her melodies harmonised with the stunning coastal views.

The Greek Herald spoke to Elena about her creative approach to connecting Greece’s beauty and heritage with her love for music.

Elena was born and raised in Greece, surrounded by the warmth of her family and the stunning beauty of nature. Her fondest memories include exploring the outdoors and putting on small performances for her family.

“Music was always my constant companion, whether I was playing the piano or softly humming melodies during our summer nights by the sea,” she recalls. This is a tradition she now shares with her two young daughters.

Elena graduated as an economist from Panteion University but left that career path to follow her true passion: music.

“Today, I am a pianist, event organiser, and producer. Together with my collaborator, Paschalis Mantis, we specialise in creating innovative musical experiences by combining piano performances with cutting-edge technology, such as holographic shows,” Elena says.

She went on to say that her work “aims to highlight the beauty and culture of Greece, with a mission to promote them on an international scale”

“We are also deeply committed to sustainability, and through music and art, we strive to raise awareness about environmental issues. Currently, we are working on an international environmental project that will be announced soon,” Elena added.

The piano captivated Elena from a young age due to its versatility and emotional power. She explains that while she has always been drawn to music, the piano felt like the perfect instrument for her to express herself fully.

“I didn’t experiment much with other instruments; the piano was where I felt truly at home. It’s the medium through which I can share my story,” she says.

Elena loves collaborating with her partner to create works that blend different art forms. One of their latest projects is a live holographic Nativity scene of the Birth of Christ, which they set up this Christmas in Almyros.

“It’s a unique combination of music, technology, and tradition. I find it incredibly rewarding to challenge myself to think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to classic ideas,” she elaborates.

Elena has many goals and dreams. In five years, she hopes to take her piano performances to every corner of the world and be recognised for groundbreaking ideas in the arts.

“One of my main goals is to inspire people by connecting music, technology, and culture in innovative ways,” she says.

In fact, they’ve even applied to Elon Musk to assist them in staging the first-ever piano concert in space.

When asked about the most iconic place she has performed, Elena didn’t hesitate to name Tempi, Greece.

“One of the most unforgettable places I’ve performed is at Tempi, Greece. I don’t think anyone else in the world has played the piano while suspended 50 meters above a river! The unparalleled natural beauty of the landscape added a magical dimension to this experience, making it feel like something out of a fairy tale,” she reminisces.

Elena explains that her mission is to touch people’s hearts and inspire them through unique experiences.

“I want to show that music is a universal language capable of connecting us all, no matter our background,” she says.