Nomination
echorroes.com
instagram.com/echorroes
nationalopera.gr/en/learning-participation/gno-educational-social-activities/item/6848-pocket-opera-ballet
Echorroes: Reflections on Tchaikovsky is a human-centered approach to Artificial Intelligence through interactive play with classical music, for children ages 1-3. Created by the interdisciplinary team Echorroes and commissioned by the Greek National Opera, the project establishes a playful dialogue between AI and Tchaikovsky, enabling children to co-create and transform his compositions.
Photo: Giannis Antonoglou
Photo: Giannis Antonoglou
Photo: Nassia Stouraiti
Photo: Giannis Antonoglou
At its core, a real-time algorithm processes each movement and sound, generating instant musical responses. Children play with custom cylindrical instruments fitted with wireless microphones and motion sensors, while a costume and set woven with tactile materials—and complemented by dynamic lighting—expand the stage into an immersive soundscape. Structured around selected Tchaikovsky themes, children reconstruct music through playful exploration without verbal instruction. The facilitator minimally intervenes, providing a safe environment for free expression through interactive sound play.
Reflections on Tchaikovsky is part of Echorroes’ greater vision to eradicate music illiteracy by giving everyone tools to appreciate and create music through playful, experiential learning.
Video: Echorroes – Teaser / Echorroes
Credits
Composer, music technologist, creative director: Phivos-Angelos Kollias
Applied theater facilitator & educator: Christina Stouraiti
Set & costume designer: Niki Psyhogiou
Lighting designer: Anna Sbokou
Strategic advisor: Anastasia Patsouri
With support from:
Greek National Opera – Commissioned and hosted the project
Neukölln Cultural District, Berlin – Initial funding for prototype development
Nobiwerk Schools, Berlin – Collaborated on early prototype testing and development
Orange Grove Incubator – Providing business development support and mentorship
NBG Seeds Innovation Competition – Supporting project growth
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center – Venue for the Greek National Opera performances
Biography
Echorroes (GR) is an artistic-research collective and startup operating between Athens and Berlin. Founded by composer-technologist Dr Phivos-Angelos Kollias and applied theater facilitator Christina Stouraiti, with the team of costume designer Niki Psychogiou, lighting artist Anna Sbokou, and strategist Anastasia Patsouri. Echorroes combines interactive music and AI to create non-verbal, participatory music experiences, empowering audiences to learn music in a playful, fun, effortless way, offering the excitement of creation and co-participation from the first moments.