Association of Constantinopolitan Greeks in the UK | The Echo of Hagia Sophia: Reviving the Acoustic Heritage of Hagia Sophia in a Border Community of Constantinople

Monday 27 Apr 2026

Panagia Balinou: Reviving the Acoustic Heritage of Hagia Sophia in a Border Community of Constantinople

We invite you to a unique presentation dedicated to one of the most moving and symbolic cultural initiatives of recent years: the revival of the historic acoustics of Hagia Sophia. Thanks to the generous support of PeopleCert, the unique acoustic environment of Hagia Sophia has been recreated and permanently installed at the historic Church of Panagia Balinou in Constantinople.

Through pioneering scientific research conducted by Stanford University and its CCRMA (Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics), the precise acoustic fingerprint of Hagia Sophia was captured — its reverberation, resonance, and the extraordinary way sound travelled within the Great Church that hosted Byzantine worship for centuries.

Using advanced digital technology, this acoustic signature has now been transferred to the Church of Panagia Balinou. For the first time in centuries, visitors can experience how Byzantine chant once resonated within Hagia Sophia, recreating the profound soundscape that shaped the spiritual life of Constantinople.

This is not merely a technological achievement, but a deeply emotional journey into living memory — reconnecting us with the spiritual and cultural heritage of Constantinople.

Note: The event will be held in Greek with English translations of the speakers’ presentations appearing on the projector behind them.

Speakers: Symeon Soltaridis and Maria Dimou

Guests are warmly invited to stay for wine and soft drinks after the event.

Additional information

Symeon Soltaridis

Symeon Soltaridis is a journalist and author, born in Mega Revma (Arnavutköy), Constantinople, Symeon Soltaridis specializes in analytical journalism focusing on Greek-Turkish relations and minority issues. After returning to his hometown, he assumed the role of President of the Parish of Panagia Balinou, where he has played a key role in supporting this remarkable initiative.

Maria Dimou

Maria Dimou is an educator and author, Maria Dimou has taught in minority schools in Thrace and Constantinople. Her academic and literary work focuses on the history and contemporary life of the Rum (Greek Orthodox) minority communities. She currently serves as Secretary of the “Revival of the Acoustics of Hagia Sophia” project.