The Anglo-Hellenic League, in partnership with the British Council and the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, will bring a major event to the city on June 4th 2026.  Professor Armand D’Angour of the University of Oxford (UK) will deliver a lecture entitled, “Socrates in Love: the Revelation of Aspasia”, at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, starting at 7pm. 

 Professor D’Angour is Professor of Classics at Oxford, who has written extensively and is a regular broadcaster. In 2019 Professor D'Angour published Socrates in Love: The Making of a Philosopher.  This revisionist biography draws on a variety of sources to explore the passions and motivations of young Socrates, presenting evidence to show how love transformed him into the philosopher he was to become. What emerges is the figure of Socrates as never previously portrayed: a heroic warrior, an athletic wrestler, dancer, and lover. Socrates in Love sheds new light on the philosopher's formative journey, and uncovers the identity of the woman whom Socrates claimed inspired him to develop the method and ideas that have captivated thinkers for 2,500 years: Aspasia of Miletus.  

The revelation, based on neglected but compelling evidence, that Aspasia was not a prostitute or courtesan (as she was branded by comic poets) but a thinker and influencer of greater weight than most have recognised, should be widely known and celebrated. The book has been described as ‘an exhilarating piece of scholarship’ (Helena Kennedy) and ’thrilling and moving” (Tom Holland).  

Before returning to academia Professor D’Angour was a professional cellist for several years, and he continues to perform. Combining his interests in Classics, music, poetry, psychology, and innovation, his current research is for a book about Homer the bard, informed by new thoughts about how Homer sang his epic songs to music, and how some of that music is recoverable from the texts.

 This is the League’s first major event in Thessaloniki for many years.  The lecture will be chaired by Emeritus Professor, Kevin Featherstone, of LSE and Chair of the League.  Professor Featherstone commented that he hopes the event will encourage people in Thessaloniki to join the Anglo-Hellenic League and help develop its activities in the city.

 Professor D’Angour’s lecture will be in English; it is free and open to the public, but those attending must register first.

 Registrations will open on May 1st.

Professor Armand d’Angour