Dimitris Papaioannou, renowned choreographer, visual artist and performer created a spectacular Opening Ceremony for the Baku 2015 1st European Games, taking place from June 12 to 28 in Azerbaijan. It was a celebration of traditional Azerbaijani culture that reflected the host city’s role in modern Europe. A cast of over 2,000 dazzled the audience with their performance, thanks to the ground-breaking director who created a magical show. 

Papaioannou also conceived and directed the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. In 2005, he received the Golden Cross of the Order of Honour that recognises outstanding artistic achievement, from the President of Greece for his work at Athens 2004.

The world will be watching as another spectacular show, the Closing Ceremony, will be staged on June 28.

See also: An interview with Dimitris Papaioannou [video, 19.03.2015]