Tag: classical music

Hellenic Music Ensemble to Launch Global Tour Celebrating 100th Birthdays of Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis

In a global tribute to Greece’s musical giants, the Hellenic Music Ensemble will launch its 2026 world tour honoring the 100th birthdays of Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis. Led by conductor Panos Liaropoulos and featuring vocalists Natassa Bofiliou and Yiannis Haroulis, the 21-member orchestra will perform in 21 cities across nine countries, starting January 11 at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with stops at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

Maria Callas Statue Unveiled at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

A bronze statue of legendary soprano Maria Callas, created by Greek sculptor Nikos Floros, was unveiled at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, honoring her timeless legacy and global cultural impact. The initiative, led by the Greek and Italian Delegations to UNESCO, celebrates Callas as a universal symbol of artistic excellence and Hellenic heritage.

Win Tickets to See André Rieu at the OAKA Arena!

Experience the magic of André Rieu, the “King of Waltz,” live in Athens at the OAKA Arena on March 14th and 15th, 2025! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of timeless classics, romantic waltzes, and lively performances by the renowned Johann Strauss Orchestra. Enter our contest for a chance to win tickets!

The Greek National Opera will stage La Forza del Destino for the first time in 27 years, featuring a new production directed by Rodula Gaitanou. Set in the early 20th century and incorporating elements from both World Wars, the opera delves into themes of revenge, psychological trauma, and redemption. "It’s a deep dive into psychological trauma, obsession, and revenge," says Gaitanou, highlighting the opera’s exploration of the quest for inner peace amidst external chaos. Paolo Carignani will conduct a stellar cast, including Cellia Costea, Dimitri Platanias, and Marcelo Puente. The production runs from January 26 to February 18, 2025.

Cellia Costea, Dimitri Platanias, and Marcelo Puente Lead 'La Forza del Destino' at Greek National Opera

The Greek National Opera will stage La Forza del Destino for the first time in 27 years, featuring a new production directed by Rodula Gaitanou. Set in the early 20th century and incorporating elements from both World Wars, the opera delves into themes of revenge, psychological trauma, and redemption. “It’s a deep dive into psychological trauma, obsession, and revenge,” says Gaitanou, highlighting the opera’s exploration of the quest for inner peace amidst external chaos. Paolo Carignani will conduct a stellar cast, including Cellia Costea, Dimitri Platanias, and Marcelo Puente. The production runs from January 26 to February 18, 2025.

Maria Callas

What Happened to Maria Callas's Voice? Opera, Health, & Heartache

The upcoming biopic *Maria*, starring Angelina Jolie, delves into the life and career of opera legend Maria Callas, exploring the factors that may have contributed to the decline of her extraordinary yet polarizing voice. From demanding performances and extreme dieting to heartbreak and potential illness, the film unravels the mysteries surrounding this iconic singer’s tragically shortened career.

Leon Vitogiannis Selected for Opera Australia's Prestigious Young Artist Program

Greek Australian baritone Leon Vitogiannis has been selected as one of six artists for Opera Australia’s prestigious Young Artist Program for the 2025-26 period. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in Vitogiannis’s artistic journey, as he joins a program renowned for nurturing and developing emerging opera talent.

Greek Violinist Leonidas Kavakos Nominated for Grammy Award

Greek Violinist Leonidas Kavakos Nominated for Grammy Award

Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos has earned a Grammy nomination for Best Chamber/Small Ensemble Performance with his album Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 4 & Op. 97 “Archduke”, recorded alongside Yo-Yo Ma and Emmanuel Ax. The album, released in March 2024, has received widespread acclaim, and Kavakos’s nomination adds to his storied career in classical music.

Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra Triumphs in Historic Carnegie Hall Debut

The Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) made a stunning Carnegie Hall debut on November 3rd, captivating the audience with a vibrant performance under the baton of Founder and Conductor Dionysis Grammenos. The program featured a diverse repertoire, including works by Anna Clyne, Nikos Skalkottas, and Leonard Bernstein, culminating in a moving encore of Mikis Theodorakis’ “Omorfi Poli.” Hosted by The Hellenic Initiative, the historic concert marked a significant achievement for the GYSO and a testament to the power of music and cultural exchange.

Carnegie Hall

Dionysis Grammenos and the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra photos by Olympia Krasagaki

Tags: Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, Dionysis Grammenos, Nikos Skalkottas, Anna Clyne, Leonard Bernstein, classical music, American debut, symphonic performance, Hellenic Initiative

Excerpt: The Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra, led by Dionysis Grammenos, will make its American debut at Carnegie Hall on November 3, 2024. The concert will feature works by Nikos Skalkottas, Anna Clyne, and Leonard Bernstein, marking a significant milestone for the orchestra and celebrating Greek musical heritage on a prestigious stage.

Beloved Performers José Carreras and Plácido Domingo to Take the Stage in Athens

Beloved operatic tenors José Carreras and Plácido Domingo reunite in Athens for a history-making concert on July 10th, 2024, at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium. Audiences can expect a program filled with treasured arias and duets from renowned operas, alongside Broadway and Spanish/Neapolitan classics. This unforgettable evening marks a return to Greece for Carreras and features the unparalleled talent of the 81-year-old Domingo.

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