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.
Tag: classical music
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Iconic Greek musician, composer, conductor and pianist Mimis Plessas passed away this morning, just a week before celebrating his 100th birthday, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work and legacy.
Renowned Greek-Australian violinist Spiros Rantos has passed away at the age of 78. Rantos, a…
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.
The cultural pulse of Athens will quicken this week with four prominent musical events marking…
NEW YORK—The Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO), known for its global acclaim, is set to…
Summer nights under the stars at Athens’ legendary Herodeion! 
Experience opera, classical music, Greek legends, and global icons like Sting and ANOHNI
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.
Nana Mouskouri, one of the world’s most successful singers, was born on the 13th of October 1934 in the Cretan city of Chania.
Nana Mouskouri, one of the world’s most successful singers, was born on the 13th of…
Nana Mouskouri, one of the world’s most successful singers, was born on the 13th of…
The full Greek National anthem, Hymn to Liberty, 158 stanzas long, was performed live for the first time in Australian history, in a symphonic arrangement lead by the acclaimed conductor George Ellis.
Nana Mouskouri, one of the world’s most successful singers, was born on the 13th of…