On the banks of the Vltava - 200 years since the birth of Smetana
The music scene enjoys a constant and invigorating stream of young artists who, having earned their laurels when still very young, can sweep audiences away with performances that combine vigour with a youthful freshness. Having both won prestigious prizes at some of the world's most demanding international competitions, the Canadian-American violinist Timothy Chooi and the South Korean cellist Jaemin Han undoubtedly fall into this category. Alongside them, the elder statesman of Greek serious music, Byron Fidetzis, frames their youth with his invaluable experience in a programme which includes three symphonic poems from the Romantic opus magnum of the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana in this, the bicentenary of his birth.
In memoriam
Soloist's participation to the concert has been provided with the kind grant of Alexandros Sofianos in memoriam of his father, Kostis Sofianos. Part of the revenue of the concert will be granted to the Kouloureion Philanthropic and Hospital "Παναγία Φανερωμένη" Foundation of Hydra.
2023 09 29 Classic Rock 7
For six consecutive years the Classic Rock concerts are sold out! Over 32,000 people have so far seen the rock... otherwise! Classic Rock 7 returns to Herodion with strong guests ambassadors of the original Rock sound, a strong orchestra and the greatest rock hits.
This year's guests are charismatic personalities !!!
DAVE EVANS, the first singer and co-founder of the legendary band AC/DC, 50 years since their formation, will perform songs such as TNT and Highway to hell as well as covers that AC/DC played on their first tour !!!
JUSTIN HAYWARD, the original unsurpassed voice of the MOODY BLUES, with unique tracks such as Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon. The Moody Blues' unique style of music has been a constant presence on the radio throughout the years and continues to light up concert arenas worldwide.
MAGGIE REILLY, the lead voice of MIKE OLDFIELD's band, who performed the famous tracks Moonlight shadow and To France. In addition to her favorite hits with Mike Oldfield, she will also perform the all-time famous track Everytime you touch, which launched her career in 1992, as well as other hits of her own.
And the experience takes off with the powerful symphonic sound of the Athens State Orchestra and the electric band with:
Damopoulos Kostantinos: Keyboards
Kalantzakos Thodoris: Electric Guitar
Kalantzakos Loukas: Drums
Giorgos Fakanas: Bass
to France, Queen Medley…..
Famous classic rock hits by AC/DC, Moody Blues, Mike Oldfield, Queen and other bands
2023 10 14 Vincenzo Bellini's I Puritani, opera in three acts
In 1949, under the baton of Tullio Serafin, Maria Callas triumphs in Venice, in the opera “I Puritani” by Vincenzo Bellini. Her ingenious creation of the highly demanding role of Elvira, both dramatic and refined, marks her absolute reign in the bel canto style of singing. Set against the context of the English Civil War in the 17th century, the plot tells a story of romance and despair between two members of opposing factions
The opera is presented in concert version by a brilliant quartet in the four main roles, an indispensable condition for the success of the performance· among them, the internationally acclaimed American tenor John Osborn and the sought-after on the international scene Greek soprano Christina Poulitsi.
2023 09 17 Tribute to Maria Callas - opera Gala with Myrtò Papathanasiu
Myrtò Papathanasiu, the internationally distinguished soprano returns to her birthplace to interprete a tribute to the great Greek soprano Maria Callas the most beloved soprano of our era, within the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of her birth. Lukas Karytinos, the Athens State Orchestra's Artistic Director, conducts the concert.
2023 09 24 Maria Callas - Opera at Megaron
Russian soprano Elena Stikhina and Greek baritone Dimitris Platanias are famous in the greatest opera theatres of the world, with astonishing interpretations even when it comes to the most demanding opera roles. Under the batton of the eminent conductor Lukas Karytinos, and accompanied by the Athens State Orchestra, they sing a programme composed by favorite arias of the Italian romantic opera, emphasizing on the immortal Giuseppe Verdi and they offer their experience and their endless vocal and musical talent, promising unforgettable interpretations.
2023 06 29 Athens Festival
Giuseppe Verdi’s awe-inspiring Requiem is one of the most popular symphonic/choral works of all time. In addition to its emotionally moving musical power, what also sets it apart is its anthropocentric dimension. Verdi neither attempted to bolster faith nor stir up fear about the Judgement Day or foster hope for eternal rest. Confronted with the tragic fact of death, he wanted his music to celebrate Humans, their awe in the face of the unknown, their stance towards God, oscillating between faith and doubt. Deeply emotional, the music focuses on and expresses the mystery of the fleeting human existence, making Requiem one of the most invaluable works of the world music canon.
This year, the Athens State Orchestra celebrates the 80 years since its founding with this legendary work, under the baton of its chief conductor Lukas Karytinos. Audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy bass Alexandros Stavrakakis, the only Greek opera singer to have won First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition, internationally acknowledged Greek soprano Myrtò Papathanasiu, imposing Tunisian mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb and famous Grammy-nominated English-American tenor Barry Banks.
15-07-2023 Athens Festival
Legendary conductor Christoph Eschenbach, one of the most established figures in classical music worldwide, has repeatedly offered iconic performances alongside the world’s leading orchestras. In the last few years, he has been regularly collaborating with the Athens State Orchestra.
Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who will perform Grieg’s work, is indisputably a veritable piano superstar, captivating a wide range of music lovers with his passion and electrifying virtuosity.
Eschenbach’s contemplative maturity will cross paths with Lang Lang’s youthful fire, offering a historically important performance for the Greek music scene that will surely be etched in memory, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Athens State Orchestra.
2024 01 12 Colours of Iberia
The former artistic director of the Athens State Orchestra, Stefanos Tsialis, has proven his love for Spanish music many times in the past. Returning to the orchestra he led for six years, he also returns to the music of the leading Spanish composer of the 20th century, Manuel de Falla, with all its brio, pride, vitality, harmonic sensuality and dance energy. The guest soloist for the concert is the rising star of the viola, the American Marc Sabbah, the viola soloist of the Belgian National Orchestra and a virtuoso at the height of his powers, capable of rendering every virtue of his instrument, both obvious and less so, plain to hear.
2024 01 05 Grand Vienna
The Athens State Orchestra's sensational collaborations last season with the legendary Russian pianist, Mikhail Pletnev, and the great French conductor, Philippe Auguin, were truly unforgettable. Needless to say, our musicians and audiences alike are overjoyed and honoured that both will be returning to Athens this season – especially since they will be performing classical masterpieces created in Vienna by three of the greatest composers of all time! The concert programme begins with the subtlety and drama of the mature Mozart, then move on to Haydn's joyful and always surprising writing, before proceeding down paths of rare breadth, grandeur and lyricism in Schubert's "Great" Symphony!
2023 12 30 New Year's Eve in Paris
The appointment of the Athens State Orchestra with the audience of the Megaron on New Year’s Eve is an established musical institution, inextricably linked to the festive Christmas season and the joyful welcoming of the New Year. This year, the subject of the long-awaited New Year’s gala is the French opera. Although less famous and widespread compared to the Italian opera, French opera is today widely recognised, with many enchanting arias and brilliant orchestral excerpts being particularly popular and loved by the general public. Many of them, among the most recognizable and entertaining, will be heard at tonight’s gala, performed by four eminent lyrical singers under the guidance of seasoned conductor Myron Michaelides.