Beethoven: 250 years – 70 years since the death of Strauss
The Athens State Orchestra is delighted to be performing a new symphonic work by the dynamic Greek composer, Philippos Tsalahouris. The piece is a tribute to Lord Byron, an emblematic figure in 19th-century Philhellenism. Our orchestra's lead oboe, Yiannis Oikonomou, abandons his stand for a time to play the solo in Richard Strauss’ Concerto, a wonder of lyricism and maturity. The concert, conducted by the experienced Loukas Karytinos with his customary precision, will come to a joyous end with a classical jewel of the symphonic repertoire, Beethoven’s Fourth.
Heroes Ι
A hero is anyone who, visibly or not, places the collective over their own personal good, and who sacrificially does what must be done without sparing effort, time or even their own life. The "Heroes” cycle explores how music and heroism go hand in hand, with the latter often inspiring the former. In the cycle's first concert, under the baton of the up-and-coming conductor Ektoras Tartanis, the Athens State Orchestra focuses on important works by Greek composers which relate to the Greek struggle for nationhood. The programme is brought to an end by the epic violin concerto by our own great "musical hero”, Nikos Skalkottas, performed by the virtuosic Jonian Ilias Kadesha.
Beethoven: 250 years
Following on from his concert last year with the Athens State Orchestra, which delighted audiences and our musicians alike, the dynamic Belgian maestro Michel Tilkin returns to the podium to renew our relationship in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s heart-rending final Symphony. Beethoven's work deserves this season's tribute, given that 2020 will mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of a composer generally considered the greatest of all time. Against this backdrop, the distinguished pianist Charalambos Angelopoulos promises a fresh reading of the composer's extroverted and subtle second Concerto.
Musical promenades at the Museums Ι - Skalkottas and his impact on chamber music
A constant and dynamic presence in the Athens State Orchestra's chamber music concerts, the Athens String Quartet proposes an entirely Greek programme for this season centred on the great Nikos Skalkottas —an understandable choice, given that 2019 is Skalkottas Year. Alongside the composer's sensual Third Quartet and Dances, we will be hearing some of the more remarkable works from his repertoire —works which amply demonstrate that there is a good deal of fascinating quality music lies hidden in the Greek repertoire.
Opening concert - Breakthroughs and Pioneers I
The history of Man and Art doesn't always run in a straight line. And the speed at which it changes over time is anything but constant, as great men and women fueled with creativity, imagination and confidence in their ground-breaking visions have altered —and will continue to alter— the course of history, exposing us to unprecedented possibilities in the process. This year's thematic cycle, which is entitled "Breakthroughs and Pioneers”, explores works and composers who succeeded in opening up new horizons in music —and, to a considerable extent, in imposing them. As it is every year, the opening concert of our 2019–2020 season will be conducted by the Athens State Orchestra's artistic director, Stefanos Tsialis; this year, it will feature the celebrated pianist Giorgos-Emmanuel Lazaridis.
Christmas concert at the Municipality of Vari Voula Vouliagmeni - 2019
The Athens State Orchestra, under the button of Nikos Haliasas, will introduce us to the spirit of these Holy days, interpreting unique melodies from all over the world, calling us to celebrate Christmas through the beauty and magic of Music.
The event, together with its celebrating aspect, is also serving charity causes, as the symbolic price of 5€ for the ticket, will be granted for charity.
Journey to the New World
With a Journey to the New World, The Athens State Orchestra returns for the third year to the Stavros Niarchos Park’s Great Lawn.
This journey takes us through the characteristic melodies of North and South America – a music tradition that remains fascinating in its diversity.
The focus is on three iconic composers of the Americas – the Argentinean tango master Astor Piazzolla and two Americans, the classical and popular music legend George Gershwin and the trailblazer Leonard Bernstein.
Sharing the stage with The Athens State Orchestra, the accordion and bandoneon virtuoso Klaudiusz Baran and his bandoneon will be the perfect guide for this journey; the orchestra will be conducted by distinguished Greek conductor Georgios Vranos.
Visitors are advised to bring insect repellent and a mat, or a blanket for sitting on the ground.
