The Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) will make its American debut at New York City’s Carnegie Hall on Sunday, November 3. Under the direction of its Founder and Artistic Director, Dionysis Grammenos, this one-night-only event promises to be an extraordinary showcase of the talents of 95 young musicians, ages 18 to 26, from across Greece and Europe.
The concert program will feature a diverse blend of contemporary symphonic works and Greek musical heritage. Audiences can look forward to rewind by Grammy-nominated British composer Anna Clyne, Leonard Bernstein’s iconic Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and a special performance of Nikos Skalkottas’ Greek Dances, which premiered at Carnegie Hall exactly 70 years ago under the baton of the legendary Greek conductor Dimitri Mitropoulos with the New York Philharmonic.
Grammenos highlights the symbolic timing of the event, which coincides with the New York Marathon and is just days before the U.S. Election Day. “It feels auspicious,” he notes, “as Greece is the birthplace of both marathons and democracy.” The concert will not only celebrate Greek music but also mark an important milestone in the orchestra’s journey.
The Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra, founded by Grammenos in 2017, brings together young musicians through a rigorous audition process. The ensemble is supported by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, along with a host of other major donors, and has quickly gained international recognition for its dynamic performances.
Dionysis Grammenos, an internationally renowned conductor and clarinetist, has received acclaim for his innate musicianship and the emotional depth of his performances. He has conducted orchestras around the world, and this Carnegie Hall debut marks a significant moment in his career, as well as in the orchestra’s development.
Hosted by The Hellenic Initiative, a nonprofit organization that connects Greeks from the diaspora with their homeland, the event reflects the orchestra’s mission to represent Greek culture on a global stage.
With a program that blends modern European works with a symphonic take on traditional Greek music, the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra’s performance is sure to be an exciting and memorable evening for music lovers.
Tickets and more information are available at CarnegieHall.org or by calling Carnegie Hall’s box office.
