The acclaimed Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO), under the direction of founder and artistic director Dionysis Grammenos, is set to make its American debut at Carnegie Hall on November 3, 2024. The concert will feature a diverse program, including contemporary European and American symphonic works and a unique interpretation of traditional Greek dance music through a symphonic lens.
The one-night-only performance will highlight Greek composer Nikos Skalkottas’ “Greek Dances,” Anna Clyne’s “Rewind,” and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.
Dionysis Grammenos expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to bring the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra to Carnegie Hall this fall. Nearly 70 years ago, Greek conductor Dimitri Mitropoulos introduced Skalkottas’ ‘Greek Dances’ with the New York Philharmonic at this venue. Our performance celebrates Greek musical heritage on this legendary stage.”
Since 2020, GYSO has been in residence at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall and is a member of the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras. Founded in 2017 by Grammenos, the orchestra aims to identify, train, and promote young Greek symphonic and operatic talent while offering them performance and international collaboration opportunities.
The GYSO comprises 300 musicians, ages 18-26, from nearly 50 cities across Greece and Europe. Over 1,500 young people have participated in GYSO’s educational programs. The orchestra has also performed at the Young Euro Classic festival in Berlin.
Supported by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, GYSO’s Carnegie Hall debut is presented by The Hellenic Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Greece through crisis relief, entrepreneurship, and economic development programs.
In 2021, GYSO performed Skalkottas’ “Greek Dances” and Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony during a summer tour in Delphi, Corfu, and Berlin, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. This upcoming Carnegie Hall performance promises to be a memorable milestone for the rapidly growing orchestra. Tickets are now available.
