The Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) made its much-anticipated American debut to a full audience at Carnegie Hall on Sunday, November 3, 2024. From the first note to the final encore, the musicians captivated hearts with their passion, talent, and unwavering enthusiasm. The orchestra, under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Dionysis Grammenos, features 300 musicians between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, from all over Greece and Europe.
The concert also celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the Enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who has encouraged young people to engage with contemporary challenges while staying true to their faith, through initiatives such as the establishment of youth conferences and emphasis on education, and concerts like the GYSO at Carnegie Hall, His All-Holiness has consistently demonstrated his belief in the vitality and potential of the younger generations to lead and serve, ensuring that the Church remains a living, breathing witness to Christ’s love in the modern world. This anniversary is not just a reflection on his historical legacy but a call for youth to be active participants in shaping the future of Orthodoxy.
At Carnegie Hall, under the direction of its Dionysis Grammenos, ninety-five members of the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra presented an eclectic evening of music including contemporary European and American popular symphonic works as well as a fresh new take on traditional Greek dance music through a symphonic lens.
Photos: Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra.
