The Greek National Opera (GNO) marks a significant milestone today, celebrating 85 years since its founding on March 5, 1940.
The opera house was born with a performance of Johann Strauss the Younger’s The Bat, an operetta that ignited its artistic journey and marked the beginning of a vibrant cultural institution in Greece.
The idea for the establishment of the GNO was inspired by Kostis Bastias, a prominent writer, journalist, and director of the Royal (National) Theatre, who also served as the Director of Arts and Letters under the Metaxas government. Initially operating as part of the Royal Theatre, the GNO performed at the neoclassical Chiller Theatre on St. Constantine Street in Athens, setting the stage for decades of artistic innovation.
Over its illustrious history, the GNO has been a beacon of the performing arts in Greece. It is the country’s sole opera house, renowned for bringing together celebrated Greek and international artists. In 1940, it was here that Maria Callas signed her first contract, marking the start of a legendary career. For more than seven decades, from 1944 to 2017, the GNO called the Olympia Theatre in central Athens its home.
In 2017, the GNO relocated to the stunning Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), a state-of-the-art facility funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Today, the GNO presents its opera and ballet performances at the Stavros Niarchos Hall and the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Its Alternative Stage has become a hub for music theatre, baroque opera, and diverse concerts and festivals, showcasing the rich diversity of the performing arts.
Under the artistic direction of composer Giorgos Koumendakis, the GNO has embraced a global outreach strategy, expanding its repertoire and establishing international co-productions. It has invited leading figures from the worlds of opera, dance, cinema, and visual arts to collaborate on groundbreaking productions, fostering artistic synergy. Additionally, the GNO continues to engage audiences through innovative educational and participatory programs.
As it celebrates 85 years of unparalleled contributions to Greek culture and the global opera community, the GNO remains a symbol of artistic excellence, inspiring generations to come.
