The renowned AUSTA String Orchestra is embarking on a special tour comprising three concerts in Greece, specifically in Athens, Larissa and Kerkyra (Corfu) from 24 to 30 September 2026, under the auspices of the Australian Embassy in Greece.
Featuring 36 musicians, the AUSTA String Orchestra presents a rich and diverse programme, combining masterpieces of the classical repertoire with works by contemporary composers and significant pieces from the Australian music scene.
Dr Robert McWilliams will be on the orchestra’s podium, whilst Stephen Chin will serve as concertmaster.
The program includes works by Arcangelo Corelli, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Ernest Bloch, Nikos Skalkotas, Dag Wirén and Samuel Barber, as well as works by contemporary Australian composers.
A special feature of the programme is the solo performances by Stephen Chin, Kirtley Walker-Halstead and Bronwyn Gibbs on the violin, and Daniel Holloway on the cello.
At each stop on the tour, a Greek flute soloist will appear as a guest star: Zacharias Tarpagos in Athens, Giorgos Tsardakas in Larissa and Christos Pilos in Kerkyra.
The tour offers Greek audiences an opportunity to discover Australian musical creativity and the international string community, highlighting the power of musical collaboration and cultural exchange.
AUSTA String Orchestra
The Australian Strings Association (AUSTA) is a professional organisation that brings together musicians, teachers and string instrument makers in Australia.
Its aim is to promote excellence in performance, teaching, orchestral conducting, composition and the making of string instruments, as well as to foster communication and collaboration at both national and international levels.
The AUSTA String Orchestra’s tour of Greece offers audiences the opportunity to enjoy an ensemble of the highest artistic calibre and to discover a repertoire that bridges the European musical tradition with contemporary Australian composition.
Concerts
Athens, Thursday 24 September, 8.30 pm
Athens Conservatoire – Ioannis Despotopoulos Amphitheatre
Flute soloist: Zacharias Tarpagos
Larissa, Saturday 26 September, 8.30 pm
Larissa Municipal Conservatoire Events Hall
In collaboration with the Teachers’ Association of the Larissa Municipal Conservatoire
Flute soloist: Giorgos Tsardakas (teacher at the Larissa Municipal Conservatoire)
Kerkyra, Wednesday 30 September, 20:30
Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints James and Christopher (Duomo)
Flute soloist: Christos Pilos (teacher at the Corfu Philharmonic Society)
All concerts will be open to the public free of charge; tickets cannot be reserved.
Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
