An evening with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Athens

​The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Athens is here! Founded by the internationally acclaimed concert pianist, conductor and composer Vassilis Tsabropoulos, after his public open invitation in the middle of May 2014.  The Orchestra is mainly orientated towards a classical symphonic repertoire.
At a time when one Orchestra after another is closing down and culture has been undermined and sidelined as a luxury  due to the economic crisis, the founding of MSO of Athens hopes to remind us that Music and Musicians in this country continue to exist and that their contribution to society is important and necessary and should not be considered a mundane pass-time and since you are seeking a miracle and a change in the reality of your daily life, you yourself must become that miracle.

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The Orchestra is starting out without any serious “backing” behind it and without any major financial sponsoring. This was announced at the very beginning, even during the auditions for the selection of musicians. The reason being that in spite of any – perhaps normally justified – logical thinking, the founding of many, including large, Orchestras around the world, has proved that the most important musical ensembles have been born despite sub-standard conditions and in environments not inclined to artistic survival .

This is what this Orchestra’s power is based upon. On the faith in a new mentality  and method of thinking which is shared by the 160 Greek musicians who sent in applications for the Audition,  the artists  - amongst others – from every field who sent messages of encouragement and support but also the fundamental sponsors of this effort, such as the individuals and organizations who, in an exemplary and moving fashion and to whatever extent they could, offered their financial support.  Organizations such as the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation which will be granting the use of its welcoming and aesthetic theatre hall as Concert House of the MSO of Athens during the first period of the artistic program.

It is here that on the 22nd of September, at 19:00, that the first meeting with the Orchestra will take place, inviting anyone who believes in its goals and who wishes to be informed, first-hand, of its program, ambitions and the way in which it will function during this first term.  During the same evening, among other things, you will have the chance to learn about the details involved in the foundation of this Orchestra from the founder and Musical Director, Vassilis Tsabropoulos as well as the opportunity to follow a musical event, with solos by  top musicians who make up the group of this newly established  Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Athens which comprises of 80 musicians (permanent and substitute).

On the same evening the MSO of Athens will be honoring the internationally acclaimed conductor, piano soloist and philosopher of music, George Hadjinikos with the title of Conductor Laureate.  George Hadjinikos has, especially in Greece, delivered a work of monumental importance by bringing to the surface and giving prominence to the music of Nikos Skalkotas. It will be the first time, in his home country, that an honorary title is offered to this great Greek Musician, who this year turned 91.

Free entrance for all.

We await you in hope!
Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Athens