Every orchestra that is saved is a great victory for Culture. This is why today’s official announcement of the “resurrection” of the Camerata Friends of Music Orchestra, which had been slowly fading since 2015 without management, without financial support, and with its musicians unpaid, is undoubtedly an extremely pleasant piece of news.

Renewed, with a core group of 18 members from its original ensemble as well as younger musicians selected through auditions, Camerata, which has previously achieved great successes both domestically and internationally, is making a strong comeback as the orchestra of the Athens Concert Hall, with a rich artistic program. The distinguished conductor Giorgos Petrou, who has held this position since 2012 and has stood by the musicians throughout the difficult fight for survival, remains at its helm. This was evident in the emotion he expressed during today’s presentation of the new artistic season’s program.

Closing

The rescue of the Camerata was a true achievement, as this is the first time a pre-existing orchestra, whose operations were suspended, has been re-established. This new roadmap could, in fact, serve as a model for other similar cases, such as the Orchestra of Colors. As the President of the Board of Directors of the Athens Concert Hall Organization, Nikos Pimplis, explained, it took four years of efforts, initiated and supported by the Ministry of Culture, and in cooperation with the Boards of the Athens Concert Hall and the Friends of Music Association, two legislative interventions, three ministerial decisions, and one liquidation process to find a solution. Mr. Pimplis committed to a high-standard and wide-reaching program with the aim of re-establishing the orchestra in the cultural landscape, both in Greece and abroad, with a renewed and dynamic profile.

The Artistic Director of the Athens Concert Hall, Giannis Vakarelis, emphasized that “the new Camerata can play a decisive role in the dissemination of classical music, even in areas outside of Athens, by organizing concerts and tours.” He further stated that “due to its flexibility, it seems ideal for presenting works with historical interpretations, as well as contemporary compositions by Greek and foreign composers, creating platforms for the new generation of artists.” This, as he pointed out, will contribute to connecting classical tradition with modern trends and the development of Greek creativity.

“When, in 1991, the Friends of Music Association founded the Camerata, it had the vision of serving classical music in Greece and completing the mission of the Athens Concert Hall by providing it with a resident orchestra of high standards. With the boost given by its first artistic director, Alexandros Myrat, and later by exceptional international musicians, the Camerata collaborated with recognized soloists and traveled across Greece, introducing classical music with concerts and educational programs, creating a new generation of listeners. It is deeply moving to see it overcome its difficulties and be able to serve its mission once again,” emphasized the President of the Board of the Friends of Music Association, Panos Dimaras.

The new era of the Camerata will officially begin on Sunday, November 30, at 20:30, with a concert in the Christos Lambrakis Hall of the Athens Concert Hall, during which the famous Brandenburg Concertos will be performed on period instruments, with the participation of internationally renowned soloists.

Concert Program

November 30, 2024
Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concertos (on period instruments)
Conducted by Giorgos Petrou

December 27, 2024
Christmas at the Versailles of the Sun King (on period instruments)
Jean-Baptiste Lully: Te Deum
Marc-Antoine Charpentier: Te Deum
Conducted by Giorgos Petrou

January 4, 2025
New Year’s with a Viennese Flair
A festive evening in the spirit of the Vienna Philharmonic’s traditional New Year’s concert
Conducted by Giorgos Petrou

February 19, 2025
Symphonic Rock Transformations
Philip Glass: Symphony No. 4 (based on the album “Heroes” by David Bowie and Brian Eno)
John Lord (Deep Purple): Sarabande for Rock Group and Orchestra
Conducted by Giorgos Petrou, Piano, Hammond Organ

March 17, 2025
Mikis Theodorakis: The Beginning and the End
Revelation-Ode to Beethoven
Rhapsody
Conducted by Giorgos Petrou

April 14, 2025
Georg Friedrich Händel: The Resurrection (on period instruments)
Oratorio in 2 parts
Conducted by Giorgos Petrou

Estravaganza Veneziana (on period instruments)
Camerata presents the legendary Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi and brilliant works from the Italian Baroque under the guidance of the great contemporary performer of the genre, Shunske Sato (Music Director, Baroque Violin Solo).