The John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, founding donor for the establishment of the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO), supported the Orchestra’s operation also in 2024, contributing to the organisation of its concerts and educational activities. GYSO, which was founded by conductor Dionysis Grammenos and is a member of the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras (EFNYO) and the MusXchange programme, comprises young musicians from all over Greece, as well as Greek musicians living abroad. Its primary goal is to identify, guide, train and promote talented young musicians in the symphonic and operatic repertoire under the guidance of internationally renowned soloists and principals of Greek and major European orchestras. Participation in the orchestra is free of charge, following an audition, while all travel and accommodation expenses of the musicians are covered, through the resources that the orchestra secures. This artistic season of GYSO included a full programme of concerts in Greece and abroad, as well as important collaborations with renowned musicians and orchestra conductors, culminating in GYSO’s debut at the iconic Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage of Carnegie Hall in New York, which took place in November 2024. As part of its performance, GYSO performed a dynamic programme that included «rewind« by British composer Anna Clyne, the Symphonic Dances by Leonard Bernstein based on themes from the musical “West Side Story”, as well as selected Greek Dances by Nikos Skalkottas, which had their American premiere at Carnegie Hall exactly 70 years earlier, in November 1954, performed by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Dimitri Mitropoulos.

At the same time, another main characteristic of GYSO’s activity is the implementation of educational actions, aiming at introducing young people to symphonic music and the values it embodies. In this context, starting in 2021, with the support of the Foundation, GYSO has been implementing the innovative activity “ΕλΣΟΝ VR”. Through the use of state-of-the-art virtual reality technologies and specially designed 360° audiovisual materials from live orchestra performances, students from all educational levels have the opportunity to discover the world of classical music in an experiential way. The “ΕλΣΟΝ VR” mask allows students to wander around the orchestra’s young musicians during the concert, as they perform important works from the repertoire of composers such as Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Weber and Schubert. In addition, as part of special educational workshops, participants have the opportunity to meet the performers of a concert in person and watch them rehearse, experiencing the vibe and challenges of a professional performance in real time.

• In the 7 years of GYSO’s operation, more than 340 musicians from 52 cities in Greece and abroad have been selected, following auditions, to participate with the orchestra in the concerts organised, while more than 2,600 students from all educational levels have participated in its educational activities.
• In 2024, 97 young musicians participated in 4 concerts of GYSO.
• In December 2024, GYSO was honoured to receive the Academy of Athens Award, in the Second Section of Letters and Fine Arts, in recognition of the orchestra’s work and remarkable activity since its founding in 2017. 

“Participating in GYSO is a gift for me. A gift of experiences, moments, and people I will remember for the rest of my life. Every GYSO project, from rehearsals to the concert itself, is unique, offering us moments and emotions so powerful that they stay deeply within us. I would like to mention in particular the relationships that are formed within the orchestra. New acquaintances, unique bonds, and friendships that continue to glow beyond our time together, waiting to reignite at our next meeting. Bright, passionate and strong people, we all come together to create magical, dreamlike moments. And what unites us all is music. I can only feel grateful — for the experiences, the moments, and the people…”

Dimitra Kostika

Flute, 22 years old

Department of Music Science & Art, University of Macedonia

“Throughout its dynamic course in recent years, GYSO has been a tremendous opportunity for artistic growth. Through the orchestra, I was given the chance to delve deeply into the symphonic repertoire and to evolve as a musician. The chamber music projects hold a special meaning for me, as this is a part of our work that I truly love. They offer countless stimuli and insights, allowing one to approach each piece from a different perspective than originally imagined. Every artist who participates in GYSO tests their potential, develops their sense of collaboration, and exchanges ideas and experiences through rehearsals, workshops, and specialised seminars. In this way, GYSO nurtures our musical empathy and stands out as a true school of artistic life in our country.”

Eleanna Stratou

Violin, 22 years old

Hochschule für Musik und Theater München, German