Following upon the funding for the creation of the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO), the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation remains a supporter of the Orchestra, supporting its operations in the 2018 – 2019 artistic period.

The Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra, which was founded by conductor Dionysis Grammenos, is composed of young musicians from all over Greece as well as Greek musicians living abroad. It is mainly aimed at the identification, guidance, education and promotion of talented young musicians in the symphonic and operatic repertoire under the guidance of internationally renowned soloists and principals of Greek as well as major European orchestras. The participation in the orchestra is free of charge and travel and accommodation expenses of the musicians are covered.

A key element of GYSO’s operations comprises educational programmes aimed at young audiences, such as the open general rehearsal of the Orchestra, which students of all ages may attend at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

• In 2018, the 45 young musicians of the Orchestra participated in 5 concerts in Athens and Thessaloniki.

“I think that the power of GYSO is the participants’ passion and energy. It is beautiful to see, in your colleagues’ eyes, the thirst for playing music. This has been a pivotal motivation for me to participate in the orchestra, together of course with my appreciation for the conductor Dionysis Grammenos, who is extremely talented and has what it takes to lead the orchestra to very high levels.”

Nikolaos Prevezianos, Violoncello (26 years old), Greek National Opera Leading Cellist

“I learned about GYSO for the first time last year, through a video shared on Facebook by various members of the orchestra. It caught my attention from the very beginning. It was something very different from what I have seen and heard in youth orchestras in Greece. GYSO’s effort to create a youth orchestra of European standards at a very difficult time seems to be an immense undertaking that I already see bearing fruit. And this is admirable, as well as moving.”

Anastasia-Artemis Dimopoulou, Violin (23 years old), Department of Music Science & Art, University of Macedonia

“GYSO is a new effort for our country and I am truly happy to be given the opportunity to be a part of it! From the very first concerts of the orchestra’s first period, I have been amazed by the level of the musicians’ competence, their professionalism and the atmosphere in general. Ittruly is an orchestra to stand proudly among its peers abroad. I am very excited to see what the new season brings!”

Andreas Anthopoulos, Bassoon (22 years old), University of the Arts Bremen, Germany