With two special guests, the Belgian harp soloist Anneleen Lenaerts, a leading member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Greek conductor Zoe Tsokanou, the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra inaugurates this year’s cycle of concerts at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall. On Monday 12 December at 8:30 pm, the renowned conductor and artistic director of the Thessaloniki State Symphonic Orchestra will present three popular compositions inspired by the musical tradition of Spain with the GYSO – Orchestra in Residence of the Megaron Athens Concert Hall: Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov’s Spanish Caprice, Op. 34; Joaquín Rodrigo‘s Aranjueth Concerto (transcribed for harp and orchestra by the composer); and the Carmen Suites no. 1 and No. 2 by Georges Bizet. 

Many great works by great composers are inspired by the Spanish musical tradition and have been loved by music audiences all over the world. A typical example is Georges Bizet’s legendary opera Carmen, which the French composer himself adapted and formed orchestral suites from its material. Equally beloved works include Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov’s charming Spanish Caprice and Joaquín Rodrigo’s ethereal Aranjuez Concerto.

Anneleen Lenaerts | harp

Zoi Tsokanou | music direction  

With the participation of musicians of the National Youth Orchestra of Spain – Jonde, member of EFNYO (European Federation of National Youth Orchestras).

The concert of the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra is a co-production of GYSO (ELSON) and the Megaron Athens Concert Hall.