The Hellenic Initiative has contributed $175,000 to GYSO since 2020
The gifted musicians of the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) will make their Carnegie Hall debut on November 3, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., for a single night performance. The orchestra led by their charismatic Founder, Music Director, and Conductor Dionysis Grammenos will perform a program featuring masterpieces by America’s Leonard Bernstein, Greece’s Nikos Skalkottas, and Anna Clyne, named by Bachtrack as “one of the top ten most performed contemporary composers in the world.” The Hellenic Initiative (THI) has proudly supported GYSO with donations totaling $175,000 since 2020. Grammenos regards the Carnegie Hall debut as “the most significant moment in our orchestra’s trajectory and a momentous occasion for Greece.”
Founded in 2012, THI is a global non-profit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. Since its founding, THI has invested more than $22,3 million in Greece, creating jobs, supporting promising startups, and backing the most effective philanthropic organizations. “Our relationship with THI began when the GYSO was invited to participate with a video performance in The Hellenic Initiative’s Virtual Gala – which was online in 2020,” Grammenos said. That introduction to the THI Community brought about “more generous support from THI and specifically Nick Alexos, a THI Board member” which enabled “the GYSO to spread its wings internationally and showcase the talent of its young Greek musicians to the rest of the world.” The Hellenic Initiative has committed to further support the GYSO performance in New York by offering premium tickets and an invitation to an exclusive reception at Carnegie Hall to the Members of their 1821 Society. Members who sign up at the Lord Byron Circle level will receive 4 tickets, while Ypsilanti members will receive 2. To learn more about the 1821 Society visit the website. Grammenos will lead the GYSO’s musicians across the Atlantic to America’s mecca of music for a thrilling program. THI encourages all music lovers and supporters of a brighter future for Greece’s youth to purchase tickets starting at $39 by visiting Carnegie Hall Tickets. Nick Alexos, THI Executive Committee member, stated, “The achievements of the GYSO and its founder and conductor, Dionysis Grammenos, are truly inspiring. These young talents are the torchbearers of European culture, and we should all take pride in their success.” George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, stated, “THI supports excellence across the board in Greece. We are especially delighted to support the talented youth of the GYSO, who have brought us immense pride with their dedication and achievements.”
