The Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra is one of the most important Cultural Organizations in Greece. The orchestra’s extensive repertoire includes works from the baroque to the avant-garde era.

 

The orchestra was founded in 1959, by the Greek composer Solon Michaelides who was its first Director. A few years later it became a State Orchestra with many important Greek musicians as its directors such as Georgios Thymis, Alkis Baltas, Karolos Trikolidis, Kosmas Galileas, Konstantinos Patsalides, Leonidas Kavakos, Mikis Michaelides, Myron Michailidis and Alexandre Myrat. The TSSO counts today approximately one hundred and five musicians and its current artistic director is Mr. Georgios Vranos. 

 

In addition to its weekly performances of symphonic music in concerts, the T.S.S.O. covers a wide range of artistic activities performing opera, ballet, music for silent films etc. Moreover, the orchestra has engaged itself in a number of educational programs especially designed for children, young people and families, promoting its goal of molding the future audience of music-lovers.

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One of the basic aims of the T.S.S.O. is to promote the Greek musical heritage, giving many Greek and worldwide premiere performances. Thus, the orchestra is interested in promoting young artists, many of whom are renowned in the Greek and international music scene.

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As a pioneering artistic Greek Institution, the T.S.S.O. records for international label companies, such as BIS, Naxos, EMI Classics and Feelgood Records.

 

The T.S.S.O. often collaborates with foreign conductors and famous soloists. Every year the orchestra travels within Greece, giving particular emphasis in visiting cities of Northern Greece. Its recent international appearances include performances in Valencia, Beijing, Prague, Florence, Pistoia, Berlin, Strasbourg, Clermont-Ferrand and Munich.

 

Links: http://www.tsso.gr/