The Greek National Opera would like to thank the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, its Co-President Mr Andreas C. Dracopoulos, the Board Members and all the executives of the Foundation for their priceless contribution and unequivocal support to the work of the GNO. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s [www.SNF.org] grant for the construction and equipment of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center proceeded at an impressive pace, and as a result of that, in 2017 Athens acquired a milestone work that has already become a destination, a meeting point and a place of contemporary cultural creation for thousands of Athenians and visitors of the city. The facilities of the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece have already become an object of admiration attracting raving reviews from thousands of visitors and the Greek and international media. However, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s contribution to the Greek National Opera has not only been limited to the construction of its new facilities but it now runs through every aspect of its operation.

“With eyes set on the future and guided by 21st-century opera, our goal for the 2024/25 season of the Greek National Opera is to initiate discussions, suggest new directions, challenge established relationships with everything that is old and conservative, and focus our attention on the pressing issues of our era. The 2024/25 programme’s mosaic explores the interplay with the boundaries and balances between bel canto, verismo, classicism, the Ionian Music School, classical ballet, and modern dance, aiming to experiment, reinvent, and redefine significant masterpieces and lesser-known gems in opera and dance, all while maintaining a deep respect for music. This year, we are delighted and honoured to welcome both existing and new members to the Greek National Opera family, invite them to join us in the creative journey and face the difficult challenges of a diverse programme that values both traditional and new audiences. With the help of the valuable support from the SNF grant for the years 2019-2023, the GNO has managed to redefine itself and create a recognisable artistic identity, being now able to reach a global audience through its facilities at the SNFCC and its online platform, GNO TV. We are grateful to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) for their creative companionship, understanding, and co-existence. Following the completion and successful report for the 2019-2023 grant of €20,000,000, the SNF approved a fresh two-year grant of €11,000,000 to continue and enhance our artistic outreach efforts. Now, in addition to focusing on international co-productions, inviting artists, organising tours abroad, and marketing, we are also extremely pleased, thanks to this new grant, to be able to arrange tours within Greece, enhance our social initiatives, and further grow our audience and visibility both in Greece and internationally. On behalf of the Greek National Opera, I would like to wholeheartedly thank Andreas C. Dracopoulos and his collaborators at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for renewing their trust in the GNO. Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to the PPC for becoming a Major Sponsor of the GNO this year and generously supporting the productions of Iphigénie en Aulide – Iphigénie en Tauride, La bohème, and Turandot. I am also very grateful to our sponsors –Metlen, Prodea, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, and Eurolife– for supporting the GNO’s work with confidence. For our Company’s progress and uninterrupted operation, I would also like to extend my warm thanks to the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and the Ministry of Culture, for always standing by our efforts as valuable assistants. Warmest thanks are also due to the Board of our Company, as well as the entire staff and collaborators of the Greek National Opera.”

The Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera, Giorgos Koumendakis