Graz/Berlin (MH) – Vassilis Christopoulos will be the new chief conductor of the Graz Opera and Graz Philharmonic. Director-designate Ulrich Lenz introduced the Greek on Thursday as the successor to Roland Kluttig, who will let his contract expire in summer of 2023 after three years. With Christopoulos you get “an extremely versatile and experienced conductor (…) who will create new and exciting accents for home and city,” said Lenz. Born in 1975, among several competitors, he convinced not only him as artistic director, but also the orchestra musicians.
Ulrich Lenz, Vassilis Christopoulos
Raised in Athens, Christopoulos studied in his hometown and in Munich. From 2005 to 2015 he was chief conductor of the Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie Konstanz. From 2011 to 2014 he was also Artistic Director of the Athens State Orchestra. In 2017, the new home of the Greek National Opera opened with “Elektra” by Richard Strauss. As a guest he has appeared on the podium of renowned orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, NDR Radio Philharmonic and the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra.
In spring 2022, Christopoulos conducted a series of performances of Hans Werner Henze’s ballet “Undine” at the Graz Opera. He said he felt a special connection with the Graz Philharmonic from the very first rehearsal. “I am looking forward to the quality, the joy of playing and the openness of this orchestra, but also to working with the ensemble, choir and ballet of the Graz Opera,” explained the conductor.
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(20/05/2022 – 13:27)
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