The Metropolitan Greek Chorale

The Metropolitan Greek Chorale marks its new season and looks back on an enviable record as a dedicated and innovative group of musicians. Established in 1965 in New York City, the Chorale is comprised of an all-volunteer membership from Greek communities and their friends in the greater metropolitan area. Since its 1968 concert debut at Town Hall, the Chorale has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and other major concert halls in the U.S. In 1977, at the invitation of the Greek government and under the patronage of His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos, the Chorale traveled to Greece for an exciting seventeen day concert tour.

In 1982, the Greek Theater joined the Chorale in the premier production of George Tsontakis' Erotokritos in New York to a sold-out Alice Tully Hall. Their thirtieth year was celebrated with the presentation of Mikis Theodorakis' Zorbas. The Chorale celebrated their 35th anniversary, once again at Alice Tully Hall, on May 20, 2000 with a gala concert version of Gluck's Orfeo. In January 2001, the Chorale collaborated with The New York Grand Opera to perform Verdi's Requiem to a sold-out Carnegie Hall. In the following years, the Chorale was again invited to join the Grand Opera in Carnegie Hall on several occasions, including an all-Beethoven's Concert on the 175th anniversary of the composer's death.

The Chorale is unique among its peers in its commitment to offering world and American premiers of the works of Greek, Greek-American, and International composers. Past concerts have featured Kalomiris' Songs for Greek Children and The Mother's Ring; Theodorakis' Axion Esti; Tsontakis' The Byzantium Kanon, Five Choral Sketches on "Is Aghios", Saviors, and Stabat Mater; Roussakis' God Abandons Antony; Antoniou's Eros I; Hawley's Three Ancient Choruses; Kalogeras' On the Way to Seville; Constantinides' Antigone; and Ralph Vaughan Williams' Mystical Songs.

In 2004, Marina Alexander joined the Chorale as Musical Director. The Metropolitan Greek Chorale looks forward to continuing its tradition of musical excellence and cultural service while providing a forum for outstanding artists, especially from the Greek community.