Open Orchestra 
Community Music initiative of more than 150+ artists in Athens, Greece

Founding Member, Co-Manager, Choir Conductor & Visual Artist | Volunteering for participatory music-making, Athens 2021-2022

 

The Open Orchestra initiative is a self-organized musical orchestra based in Athens and was created during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the Supports Art Workers movement. Gradually it became a cultural reference point for the Greek capital. The concept is based on the values of inclusivity and participatory music-making in the public space. The orchestra includes symphonic and traditional instruments as well as a chorus the manifestations of which have become a symbol of contemporary social matters in Greece. The group scores existing musical pieces which have a social meaning and have not been performed by an orchestra before. The members come from different backgrounds and meet for weekly rehearsals in outdoor spaces. Since 2021 it performs publicly in reply to important social and political events. The openness of the project is mainly reflected in its educational and social activism role towards the general public, but also in its inclusion of sign language during performances and the palettes of its posters which are color-blind friendly.

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