The most magical Christmas with Alexia and El Sistema Greece

The talented musicians of El Sistema Greece together with the wonderful Alexia held two unforgettable sold out jazz concerts with the most favorite Christmas movie songs internationally in a dreamy setting at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center under the direction of our exceptional conductor Jose Angel Salazar Marin!

On December 19 and 26, the internationally acclaimed and multi-awarded Alexia and her jazz band joined forces with the El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra and together they brought the sound of jazz, gospel and swing soundtracks straight to the heart of Athens. 

This collaboration as well as both concerts will be unforgettable in the memories and hearts of everyone, and especially for the musicians of El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra who with great dedication and commitment managed to achieve such a high level artistic result.

The words shared with us by the musicians (as well as some of their parents) fill us with joy and strength to continue our work.

“It was a fantastic experience. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to participate in such a beautiful concert with such talented people.” – Eri, viola

“Unique indescribable experience. I can’t wait for the next one.” – Konstantinos, violin

“Wonderful experience for the audience and the musicians.” – Fanis, double bass

“An amazing fantastic concert with a great artist.” – John, violin

“A unique evening that I can’t wait to experience again.” – Aeneas, cello

“It was an amazing opportunity to work with a wonderful artist. I feel happy that I was able to share this experience with my friends.” – Alessio, French horn

“I was very excited because for the first time I would be playing in front of so many people.” – George, flute

“I will remember this concert forever. I was very happy to be back on this stage. I feel very fulfilled and happy.” – Suna, viola

“This concert will be unforgettable and will forever linger in my mind.” – Thomas, violin

“Extremely moving!!!!” – Kira, violin

“It was a unique and special experience. I will never forget it” – Marina, violin

“As a new member of the EI Sistema Greece, I am so excited and proud to be here. I’m feeling everyone’s passion, ardently love and friendliness, including the professional arrangers, tutors and musicians. In my opinion, I’m also feeling honor for myself, since I’m the only Chinese in the orchestra.” Trina – viola

“It was a rejuvenation, because we were fed up and bored with the lockdowns and it was a big breath.” – Nikolas, percussion

“My first concert, a unique experience that I will never forget! Alexia is very kind and encouraging to all of us, a huge thank you.” – Miltos, flute

Congratulations to all the musicians of El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra for their talent and dedication that led them to this musical result as well as to the excellent jazz band that accompanied us on stage.  

A huge thank you to Alexia for the trust, talent and love she generously shared with our musicians and our entire team.

We sincerely thank the SNFCC for once again welcoming us and trusting us by supporting both of our concerts.

We also want to congratulate and thank our teachers for their love and quality of work, and all the parents who support everyone’s efforts in this great musical journey.

Finally, we would like to thank the Malliaras New School for hosting our rehearsals, helping to make these two concerts a reality.

The concert will be broadcasted by ERT2 and ERT Flix as well as by the Social Media of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center after the turn of the year. It will also be broadcasted on New Year’s Day via ERT World and will remain available for 7 days via ERT Flix On Demand.

–

Credits:

Vocals & Concept: Alexia Vassiliou
Orchestra: El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra
Conducted by: José Ángel Salazar Marín

Jazz Ensemble: 

Giorgos Morfitis | Piano & Musical Training
Dimitris Kassavetis | Electric Guitar
Philippos Pappas | Tenor Sax Player
Haris Mermigas | Bass (19/12)
George Palamiotis | Bass (26/12)
Nikos Kassavetis | Percussion
Alex Kassavetis | Electric Bass

Musical Arrangement: Giorgos Morfitis 

Alexia’s Representation: Delta Pi