October Symphony: Greek Odyssey Comes to Carnegie Hall

By Anthony Grant

Now, here’s a real odyssey for you. The Greek National Opera will travel to New York for the first time with its orchestra to present a unique concert at the historic Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage), featuring exceptional pieces by Greek composers, inspired by the work and figure of Nikos Kazantzakis. Through the concert titled Nikos Kazantzakis: An Odyssey in Music that is scheduled for October 15, 2026, the GNO will present a magnificent panorama of Greek art music to the New York audience, featuring emblematic pieces by Manos Hadjidakis, Mikis Theodorakis, Nikos Skalkottas, Dimitri Mitropoulos, and Giorgos Koumendakis.

Vassilis Christopoulos, will lead the orchestra for this special performance. Joining him will be t mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili and Greek soprano Maria Kostraki, accompanied by the GNO Orchestra and solo musicians.The concert is made possible by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

The Greek National Opera Orchestra with Maestro Vassilis Christopoulos. Photo: A. Simopoulos

The Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera, Giorgos Koumendakis, notes in part: ‘The Greek National Opera’s first major appearance in New York marks a significant step in its international outreach strategy. During our concert at the historic Carnegie Hall, we will showcase a special selection of notable works by Dimitri Mitropoulos, Nikos Skalkottas, Manos Hadjidakis, and Mikis Theodorakis, all of which directly or indirectly reference the work of the world-renowned author Nikos Kazantzakis.”

Nikos Kazantzakis—the most translated Greek author worldwide—has been one of the most timeless and rich sources of inspiration for Greek musical creation during the 20th and 21st centuries. His works, such as Zorba the Greek, Captain Michalis, Christ Recrucified, and The Last Temptation, have brought Greek culture across the entire planet. His indirect contributions to the musical repertoire span at least five different genres: symphonic music, opera, ballet, theatre music, and film music. The compositions inspired by Kazantzakis not only serve as musical interpretations of his texts but also as creative dialogues between literature and music.

A display at the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum in Myrtia, Crete. Photo: Anthony Grant

The most recognizable worldwide incarnation of Nikos Kazantzakis is undoubtedly Zorba the Greek, composed by Mikis Theodorakis (1925–2021). Through his music for Michael Cacoyannis’ film adaptation of the novel Zorba the Greek (Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas), Theodorakis gave his hero a distinct musical identity and voice, which, especially through the famous ‘Zorba’s Dance’, was internationally identified with the Greek spirit.

The performance will also feature two unique works from Greek art music, inspired by the centuries-long history and folk culture of Crete, the island that had a profound impact on Kazantzakis — and the island that makes for a perfect fall travel getaway.

“Crete is like Greece’s ‘Big Island,’ says Anthony Grant, who edits the Greek Column newsletter. “There’s an incredible amount of history here, along with  some of the most rugged, beautiful landscapes in Greece. Kazantzakis is intertwined with the culture and also the character of Crete, the island where the celebrated author was born and raised.”

A view of Souda Bay, near Chania, in Crete. Photo: Anthony Grant

Grant suggests a week-long fall itinerary in Crete that focuses on the island’s largest city, Heraklion. “It is an important Mediterranean port city that mixes Venetian ramparts with one of the world’s most impressive archaeology museums as well as a youthful buzz,” he says, adding that Heraklion is “Kazantzakis is synonymous with Heraklion.

The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, in the village of Myrtia outside Heraklion, is well worth a visit. And if you can’t make it to Crete just yet, by all means get your tickets for the Kazantzakis “Odyssey” next month in New York: visit .carnegiehall.org.