NEWS
Oper Graz is delighted to announce the extension of Vassilis Christopoulos' contract as Chief Conductor of Oper Graz and the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra. Since taking on the role in 2023, Christopoulos has played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction of the institution.
Under his leadership, the orchestra has performed a diverse array of concerts, both at the opera house and the renowned Musikverein für Steiermark. His tenure has seen the successful staging of numerous productions, including the powerful Macbeth in 2023, the innovative Schlaflos in 2024, and major anniversary productions in Oper Graz’ 125th season such as Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg (2024) and Les Troyens (2025). Additionally, Christopoulos has spearheaded the two-part dance evening Sacre!
Vassilis Christopoulos steps in for the ailing Dan Ettinger and conducts a concert with the Stuttgarter Philharmoniker on April 13, 2024, in the Beethovensaal of the Stuttgart Liederhalle. Titled “Die Große Reihe - Zwanziger Jahre”, the programme includes Stravinsky's ballet music “Pulcinella”, Gershwin's “An American in Paris”, and the famous “Boléro” by Maurice Ravel.
The Grazer Philharmoniker under the direction of their new chief conductor, Vassilis Christopoulos, have been invited by the renowned Athens and Epidaurus Festival to perform a concert in the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus underneath the Acropolis of Athens on July 4, 2024. The program includes representative works from Austria, with the young Greek-Venezuelan pianist Alexia Mouza as soloist.
Vassilis Christopoulos conducts a new production of Madama Butterfly directed by renowned French director Olivier Py with the Greek National Opera at the emblematic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in June 2023. This is the opening production of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival.
Following a very successful production of Henze’s ballet “Undine” in the Spring of 2022, Vassilis Christopoulos was invited to participate in a democratic selection process which led to his engagement as Chief Conductor of Oper Graz and the Grazer Philharmoniker. His tenure will commence in September 2023.
The hugely successful first production of Wozzeck in the history of the Greek National Opera conducted by Vassilis Christopoulos and directed by Olivier Py is now available online on Medici TV