Famed Greek orchestra disbanded over debts

Famed Greek orchestra disbanded over debts

In its heyday, the Athens Camerata orchestra collaborated with the likes of Yehudi Menuhin and John Williams.

The board of the Athens Camerata orchestra resigned in 2015 but its musicians continued to play until last month. (Camerata Europaea pic)
ATHENS:
One of Greece’s most important cultural icons, the Athens Camerata classical orchestra, has been disbanded after three decades over unpaid debts, the government said.

Culture minister Lina Mendoni said yesterday the orchestra’s musicians and administrative staff can apply for transfer to other state cultural institutions.

“The Camerata was a very important orchestra. It is a brand we will reactivate. But the liquidation had to be carried out,” the minister said.

Founded in 1991, the Camerata in its heyday boasted famed English conductor Sir Neville Mariner as its artistic director and performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals.

It had also collaborated with renowned conductors and soloists including Yehudi Menuhin, Mstislav Rostropovich and John Williams.

The orchestra suffered from state funding cuts from 2010 onwards during the Greek economic crisis. Its board resigned in 2015 over unpaid tax and social insurance contributions, but its musicians continued to perform until last month.

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