The event was organised by the new ambassador to Austria Chryssoula Aliferi.

Theodoridou, who waived her fee, carried the audience into singing along on a sampler of works by modern Greek composers of orchestral and popular works, and was accompanied by Orchestra Mobile under the direction of her husband, maestro Theodoros Orfanidis, with David Nachmias on the piano.

Speaking to the ANA-MPA, the soprano stated that it was everyone’s duty to contribute in any way they could during these times of crisis. She added that we have to “show the real personality of our country, and mostly to give a hopeful message that even at hard times we remain strong and optimistic,”.

Theodoridou was born in Veria, northern Greece. She studied at the National Conservatory and, with a scholarship in memory of Maria Callas, continued her studies at Cologne and London. She has performed at the most important operas and festivals in Europe on a wide repertory.

The recital was in the context of Greece’s EU Presidency and was attended by diplomats, international organisation representatives, Metropolitan Arsenios and Exarch of Hungary and Middle Europe and leaders of the Greek community.