Artistic Direction
To design the musical program, Pavlos Martinis sought the guidance of two distinguished music educators: Ms. Maria Kanatsouli, Director of the National Conservatory of Chalandri, and Ms. Tina Konstantinidou, piano instructor. With their invaluable support—and the contribution of Panos & Cressida 4 Life—a group of talented young artists came together, warmly embracing the cause. They will bring the stage to life, filling the hall with enchanting sounds through song, piano, and strings.
The heart of the National Conservatory of Chalandri has been beating in this beautiful suburb since 1942. At a time when lush gardens surrounded the area, and the scent of orange and lemon trees filled the air—while the clouds of war cast a shadow over the Greek sky—a melody of hope, love, and peace echoed forth from the voices of children’s choirs and the nimble fingers of young violinists, pianists, and flutists. Since then, those melodies have grown in number, continuously flowing from the classrooms of the National Conservatory of Chalandri. Today, 83 years later, within its two three-story buildings, the scientific study of music has become a joyful journey of learning—an asset for a strong professional career, a space for artistic distinction, and a path to creative fulfillment.
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At the National Conservatory of Chalandri, all instruments are taught: Classical, Traditional, and Modern instruments, as well as Classical and Contemporary Singing, Melodrama, Advanced Music Theory, Art History and Computer Music Studies.
The Aspasia Kanatsouli Children's and Mixed Choir, along with the String Ensemble, are key groups through which young musicians develop both their artistry and professionalism. These ensembles serve as creative spaces where young people can express themselves, cultivate their sensitivity, and nurture their creativity within an environment of inspiration and productive competition. Participation in the choirs and string ensemble is open to all interested youth.
The National Conservatory of Chalandri organizes masterclasses led by distinguished artists and educators from top music institutions across Europe and the United States, with the goal of offering students a well-rounded and high-quality artistic education. Performances, recitals, and concerts held at prestigious venues — such as the Athens Concert Hall, the Athens College Theater, the Euripides Theater of the Municipality of Chalandri, the A.C.S. Theater, and the DAIS Cultural Center — provide young students with valuable opportunities to begin a promising artistic journey.
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Mrs. Maria Kanatsouli-Papadiamanti was born in Athens and began studying piano at the age of 4 at the National Conservatory of Chalandri. At 13, she earned her Diploma, and in 1969 she was awarded the Advanced Diploma with the highest distinction, First Prize, and Honours Award.
With a scholarship from the French government, she studied in Paris and graduated with honors from both the École Normale and the Conservatoire Européen. She has given recitals across Europe, Russia, the United States, and Mexico, has collaborated with Oxford Pro Musica, and was awarded the Gold Medal of the city of Monterrey. She has recorded for the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) and for various European radio and television networks. Since 1981, she has served as the Director of the National Conservatory of Halandri and has awarded dozens of Diplomas and Certificates. She is a professor at the École Normale de Musique de Paris and serves on the juries of international competitions. She has been honored by the Hellenic Parliament, the Municipality of Halandri, and the Gina Bachauer Association.
Ms. Tina Konstantinidou studied in the advanced piano class of Mrs. Maria Kanatsouli-Papadiamanti and subsequently continued her studies at the Conservatoire de Genève. After completing her studies, she returned to Greece with the aim of dedicating herself to teaching and nurturing the next generation of pianists. Over her long teaching career, she has taught hundreds of students, sharing her knowledge and deep passion for music. For the past 20 years, she has collaborated with ABRSM, the internationally recognized music education system of the United Kingdom, serving as its official representative in Greece.
