It was an absolute success the Grad Music Gala “Hope and Love” of the Association “ELPIDA -Association of Friends of Children with cancer” in cooperation with the Athens Concert Hall and the State Orchestra of Athens, on Friday February 13th 2026 at the packed up Hall “Christos Lamprakis”.
The famous Maestro and Artistic Director of Teatro Massimo of Palermo, Alvise Casellati who is appearing for the first time in Greece has excited the audience in a cooperation of art and solidarity with the Athens State Orchestra.
The President of the Association “ELPIDA -Association of Friends of Children with cancer” has welcomed the thousands of friends of “ELPIDA” at the Athens Concert Hall in order to send a strong message of support to the children with cancer and their families.
The Ministry of Health Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, the Deputy Minister of Health Mr. Marios Themistokleous, the Italian Minister of Reformation and Maestro’s mother Elisabetta Casellati, the Ambassador of Italy Paolo Cuculli, United Kingdom Mathew Lodge, The Netherlands Barbara Van Hellemond, the President of the Athens Concert Hall Mr. Nikos Pimplis, the Artistic Director of Athens Concert Hall Mr. Giannis Vakarelis, the Artistic Director of the Athens State Orchestra Mr. Loukas Karytinos, H.M. the Queen Anna Maria and the Prince Nikolaos with his wife, Mrs. Crysi Vardinoyannis, were present along with representatives from the business, arts, journalism and the Civilians’ Society at this radiant night of Culture and Humanity.
The inspired of high level program, was a hymn to love, with famous arias from beloved operas of Verdi, Puccini, Gounod, Wagner and Rossini. The World known Greek soprano, Christina Poulitsi and the distinguished Italian tenor, Giorgio Berrugi, who accompanied with their voices, their wonderful performance and their talent this unique music journey at the classic music, were warmly applauded from the spectators.
This night was also a night full of emotion and feelings as the Maestro Alvise Casellati has dedicated this night to Marianna Vardinoyannis and asked the audience to observe a minute’s silence to the memory of the unforgettable founder of the Association “ELPIDA” who has dedicated her life at the combat against the Children’s cancer. At the end of the program, the children of “ELPIDA” went up on the stage and offered flowers to the artists while, the audience was warmly applauded the littlie heroes who have sent with their presence the most hopeful message that, we must never give up in our life!
It was a night where the strength of music met the offer converting them to an act of love and support for the children that are fighting for their own lives as all proceeds from the event will be given for the support of the purposes of Association “ELPIDA- Association of Friends of Children with cancer”.
Our warmly thanks to the Athens Concert Hall, the State Orchestra of Athens, sponsors and supporters of the concert and specifically: MOTOR OIL, Intercatering, Flower Shops Drizos and the Athens International Airport for its contribution to the success of the event and the spreading around of its purpose.
