New York, NY His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, recently announced the establishment of an Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir and encouraged the full participation of area parochial and afternoon schools.
Following a meeting with the organizing committee on Jan. 30th, the Feast Day of the Three Hierarchs and celebration of Greek Letters, His Eminence expressed his enthusiasm for the formation of the Metropolitan Youth Choir and was satisfied that the financial means were available for its establishment.
The Youth Choir will be composed of students from the community day and afternoon schools in the Metropolitan area. Ms. Maria Koleva, who has been appointed as the choir director, is a graduate from the Vienna Musical Academy and the Tchaikovsky State Academy of Music, Moscow and has extensive experience in teaching, music, piano and conducting.
Created with the Archbishops approval and initiative of Maria Makedon, Acting Director of the Office of Education, the Choir will meet at the Hellenic Cultural Center of the Archdiocese in Astoria, NY. Committee members include:
Honorary Chairman: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America; Ex-Officio Members: Bishop Vikentios of Apameia, Director, Hellenic Cultural Center; Maria Makedon, Executive Board: Panikos Papanikolaou, chairman; Georgia Kaloidis, vice chairman; James Yeannakopoulos, secretary; Zoe Koutsoupakis, treasurer; Board Members: Peter Krekoukis, Elias Kulukundis, Dr. George Melikokis, Nikos Paphitis; Choir Director, Maria Koleva, Administrative Assistant, Athanasia Filiou.