Greek Evening

Massimo Polidori – violoncello

Massimo Polidori is internationally recognized as the Principal Cellist of Teatro alla Scala in Milan, a position he won at the age of thirty as he was hand-picked by Riccardo Mutti under his musical direction. He is also the co-founder of the acclaimed  Trio “Johannes” and the re-founder of the Quartetto d’Archi della Scala,  alongside the

concertmaster of La Scala Francesco Manara, ensembles that have achieved major international recognition, including performances at Carnegie Hall and awards such as the Osaka Award, Premio Trio di Trieste and the Premio di Eccellenza from the Asociación de Críticos Musicales de Argentina. Before joining Teatro alla Scala, he served for five years as Principal Cellist of Camerata Bern, performing extensively throughout Europe and the Americas and recording for labels including Philips, Decca, Berlin Classics, and ECM alongside artists such as Heinz Holliger, András Schiff, and Radu Lupu. Alongside his orchestral career, Polidori has pursued an active international solo and chamber music career, collaborating with major orchestras and ensembles including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Cherubini, Filarmonica della Scala, and Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto.

Born into a family of musicians in Turin, Polidori began his musical studies at the Turin Conservatory and made his solo debut at the age of sixteen performing Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme with the Sofia Chamber Orchestra. After graduating with highest honours in Italy, he continued his studies in Geneva with Daniel Grousgurin, earning the prestigious Premier Prix de Virtuosité and performing Schumann’s Concerto with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.

Theodosia Ntokou-piano

Praised by BBC Music Magazine as “dramatically poised,” “classically aware,” “emotionally supple,” and “refreshing,” Greek pianist Theodosia Ntokou has established a distinguished presence on the international classical music scene. Celebrated for her expressive artistry, refined technique, and compelling stage presence, she captivates audiences in major concert halls around the world. A protégé of the legendary Martha Argerich, with whom she released a highly acclaimed Beethoven album on Warner Music, Theodosia is admired for her rich sound and thoughtful interpretations. Gramophone Magazine noted, “I can see why Argerich is drawn to Ntokou’s playing, for it has a certain freedom and daring.”

She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the China Music Series, an international festival devoted to fostering cultural exchange and promoting the highest standards of classical music. An active chamber musician, she has collaborated with esteemed artists including Martha Argerich, Maxim Vengerov, Steven Isserlis, Gil Shaham, Mischa Maisky, and Daniel Hope, among many others.