ABSTRACT
During the occupation of Athens by the Axis powers between 1941 and 1944, musical life in the Greek capital experienced many changes, the most significant being the transformation of the Athens Conservatoire Orchestra into the State Orchestra of Athens, and the establishment of the Greek National Opera as an individual entity. As a result of these developments, there was a resurgence of musical activity focusing not only on German repertoire but also on the accommodation of some new works by Greek composers. On the other hand, the resistance movement played a significant role in challenging the status quo within established music ensembles, and there were even some instances of deliberate sabotage of musical events. This chapter examines the ways in which the German occupiers tried to influence the musical scene in Athens and the extent to which the Resistance managed to subvert concert and operatic life during such a troubled and turbulent period.
