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Scholar George Petrou, conductor and director of the Kamerata Orchestra from 2012 onwards, received honors from the Republic of France on 8 February 2017. He was bestowed the rank of Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres at a special event held at the Institut Français by Mikaël Hautchamp, Cooperation and Educational Activities Advisor, and director of the Institut Français d'Athènes. The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres rewards all those who stand out for their work in the field of the arts or letters, or for their contribution to showcasing the letters and the arts in France and the rest of the world.
George Petrou studied piano at the Athens Conservatoire graduating with cum lauda and first prize, and continued his studies at the Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music in London, with scholarships from both the Royal Academy and the Onassis Foundation. He completed his studies with a M.Mus from the University of London.
As a conductor, he has shown a particular penchant for the baroque repertories, with an emphasis on historical performance practices and opera. He has led the Kamerata Orchestra in new productions in Greece primarily, as well as numerous performances in France in large venues such as the Royal Opera of Versailles, Nice Opera house and the Théâtre des Champs Elysées to name a few.
He has also made recordings that have garnered international critical acclaim and has won numerous prizes in international competitions such as the 1998 New Artist Prize from the Union of Greek Theatre and Music Critics, and the International Sebetia-Ter Prize in Naples, Italy.
