One of Greece's most important cultural icons, the Athens Camerata classical orchestra, has been disbanded after three decades over unpaid debts, the government said.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni told parliament late Monday that the orchestra's musicians and administrative staff can apply for transfer to other state cultural institutions.
"The Camerata was a very important orchestra... it is a brand that we will reactivate. But the liquidation had to be carried out," the minister said.
Founded in 1991, the Camerata in its heyday boasted famed English conductor Sir Neville Mariner as its artistic director, and performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals.
It had also collaborated with renowned conductors and soloists including Yehudi Menuhin, Mstislav Rostropovich and John Williams.
The orchestra suffered from state funding cuts from 2010 onwards during the Greek economic crisis. Its board had resigned in 2015 over unpaid tax and social insurance contributions, but its musicians continued to perform until last month.
