Conductor Eleni Papakyriakou and the strings of the “Sinfonietta Passau” performed with great sensitivity and at a high standard, rendering transitions and ritardandos convincingly and bringing the various characters of the movements vividly to life. [O. Respighi “Antiche danze ed arie, Suite No. 3”]

In Tchaikovsky’s “Rococo” Variations for cello and chamber orchestra, too, the “Sinfonietta” under Papakyriakou demonstrated an excellent eye for detail – for instance in the horn solo of the introduction, the lively dialogues between the woodwinds and the solo part, and the subtly executed accompanying passages.

Under the precise, pulsating baton of conductor Eleni Papakyriakou, [Philipp Ortmeier’s Symphony No. 1] ‘Nostalgia’ is brought to life. The founder guides her orchestra through the score with a sure sense of tempo and brings out the various timbres. Hats off to the oboists!

What a magnificent start to Vilshofen's anniversary year. The premiere of the “Hymn to Vilshofen,” composed by regional cantor Martin Bender, greatly enriched the 40th Vilshofen New Year's Concert. The performance by the “Sinfonietta Passau” symphony orchestra, conducted by Eleni Papakyriakou, was a revelation in itself.

The horns shine in the third movement of Beethoven's 8th Symphony and also show their delicate side in an idyllic middle section. In the symphony, the orchestra is particularly impressive in the last movement with its joyful playing and powerful interpretation. With this performance, the Sinfonietta Passau and Papakyriakou further establish themselves as guarantors of concerts that are a joy to listen to.

The interaction with the orchestra is brilliant, also because the orchestra itself is alert, never switches off and is characterised by great unity. This is impressively demonstrated by the winds in Saint-Saëns or in Sibelius' Symphony No. 3: not only are the entries themselves homogeneous, but also the mutual decrescendo after the accent. Papakyriakou's sense of detail is exemplary here, the sum of which results in a wonderfully balanced and rounded orchestral sound.

Here [Sibelius Symphony No. 3], Eleni Papakyriakou focusses entirely on the composer's concentrated expressive will. She guides the musicians smoothly and clearly through the orchestration, energetically demands the increasing rhythmic tempo and finely works out the interplay of the changing motifs and fragments. The symphony ends exhilaratingly and hymn-like.

The Sinfonietta produced a sound that, for all its well-rehearsed precision, sounded free and invigorating. And this natural music-making characterised the evening to the complete satisfaction of the audience.

Eleni Papakyriakou opted for a transparent orchestral sound in the “Eroica”, which is not at all easy given the diversity of the movements. The motivic triad, the strongly rhythmic and dance-like quality of the first movement were thrilling, as were the precise, rapid tutti beats. 

The “Funeral March” was touching with its colorful, shimmering emotions, which ended in the consolation of an oboe that was wonderfully played in the concert. In the third movement, the agile conductor proved – once again – how well she holds the orchestra together. The Sinfonietta followed her fast beats as well as her pianissimo, with perfect performance also from the nobly rising horns.

The finale was intoxicating and powerful. Here the conductor sets the pace for the sumptuous abundance and apparent creative freedom. What she got out of the orchestra! Chapeau!

The orchestra not only serves up a very alert and present sound, it also knows exactly what musical message the conductor wants to hear from it in every phrase. Eleni Papakyriakou has worked through Beethoven's score [Eroica] deeply and clearly and implemented her ideas for concert practice precisely in time. The cellos flow, the violins model a yearning, the woodwinds accelerate imperceptibly, the string tutti brings this unbridled touch of madness, the brass sets merciless blows, cellos and double basses capture everything in a small mystical wave.

Great musical sensitivity - The conductor succeeds in making the sound layers in this monumental work [Bruckner's 7th Symphony] audible in a finely nuanced way. The musicians follow her meticulously. Papakyriakou's gripping conducting style, paired with precision and temperament, is just the right dose to keep the large ensemble together.

The conductor masters the large orchestra with clear gestures and great calm. She takes the pauses seriously and makes them wonderfully fitting in the room.

Eleni Papakyriakou enthused around 600 visitors to standing ovations with Anton Bruckner's 4th Symphony.

Sinfonietta Passau is a tremendous achievement of a single artistic personality, a giant step for the region´s cultural scene and a clear statement of an exciting young conductor to the classical music world.

Eleni Papakyriakou has the skills to advance to the first league of the female conductors in Germany!

So it's no surprise that she [Eleni Papakyriakou] masterfully handles the rich orchestral colors and tonal textures of the score, while expressing an emotional depth and poignancy.

(Passauer Neue Presse, Rabenstein Kultur Blog, O-Ton Kulturmagazin, Straubinger Tagblatt)