
Eleftherios Chasanidis
Associate Music Director
Eleftherios Chasanidis is the Master Chanter (Protopsaltis) of the National Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York, NY. A dedicated performer, artist, and educator, he serves as an Instructor of Byzantine Chant and Vocal Coach at the School of Byzantine Music of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (SBM), the Associate Music Director of the Sons of Antioch Byzantine Choir, and a professional opera singer.
Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, Eleftherios was immersed in Byzantine music from an early age under the mentorship of his father, Ioannis Chasanidis—a distinguished Master Chanter, pedagogue, and composer. At six, he began studying the violin, later pursuing Violin Performance at the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, while also earning conservatory degrees in Tonal Harmony, Counterpoint, Fugue, and a Diploma in Byzantine Music.
His advanced studies brought him to the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree and an Artist Certificate in Voice Performance from Georgia State University. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate (DMA) in Voice Performance at the University of Georgia, studying under Frederick Burchinal of the Metropolitan Opera.
Since moving to the U.S. in 2016, Eleftherios has performed on major stages across the United States and Europe. In 2023, he made his solo debut at Carnegie Hall. His operatic repertoire includes roles such as Figaro, Gianni Schicchi, Valentin, Guglielmo, Don Basilio, Olin Blitch, Raimondo, and Ottone, as well as the Prophet/King in the European premiere of Nico Muhly’s opera Dark Sisters. His concerto and oratorio performances feature works by Mozart, Handel, Beethoven, Schubert, and contemporary composers such as Nickitas J. Demos.
Recognized for his academic and artistic excellence, Eleftherios has received numerous awards, honors, and scholarships from various organizations. He has collaborated with esteemed institutions, including Cappella Romana, New York University, Trentino Music Festival, Roomful of Teeth, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greek Composers' Union, Greek Consulate of Atlanta, Thessaloniki Concert Hall, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, St. Nicholas National Shrine, UCLA, Mercer University, and Great Music Under a Byzantine Dome, among many others.
In 2024, Eleftherios was elected a member of the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda, the most prestigious honor society for music, recognizing the highest level of musical achievement and academic scholarship since 1918. Additionally, he serves as an Officer (Chanter Liaison) for the Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians of the Archdiocesan District and is a member of the Romanos o Melodos Greek Orthodox Chanters of Greater New York.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Eleftherios preserves the Mount Athos style (yphos) of Byzantine chanting. He composes and adapts Byzantine music from Greek to English, specializes in vocal training for chanters, and is deeply committed to teaching and preserving the intricate techniques of this ancient art form.