The “Mixed Choir of Karditsa: ‘Parenthesis‘” began its activities in February 2023 and operates under the auspices of the Municipal Conservatory of Karditsa. It is a collaborative group aimed at uniting people with an interest in choral music from the wider Karditsa area. The goal is to organize events that provide a distinct cultural mark of collaboration within and beyond the city’s limits, fostering an outward-looking spirit and interaction with other musical groups and associations. It consists of approximately fifty-five members, including choir singers who are both music teachers and professionals from various fields within the city who love choral singing. So far, it has made several appearances in Karditsa, leaving an excellent impression, as well as participating in the Choir Festivals of Naousa and Katerini. Its latest appearance was at the opening of the 56th International Festival of Culture – Karaiskakia 2024 in the city of Karditsa.

The choir is conducted by Eleni Pritsa and Michalis Zachartzis, with piano accompaniment by piano teachers Giota Karagianni and Peggy Kotouza. The name “Parenthesis” was inspired by the parenthesis symbol as depicted in the lyrics of poet-musician Christos Diamantis. The parenthesis symbol offers space for thought, interpretation, emotion, and opinion. This symbol is used in the poetry and music of Christos Diamantis, who left us too soon and was one of the first members of the choral ensemble who believed in its creation. In his memory, the parenthesis symbol, which refers to his verse: “…here lies the fundamental difference between stasis/motion (within time)…” Christos Diamantis, Simplicity, p.13, is utilized, believing that movement symbolizes freedom, future, change, and rhythm.