Christos Genate – André Rieu & Christina Petrou

#AndreRieu #ChristinaPetrou #ChristosGenate #JohannStraussOrchestra #GreekChristmas #Maastricht2025 #Kalanta

#ΧριστόςΓεννάται (Greek for Christ is Born)

#Kalanda #Κάλαντα

#GreekTraditions #GreekMusic #Bouzouki

#ByzantineMusic #VisitGreece #GreekHeritage

#ChristmasInMaastricht #ChristmasConcert2025 #MerryChristmasWithAndreRieu

#ClassicalChristmas #ChristmasCarols #HolidaySpirit

#ChristmasWaltz #FestiveVibes #TraditionalChristmas

"Christos Genate" (Greek: *Χριστός Γεννάται**) is a performance of traditional Greek Christmas carols (Kalanda) by the world-renowned violinist **André Rieu* and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, featuring the Greek soprano **Christina Petrou**.

The performance gained significant attention during Rieu's "Christmas in Maastricht" concert series in late 2025. Here is a description of the performance and its cultural context:

André Rieu introduces the song with his signature warmth and humor. He explains the Greek tradition of **Kalanda**, where children go from door to door on Christmas morning singing carols in exchange for sweets or small amounts of money. He playfully compares this to Halloween in the U.S. or St. Martin’s Day in Germany, joking that he has a Greek soprano in his choir, Christina Petrou, who "also likes sweets."

*Musical Style:* The arrangement blends the classical elegance of the Johann Strauss Orchestra with traditional Greek elements, notably featuring the **bouzouki**.
*The Vocalist:* Christina Petrou, a regular member of Rieu's choir and a talented soprano, takes center stage to deliver a joyful and authentic rendition of the carols.
*Atmosphere:* The performance is characterized by a festive, communal atmosphere, often encouraging the audience to clap along to the rhythmic "kalanthisti" (caroling) beat.

---

Meaning of "Christos Genate"

The title translates to *"Christ is Born."* The lyrics are based on the traditional Byzantine-influenced Christmas carols sung across Greece.

| Greek Phrase | Transliteration | English Translation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *Χριστός γεννάται σήμερον* | Christos gennatai simeron | Christ is born today |
| *εν Βηθλεέμ τη πόλει* | en Vithleem ti polei | In the city of Bethlehem |
| *οι ουρανοί αγάλλονται* | oi ouranoi agallontai | The heavens rejoice |
| *χαίρει η φύσις όλη* | chairei i fysis oli | All of nature is glad |

About Christina Petrou

Christina Petrou is a Greek soprano who joined André Rieu’s Johann Strauss Orchestra in 2017. She has become a fan favorite for her versatile voice and her ability to bring Greek musical heritage to Rieu’s international stage, having previously performed songs like "Ta Pedia Tou Pirea" (Never on Sunday) with the orchestra.

---

*Would you like me to find the full lyrics for this version of the carols, or perhaps more information on the other Greek songs Christina Petrou has performed with the orchestra?*