The Festival

Seven years of classical creation in the "Noblesse of Cyclades"!

Seven years have passed since the cultural vision of four friends and their love for classical music was streamed towards one of the most beautiful Aegean islands.

For this reason Fotis Karagiannopoulos, Kostas Fotopoulos, George Foufopoulos and the famous violinist Yannos Margaziotis – who is until today the artistic director of Festival- founded the Classical Music Network (CMN), non-profit organisation, and had inaugurated in the "Noblesse of the Cyclades", as the locals call the island of Syros, the 1st International Festival of Classical Music. A festival that will be guested at the Apollo Theater, an architectural masterpiece of the 19th Century with a unique architecture.

"Reviving the musical tradition of the 19th century, the festival offers a unique experience for lovers of classical music. Alongside it is an excellent option for those wishing to combine their sea-and-sun holidays in the capital of the Cyclades with an important cultural event. The purpose of the Festival is to entertain the visitors of Syros, offering a spirit of loyalty and create a harmonious effect" explain the founders of the festival.

The first Festival –as well as the following- had the support of important institutions such as the Olympic Development Secretariat of the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Center of the City of Hermoupolis (capital of Syros island), while the Festival’s logo was executed by the known painter Alekos Fassianos.

Over the 6 previous years the stigma of the festival is now international, while applications by soloists and orchestras for participation in it are beyond all expectations. "... During all this timeIi think that the identity of the festival was strengthened internationally. I think this it is owed mainly due to the special invitations from abroad where each year we realise, enlarging in that way the cooperation and thus creation between Greek and foreign musicians...." explains the artistic director of Festival Yannos Margaziotis.

Thus, the month of August 2011 founds the International Music Festival celebrating its 7th year of life and the most creative until now. The programme includes impressive concerts inaugurating parallel innovative activities,such as the Summer Academy's master classes.

All of the very exciting music events, will be presented in the Apollo Theater of Syros for over ten days during the mildest days of a glorious Greek summer.