In conjunction with the celebration of 200 years since the founding of Hermoupoli, honoring the past and highlighting the timeless value of art as a bridge between generations, the Ano Syros festival – with the general title “10 years of ΑΝΩ – 200 years of Hermoupoli” – the anniversary event will present an enriched program of high standards, with the participation of distinguished artists of international renown, concerts, educational activities, and artistic collaborations that highlight the richness and timeless value of musical creation. The ΑΝΩ Festival continues to consistently serve its goal of promoting organ music, artistic excellence, and cultural outreach.
With respect for the history and unique cultural footprint of Syros, “ΑΝΩ” contributes significantly to promoting the island’s unique identity, while strengthening its international character and its position on the European cultural map. This 10th anniversary is not only an occasion to look back at the festival’s successful course but also a starting point for new creative perspectives, focusing on music, education, and culture.
This year, the Festival’s artistic direction is once again undertaken by the internationally recognized Greek conductor Stefanos Tsialis. The “soul” of the festival’s organization is its executive director, Charis Vekris, who for a year, from the end of the previous festival until the start of the new one, takes care of all the big and small details, together with worthy collaborators and many volunteers.
For 2026, the Festival will take place from Monday, August 17, to Sunday, August 23. Especially for this year’s 10th anniversary, it is not limited – as in previous years – to the historic Holy Church of Saint George in ΑΝΩ Syros, with the oldest organ in Greece, but also holds events in the emblematic Holy Church of Saint Nicholas in Hermoupoli, as well as in the unique Apollon Municipal Theatre.
Internationally renowned foreign artists, Greek musicians, and collaborating scholars will contribute to the presentation of a unique Festival, with free admission for the public, and all events taking place at 8 PM. Specifically:
Monday 17/8: The world-renowned organist of Notre Dame de Paris, Olivier Latry, will present a unique organ recital. (St. George)
Tuesday 18/8: A musical encounter of two religious traditions, Catholic and Orthodox, with works for harmonium, piano, and choir. Participating are the choirs of the Holy Churches of Evangelistria and Saint Nicholas of Hermoupoli. (St. Nicholas)
Wednesday 19/8: Works for organ and voice with new generation talents. Featuring soprano Vivi Sykioti, pianist Savvas Sousamidis, and actress Melia Krailing, who will describe the important role of Syros in literature and art in general. We do not forget that Syros produced Roidis, Souris, Vikelas, Bastias, while Karagatsis’ “The Great Chimera” is set in Episkopeio. (Ag. Georgios)
Friday 21/8: The concert is titled “From Ludwig van Beethoven to Louis Spinelli” and includes compositions for orchestra and piano, with the participation of soprano Vivi Sykioti, as well as a lecture on “Syrian composers of the 19th century.” Participating is the 20-member youth orchestra from Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic, the ΑΝΩ Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Stefanos Tsialis. Also participating are Polish pianist Krzysztof Wiercinski and the Director of the Research and Documentation Center of the Athens Conservatory, Stella Kourmpana. (Apollon Theater)
Sunday 23/8: This year’s closing of the 10th Festival belongs to a large, historic choir from France, Île-de-France, under the direction of Pierre-Louis de Laporte, with the distinguished Czech organ soloist, Petr Kolář. (St. George)
And as every year, this year I will have the pleasure and honor to introduce all five evenings of this historic Festival.
