My involvement with the Festival, my joy, is to introduce and comment on the concerts. As I do in my broadcasts (for 38 years now), with a few simple words and historical facts, I present the small stories related to the music heard each time. This way, the diverse audience that attends knows what they are listening to. My direct communication with the viewers/listeners reveals to me how cultured the audience in Syros is, an audience that craves good music, even if I wouldn’t call it ‘easy’.
How it started
Over the years, we went through a major economic crisis and a pandemic, but we stood strong. I believe there were two motivations for creating this unique Greek Festival: First, the utilization of the oldest church organ in our country, a relatively small Italian organ from 1888, after it was restored, tuned, and functioned satisfactorily in Agios Georgios. Second, it was the promotion of the medieval settlement of Ano Syros, where many young people, mainly students, volunteer to guide visitors. All these were successful choices by the Festival’s executive director, Mr. Charis Vekris, who dedicates half his life to the festival and his island, the ‘Lady of the Cyclades’.
The Musicians
In the early years, Greek musicians, mainly organists, such as Christos Paraskevopoulos, stood out. Urania Gkasiou and Eleni Keventsidou, who is participating again this year, also had a distinctive Greek presence. The participation of foreign musicians is also abundant. Many wish and ask to play this historic instrument, and many have come from abroad to play it: Germans, Italians, Czechs, Poles.
I would single out the participation of the Italian Vatican organist, during the time of the previous Pope, organist Gianluca Libertucci, who enchanted us with his virtuosity and expressiveness. Don’t forget that this instrument, due to its age, has many difficulties with the keyboard and registers, and it is not easy for a musician to play. It lacks modern technological advancements, but despite all this, it is enchanting.
Contributors and Collaborators
It is our pleasure and honor to have the distinguished, international conductor, Stefanos Tsialis, as our artistic director, who guides, suggests, and often conducts with great love. I mentioned earlier the executive director, the soul of the Festival, Mr. Charis Vekris. However, there are many others who, as unsung heroes, voluntarily contribute to the Festival. Obviously, inviting and hosting foreign and Greek musicians in Syros in mid-summer is a complex process, made even more difficult by tourism.
The Response
The public’s response is impressive! I should clarify that I personally have no ancestral connection to Syros, and until a few years ago, I had never even visited it! What I saw, however, and what is known to all who have visited the island, is that the people there have culture, with roots centuries old.
Let’s not forget that the opera house, the Apollo Theater, opened in 1864, 161 years ago!
Audience attendance is impressively high. Those who attend brave the walk required in the heat to reach Agios Georgios. Everyone’s enjoyment is evident, which is why they ask us to add more musical evenings.
Finally, I should mention that our audience also includes many foreigners who are on the island at that time. In fact, for them, we have provided English surtitles.
Repertoire
Admittedly, the organ repertoire is challenging. Beyond the well-known composers and their works (e.g., Bach), there is a rare repertoire extending from Baroque to the present day, largely unknown to the general public. But in addition to these, the ANO Festival also features other genres, such as film music, musicals, transcriptions, and contemporary creations.
This year, for example, the two Polish musicians on the 1st evening – Monday, August 18, organ and trumpet – will play, among other things, “Caruso” and the music from the film “Christopher Columbus.” On the 2nd evening, Wednesday, August 20, Eleni Keventsidou with soprano Christina Asimakopoulou will perform “West Side Story.” On the 3rd and final evening, the youth orchestra “ANO Festival Orchestra,” under conductor Nikos Chaliasas, will be joined by the multi-award-winning 15-year-old violinist Nikolia Garoufalidou.
This Year’s Tributes: Mikis & Manos
In our country, all music lovers, of whatever genre, are honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of our two great composers this year: Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis. Thus, some of the countless musical creations of these two artists will also be heard at this year’s ANO Festival.
We invite everyone, if possible, to come to Syros and attend this unique Festival in person, as always with free admission. If so, then we will have the opportunity to meet and chat. If you can’t make it, then watch the musical evenings live on the Festival’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
INFORMATION
9th International Organ Festival ANO
Ano Syros August 18-23, 2025 (MON-WED-SAT)
https://anofestival.gr
