Syros Strums its Way into Your Heart with Guitar Fest

It’s all things guitar on the Cycladic island of Syros next week when the 23rd Hermoupolis Guitar Festival kicks off July 25-29 bringing some of the finest soloists from across the globe to the island’s capital.

Featuring everything from solo, chamber and classical music performances to rebetika, blues and French chanson accompanied by master classes, competitions and parties, the annual guitar extravaganza promises to keep islanders and visitors entranced by the tune of the guitar all over the town. 

The event, held annually, aims to bring together musicians, teachers and students in an open celebration of music where they can combine holidays and hobby while exchanging know-how and sharing ideas through active participation in seminars, competitions and music ensembles. The 13th International Guitar Competition for three age categories will also be held on the sidelines of the event.  

Guitarist Daniel Marx

The 23rd Hermoupolis Guitar Festival, open to amateur and professional guitarists of all ages, will also include a guitar orchestra workshop. Other events include a tribute to the great Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis at the Apollo Theater on July 25, as well as last year’s winner, German soloist Daniel Marx in works by Paganini, Scarlatti, Piazzolla and Zamboni. Austria’s Julia Malischnig will perform in a recital at the Art Gallery of the Cyclades on July 26, while on July 27 at the Metamorfosi Chapel the blues meet the rebetiko with Armenian virtuoso Hrach Altunyan and instrumentalist Dionysis Katinakis.

The event comes to a close on July 28 at the Art Gallery of the Cyclades with a guitar “panorama” featuring the winners of this year’s competitions.

For more click your way to the 23rd Hermoupolis Guitar Festival. Admission to all recitals is free. Concerts start at 9pm.