Music Festival
19-24 Nov 2024
Artistic Directors: Asi Matathias & Tosca Opdam
A week of world class chamber music and musical activities that takes place each year at the historic Apollon Theater in the capital of the Cycladic Islands: Syros, Greece
Program of the Syros International Music Festival 2024
The Syros International Music Festival contains a week of world class chamber music and musical activities that takes place at the historic Apollon Theater in the capital of the Cycladic Islands: Syros, Greece.
The Festival has been conceived and is directed by violinists Asi Matathias and Tosca Opdam and it will consist of a week of captivating music making and chamber concerts that will feature some of the most sought after international soloists.
The historic Pinakothiki, the ancient harbour house of Syros, will also host during that week a curated exhibition of local cycladic arts.
We hope you join us at the theatre and become a part of our musical family!
The Festival concerts at Apollon Theater
Tickets in all categories may be purchased on ticketservices.gr .
Program
Special offer for 5 Concert Package
We take care of providing you with a category one ticket for each concert of the Festival. This package also gives you access to exclusive advantages.
Artists
Canadian Juno award winning cellist Amanda Forsyth is considered among her peers and critics alike to be one of the most dynamic cellists on the concert stage today. Ms. Forsyth has appeared with the Royal Philharmonic, Orchestra Radio de France and the Israel Philharmonic conducted by Valery Gergiev, Zubin Mehta to name but a few.As a founding member of the Zukerman ChamberPlayers, Amanda Forsyth has performed in the worlds greatest stages.
With a celebrated career encompassing five decades, Pinchas Zukerman reigns as one of today's most sought after and versatile musicians - violin and viola soloist, conductor, and chamber musician. He is renowned as a virtuoso, admired for the expressive lyricism of his playing, singular beauty of tone, and impeccable musicianship, which can be heard throughout his discography of over 100 albums for which he gained two Grammy® awards and 21 nominations.
Recent highlights include performances with the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Hailed by the New York Times as "an attractive, engaging presence on stage," violist Ori Kam has performed with the National Symphony at the in Washington DC, the New Jersey Symphony and Sinfonia Varsovia. As an avid performer of chamber music, Mr. Kam is the violist of the world renown Jerusalem String Quartet.
Violinist Asi Matathias is already recognized as one of the most celebrated talents of his generation. He made his debut at the age of 14 with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Mehta, displaying a musical maturity and inspiration far beyond his years. Since then, he has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras across the globe with such conductors as Eliahu Inbal, Yoel Levi, Lahav Shani, Darrell Ang, Dan Ettinger, Eduard Topchjan, Leon Botstein and Frederic Chaslin.
Mr. Matathias has recorded for the BBC, CBC, WQXR, IBA and ORF. He is a frequent recitalist and has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, the US, South America and Israel, in foremost venues like Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, Zankel Hall and Weil Recital Hall, 92nd Street Y in New York, Berlin Philharmonie, Izumy Hall in Japan, Liederhalle in Stuttgart, Bronfman Auditorium in Tel-Aviv, Harbin Opera House and The National Arts Center in Canada.
As an enthusiastic chamber musician, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Yefim
Bronfman, Nikolaj Znaider, Pinchas Zukerman, Renaud Capucon, Nobuko Imai and Frans Helmerson.
He has played in Festivals such as the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival, Pietrasanta In Concerto in Italy, The Con Anima Festival in Austria, the Vienna Bezirk Wochen Festspiele, the Israel Festival, Busan Maru International Music Festival in Korea, Prussia Cove in England and other festivals around the world.
Mr. Matathias began playing the violin when he was six years old. In Israel, he studied with Chaim Taub, and became the youngest student to be enrolled at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna. He also studied with violinists Aaron Rosand and the late David Nadien.
Matathias was awarded the 2017 career grant from “Salon de Virtuosi” in New York. He was also awarded a diploma of excellence and has been supported by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation since 1997.
Matathias earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, where he was a long time student of Pinchas Zukerman and his teaching associate Patinka Kopec.
Asi Matathias plays on a rare Antonio Stradivari Violin from 1695.
Praised for her ‘ravishingly poetic playing’(BBC Music Magazine) Dutch violinist Tosca Opdam has captivated audiences and critics alike with her luminously elegant performances.
She first made headlines when she won the prestigious Oskar Back Violin Competition at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam which lead to many engagements as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician including sold out solo recitals at the Concertgebouw and Carnegie Hall.Performances have taken her all over Europe, the US, South America, Canada and Asia. As a soloist, Tosca has collaborated with orchestras like the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen, the Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie Konstanz and has worked with conductors such as Marc Albrecht, Annedore Neufeld and Matthew Rowe.
Gabriel Schwabe is a laureate of three of the world‘s most prestigious cello competitions: the Grand Prix Emanuel Feuermann in Berlin, the Concours Rostropovich in Paris and the Pierre Fournier Award in London. As a soloist he has worked with important orchestras such as the London Philharmonia and the Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin with conductors such as Marek Janowski and Dennis Russell-Davies.
Victor Stanislavsky is hailed as one of the most outstanding young Israeli pianists today. His international career has taken him to many countries in Europe, north and south America, China, South Korea and Australia.Mr. Stanislavsky has performed in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and the 92Y in New-York, Berlin Philharmonie and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to name but a few.He has won more than 13 top prizes and awards in competitions in Italy, Andorra, China, U.S and Israel.
Born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgian pianist Nino Gvetadze leads an active international music life as a soloist and a chamber musician. Her performances have been praised by many critics throughout the Europe and Asia. Nino received various awards, the most important were the Second Prize, Press Prize and Audience Award at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition 2008.
She became the winner of prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award in 2010.Nino Gvetadze has performed with many outstanding conductors such as Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Klaus Mäkelä with orchestras such as the Rotterdam, Brussels and Warsaw Philharmonics amongst others.
The renowned croatian clarinetist Marija Pavlovic was born in Dubrovnik. Her path took her beyond the borders of Croatia, and the desire to further her development opened the way to an international career.Marija is the recipient of numerous awards that include the annual prize of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and the PBZ American Express prize for the most successful young musician of the year.In 2018 she became "Artist in Residence" in the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and artistic leader of chamber music festival "Stradun Classic"
The Apollon Theater
160 years of Ηistory
The Apollon Municipal Theater is a symbol of Hermoupolis, inextricably linked to its history. The city, founded by refugees, was a social, economic and architectural miracle of the 19th century with remarkable cultural movement and creative refulgence.
Unique Master Classes on Syros during the Festival
Experience the magic of music-making up close with our Masterclasses. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to look 'behind the scenes' and witness the artistry and dedication that go into each performance.
Join us as talented musicians and renowned instructors come together, allowing you to observe the creative process, from the refinement of technique to the interpretation of musical expression. Whether you're a budding musician, an avid music lover, or simply curious about the inner workings of an ensemble, these sessions provide a captivating glimpse into the world of professional music preparation.
Masterclass
Open Rehearsals
During our Open Rehearsals, audiences are invited to observe as the ensemble fine-tunes their performances. Watch the musicians collaborate, experiment, and refine their interpretations, bringing the music to life in real-time. It’s an intimate and insightful experience that showcases the nuances and details that often go unnoticed in a formal performance setting.
Open rehearsal times will be available at the the Syros Apollon theater box office.
Activities During the Festival
Pinakothiki
The festivals’ space for artistic ‘get togethers’
The Pinakothiki, the historic old Port, will function as an artistic get-together during the whole festival. Its gallery space will feature an exhibition consisting amongst others of artefacts from the soon-to-be-opened Geological Museum led by the renowned Swiss geologist Martin Engi, as well as artwork by artists from and around the Island.
Free admission
Geopaths
Discover the natural side of Syros
A rare opportunity to enjoy a hike along some of the most beautiful and geologically unique sights on Syros Island guided by renowned Swiss geologist Martin Engi.
Free admission
Historical museum of Hermoupolis
In the halls of this neoclassical building from the 19th century, visitors embark on a journey through the history and culture of Ermoupolis. They learn about the importance of this city and its role in shaping the Greek nation and state, come into contact with another era and aesthetic, and discern impressive details and elements.
Upon Request
Morning coffee with composer Todd Mason
Have a morning coffee at Plastico Gallery with Los Angeles based composer in residence Todd Mason whose piece will be premiered by pianist Victor Stanislavsky.
Upon request
Cooking class with a Greek chef
Discover how rich the Greek culinary tradition is and discover authentic recipes rarely found in restaurants
Upon request
Tickets and exclusive events
- Exclusive access to the festival's pre-sale ticket service by phone and online : booking the best seats (Categories 1 and 2) 15 days before official public ticket service opens
- Complimentary tickets for the Gala
- Exclusive access to private concert at Residence 1860 Neoclassical house in Ermoupolis.
Exclusive Supporters events
- Exclusive access to the supporters bar
- Invitation to private cocktail party
- Exclusive access to welcome dinner with artists
Working sessions and Masterclasses
- Priority access to short open rehearsals
- Academy: priority entry to masterclasses
- Meeting with the masterclass teachers and students
Concierge service
Concierge service for all your needs on the island :
- Car rental
- Tour guide upon request
- Restaurant booking and more
How to get to Syros
Syros is easily accessible by plane or ferry from Athens. The island, as the capital of the Cyclades, is also connected with many other islands in the Aegean.
Flights
Syros has a national airport that connects the island with the International Airport of Athens. It is not possible to fly to the island from any other airport in Greece or abroad. The airport is located only 3 kilometers from Ermoupolis and can be reached by taxi or private means of transport.
Ferry
From Athens airport travelers can easily take an airport taxi direct to the Piraeus Harbor for the ferry to Syros.
Please note :
There are daily ferries between Syros and Athens leaving Athens at 7:30AM and 5:30PM to Syros and leaving Syros at 4:00PM to Athens. Tickets will be open for sale on the Blue Star Ferries website and on ferryhopper.com in a few days.
Festival Hotels on Syros
Festival hotels are specially open for our guests during the dates of the festival. Please contact the following festival hotels directly and mention you are booking for the festival.
Payment policy
A prepayment of 50% of the total rate is required upon confirmation. The remaining 50% is due seven days before your arrival.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations can be made free of charge up to seven days before your arrival. If you cancel within seven days of your arrival, a cancellation fee of 100% of the total rate will apply. In the event of a no-show, the cancellation fee will also be 100% of the total rate.