The Samos Young Artists Festival, now in its 14th year, transformed the ancient theatre of Pythagorion in Samos into a vibrant stage where the world’s most promising young musicians and renowned artists converge. This annual event has become a beacon of cultural exchange, bringing together talent from across the globe to perform in a setting that is as awe-inspiring as the performances themselves.
A Historic Venue with a Global Stage
The ancient theatre of Pythagorion, with its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the distant shores of Turkey, provides a unique and historical backdrop for the festival. As the closest meeting point between Europe and Asia, this venue is not only a symbol of cultural exchange but also a bridge between different worlds, much like the music performed within its ancient walls.
An Unforgettable Opening
This year's festival was inaugurated by the Schwarz Foundation and partners, with a stunning performance by Cyrille Aimée, the winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival. Her enchanting voice set the tone for what promises to be an extraordinary week of music, blending the old with the new, the traditional with the innovative.
The Star of the Festival: Leonidas Kavakos
One of the most anticipated performances of the festival is by Leonidas Kavakos, a Greek virtuoso whose mastery of the violin has captivated audiences worldwide. Kavakos is not just a musician but a storyteller, weaving narratives with his instrument that resonate deeply with his listeners. His presence at the Samos Young Artists Festival is a testament to the event's growing significance in the world of classical music.
A World Premiere by Adrian Wong
For the first time in the festival's history, the audience will witness the world premiere of a piece composed specifically for this event. Adrian Wong, a talented composer from the Curtis Institute of Music, spent a month in Samos under a scholarship from the Schwarz Foundation and the Curtis Institute. His time on the island inspired a composition that reflects the beauty and history of Samos, making this premiere a highlight of the festival.
A Week of Diverse Musical Performances
The Samos Young Artists Festival is renowned for its eclectic mix of performances, and this year is no exception. The festival offers a rich program that spans a variety of genres and styles, ensuring that there is something for every music lover.
Tuesday, August 6 – Jazz Night: à Fleur de Peau
Performers: Cyrille Aimée (voice), Mathis Picard (piano), Matteo Bortone (bass), Yoann Serra (drums)
A night dedicated to jazz, with Cyrille Aimée leading a captivating performance that combines deep emotion with technical mastery.
Wednesday, August 7 – Enchanting Melodies
Program: Prokofiev, Webern, Mozart, and Adrian Wong (Young Composer Residency)
Performers: Dionysis Grammenos (clarinet), Alexandros Sakarellos (violin), Yoonshin Song (violin), Marija Räisänen (viola), Stergios Theodoridis (cello), Pallavi Mahidhara (piano)
A night featuring a mix of classical and contemporary compositions, including a performance of the newly composed piece by Adrian Wong.
Thursday, August 8 – Opera Night: My Song Rings Out...
Performers: Niamh O'Sullivan (mezzo-soprano), Vitor Bispo (baritone), Marcelo Amaral (piano)
An evening dedicated to opera, with powerful performances from some of the most talented voices in the genre.
Friday, August 9 – Do You Like Brahms?
Performers: Yoonshin Song (violin), Alexandros Sakarellos (violin), Ilias Ion Livieratos (viola), Timotheos Gavriilidis-Petrin (artistic direction, cello), Alexia Mouza (piano)
A celebration of Brahms, with performances that bring the composer's masterpieces to life.
Saturday, August 10 – Piano Solo Recital
Program: Couperin, Esmail, Debussy, Vaka, and Liszt
Performer: Pallavi Mahidhara (piano)
A solo piano recital featuring a range of works from Baroque to contemporary, highlighting the versatility of the instrument and the performer.
Sunday, August 11 – Dialogues
Program: Schumann, Shostakovich, Poulenc, and Sarasate
Performers: Dionysis Grammenos (clarinet), Yoonshin Song (violin), Alexandros Sakarellos (violin), Ilias Ion Livieratos (viola), Timotheos Gavriilidis-Petrin (artistic direction, cello), Pallavi Mahidhara (piano), Alexia Mouza (piano)
A program that explores the musical dialogues between instruments and composers across different periods.
Monday, August 12 – Fado: Portuguese Folklore
Performers: Beatriz Felício (voice), Rui Póço (Portuguese guitar), João Domingos (guitar)
The festival closes with a night dedicated to Fado, the soulful and deeply expressive music of Portugal, bringing a poignant end to the week’s performances.
In the Eyes of Paula Schwarz
Paula Schwarz, whose vision and dedication have finally been instrumental in bringing the Samos Young Artists Festival to life, expressed her pride in supporting this incredible convergence of talent. “I’m so proud to support this coming together of countless incredible artists and musicians in the old Roman amphitheater under the stars at the closest meeting point between Europe and Asia,” she said, highlighting the festival's role as a cultural bridge. This year's festival even features participants from the Eurovision Song Contest, adding another layer of international flair to the event.
The Samos Young Artists Festival was a celebration of music, culture, and the human spirit. As the festival continues to grow, attracting more talent and a wider audience each year, it remains rooted in its mission to bring people together through the universal language of music. Whether you are a lover of classical music, jazz, or contemporary compositions, the Samos Young Artists Festival is an event not to be missed, offering an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.
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