Friday, 31 July | "Desmos" Cultural Venue, Molyvos
"From East to West"
Greek Orthodox (Rum) composers of Constantinople alongside Renaissance arias and songs inspired by Greek mythology.
A deeply captivating musical journey that brings together the refined tradition of the Greek Orthodox composers of Constantinople with the brilliance of the European Renaissance. In a rare artistic collaboration, the melancholic sound of the yalı tambur meets the crystalline voices of soprano and countertenor, accompanied by guitar. Through celebrated arias and songs inspired by Greek mythology, the programme reveals how shared myths and universal human emotions travelled from the courts of the West to the salons of the East, creating a cultural bridge that remains vibrant to this day.
Performers: Stefanos Pourianos (yalı tambur, vocals), Maira Milolidaki (soprano), Nikos Spanatis (countertenor), Korina Vougiouka (guitar).
Saturday, 1 August | "Desmos" Cultural Venue, Molyvos
Philoctetes by Yannis Ritsos Behind the Hero's Mask.
Music Theatre
A musical interpretation of Yannis Ritsos' poetic work "Philoctetes", where poetry meets music in an attempt to penetrate the rigid "mask" of myth. Philoctetes and Neoptolemus are no longer merely figures of antiquity, but symbols of human isolation and the search for truth. Through an evocative combination of lyric singing, narration, and the distinctive timbres of the yalı tambur and guitar, the performance uncovers the existential vulnerability hidden behind the heroic façade: fragility, suffering, and ultimately redemption. A deeply immersive experience seeking the essence of humanity beyond the predetermined boundaries of history and duty.
Performers: : Korina Vougiouka (concept, artistic direction, guitar), Maira Milolidaki (soprano), Nikos Spanatis (countertenor), Haris Karydis Maronitis (narration), Stefanos Pourianos (yalı tambur), Tasos Rossopoulos (musical arrangements).
Sunday, 2 August | "Desmos" Cultural Venue, Molyvos
"Guided and Guiding: From Mythimna to Molyvos"
An unconventional guided performance exploring the history of the region through music, literature, poetry, and the stories of its people, past and present.
The residents of Molyvos are part of its history, its successors and continuators. During this action, we attempt to imagine and reconstruct the small, seemingly insignificant details of the lives of those who once lived upon the "leaden stone" (molyvenia petra) of this place: their songs and festivals, their games, their work, and their daily routines. Just as we hope others will do in the future when they seek to discover our own traces in this land.
Performers: Korina Vougiouka (concept, artistic direction, guitar), Haris Karydis Maronitis (narration), Maira Milolidaki (soprano), Nikos Spanatis (countertenor).
Monday August 3rd | Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production, Agia Paraskevi, Lesvos
«The Garden Beholds».
Renaissance arias and songs inspired by nature and Greek mythology.
Performers: Maira Milolidaki (soprano), Nikos Spanatis (countertenor), Korina Vougiouka (guitar).
Parallel Activities & Workshops
31 July & 1 August | Voice Training and Vocal Technique Workshop
The workshop offers an introduction to the world of the voice through simple, functional exercises for body relaxation, activation, and breathing. Using straightforward methods to familiarize participants with the mechanism of sound production, we isolate different vocal structures (larynx, soft palate, tongue, etc.). Through practical exercises, we explore the balance between control and freedom in sound production, whether for speaking or singing.
Participants will learn how to protect their voices from fatigue and injury, discover their own vocal identity, and gain practical tools to develop—and even transform—their speaking or singing voice.
Duration: 4 hours (spread over two days)
Workshop Leader: Maira Milolidaki, soprano.
To reserve a place, please contact the Molyvos Tourism Association: Tel.: +30 22530 71990 Email: visitmolyvos@gmail.com
2 & 3 August | "Small Episodes"
Short narrative and musical performances presented throughout the day at selected locations of historical and aesthetic significance around Molyvos, featuring the festival's guest artists.