Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to an unparalleled celebration of classical music and cultural heritage, the International Cyclades Festival! Twenty years ago, this magnificent event was conceived by the renowned lawyer Fotis A. Karayannopoulos, the gifted violinist Yannos Margaziotis, the distinguished lawyer George Foufopoulos, and the illustrious media figure and manager Kostas Fotopoulos.

Since its inception, the festival has brought together the flower of classical music artists, presenting their masterpieces in the iconic Apollo Theatre in Syros. Year after year, spectators from every corner of the globe have flocked to this enchanting island to immerse themselves in the purity of classical music, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cyclades Archipelago.

Picture this: the radiant Greek sun, a beacon of spiritual warmth, paired with the astonishing Aegean Sea and the joy of summer holidays. All of this is enveloped in a luxurious tapestry of the most exquisite music ever composed, melodies that have graced the ears of humanity for centuries.

However, our journey had its challenges. The Festival has faced numerous obstacles, primarily due to a lack of interest from major entrepreneurs, international companies, and foundations. These potential sponsors often believe that classical music is not a viable marketing tool, that the Greek islands are best suited for beaches, sea sports, and clubbing. Each year, when we ask for support for this tremendously difficult endeavour, “L'ère des phrases mécaniques recommence... » as Aragon puts it.

But we must ask ourselves: Are modern enterprises and foundations right in believing that classical music is only for the few, the old, the fanatics? That in our world of AI and technological dominance, Bach, Mozart, or Verdi became obsolete figures and their melodies offer nothing to this “Brave New World”?

We firmly believe the answer is a resounding No.

Classical music transcends time and space. It is not merely a relic of the past but a living, breathing art form that continues to inspire, soothe, and connect us on a profoundly human level. In an era dominated by technology, the timeless works of classical music Masters remind us of our shared humanity, our emotional depth, and the beauty of intellectual and artistic achievement.

Classical music is universal. It speaks to the soul, cutting across age, culture, and background. It brings people together, creating a sense of community and shared experience that is more relevant than ever in our fragmented world.

Classical music enhances our environment. The serene and majestic landscapes of the Cyclades become even more enchanting when accompanied by these ageless melodies. The festival offers a unique blend of nature and culture, providing an experience that is both luxurious and enriching.

So, we invite you to join us in celebrating the enduring power and beauty of classical music. Let us prove to the world that these melodies are not obsolete but are an essential part of our cultural fabric, offering endless inspiration and joy in this unknown New World we face today.

Welcome to the International Cyclades Festival, where the past and present harmoniously blend, and where every note played is a testament to the timeless value of classical music.

Enjoy the festival!

Fotis A. Karayannopoulos President and Founder	George V. Foufopoulos Legal Advisor and Member
Kostas G. Fotopoulos Member of the Organizing Committee	Yannos K. Margaziotis Artistic Director

Με την αιγίδα και επιχορήγηση του Υπουργείου Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού
Με την αιγίδα και επιχορήγηση του Ελληνικού Οργανισμού Τουρισμού
Με την υποστήριξη του Δήμου Σύρου - Ερμούπολης
Του Οργανισμού Πολιτισμού και Άθλησης Σύρου