The 10th anniversary of ΑΝΩ International Organ Festival came to a close with a magnificent recital
The curtain fell on the 10th ΑΝΩ International Organ Festival on Sunday, 23 August 2026, with a magnificent recital held at St George Cathedral in Ano Syros, bringing to a close an event that was indisputably the most exciting and widely appealing in its history.
The last evening had all the makings of a major musical assemblage. Famed Czech organist Petr Kolař was impressive with his skills and expressive abilities on St George’s historic organ, while young Czech violinists Magdalena Zajączkova and Hana Jasańska distinguished themselves with their top-drawer musicianship, freshness and outstanding musical pairing.
The Île-de-France Youth Choir, under the direction of Pierre-Louis de Laporte, was also awe-inspiring. The youthful voices filled the Cathedral and created an atmosphere of solemnity and profound emotion, as the audience was transfixed by a musical experience that served as the perfect epilogue to this year’s event.
All Festival recitals were introduced by music producer and programme advisor Nikos Kanellopoulos. The Festival’s artistic director is internationally famed maestro Stefanos Tsialis.
On behalf of the organisers, the Catholic Diocese of Syros and the Association of Greek Catholics of Syros, ΑΝΩ Festival Executive Director Haris Vekris personally thanked all those who contributed to the success of this year’s event, while Petros Roussos, president of the Greek Catholics Association, also mentioned those who had worked for the Festival in previous years.
The final recital was attended by Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras, who was honoured for the Greek central bank’s support of the ΑΝΩ Festival. The founder of the Île-de-France Youth Choir, Francis Bardot, was also honoured for his contribution to choral music and to Syros over many years.
The evening was concluded by the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Syros, the Right Reverend Sevastianos Rossolatos, who offered his wishes for the ΑΝΩ Festival to celebrate its next decade with even greater success.
Ten years ΑΝΩ – a continuing journey
This year’s anniversary event, titled “10 years ΑΝΩ – 200 years Hermoupolis”, was a milestone not just for the Festival itself, but also for the cultural life of Syros.
From the historic appearance of Olivier Latry, the legendary organist from Notre-Dame in Paris, to the symbolic “Musical encounter of two religious traditions” at the Church of Agios Nikolaos of Hermoupolis, and from the evening of talks and music “Syros in literature” to the first performance of rare works by 19th century composers from Syros by the ΑΝΩ FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA at the Apollon Theatre, the Festival opened up a dialogue amongst music, history, religion, literature and the island’s cultural identity.
Meanwhile, important international participation, the public’s overwhelming response, the live streaming of recitals and free admission to all scheduled events enhanced the institution’s open and outgoing nature.
The ΑΝΩ Festival demonstrated once again that it is not merely an organ festival. It is a living cultural institution that highlights the history and unique character of Ano Syros, prestigious enough to draw leading artists of world renown that each year builds new bridges between the past and present.
Ten years after it was first held, ΑΝΩ has earned its place on the European cultural map. This year’s Festival – the most ambitious and comprehensive to date – proved that a vision can become an institution, and the institution can become an important point of reference.
Photos: Stefanos Mamidis
