The festival was organized for the first time in 2017. Its artistic directors are the violinist Olga Holdorff-Myriangou and the composer Lefteris Veniadis, who both have family roots on the island. The festival consists of a summer and a winter edition. The winter part usually takes place at the beginning of February. In winter, activities mainly focus on musical projects in schools, refugee camps, and nursing homes. The summer part takes place at the beginning of August, when the numerous open-air venues are at their best.  

A special feature of the festival is that it does not take place at a single venue, but at different locations on the island. Each time, a new decision is taken as to which location best suits which event, which is then adapted to the character of the venue or project to be performed. In addition to the various concert options, the performance of a new work of music theater has become an integral part of the summer festival, involving as many participants as possible in the preparation stage and the performance. International and local artists, refugees, the local music school’s children’s and youth choir, and young musicians from the local philharmonic wind orchestra contribute to the festival.

The next festival special edition “Chios Music Festival Goes Berlin” takes place from March 6th to 12th. Here you can find more information.