FULL PROGRAMME:

​

ART EXHIBITION  – PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOUND

“Résonances”

The 8th edition of the European Polyphony Festival offers the opportunity to discover the unique exhibition “Résonances”, featuring photography and sound art — the result of an artistic residency born from the collaboration of four artists : Peggy Herbeau and Christophe Fillieule (photography), Chrysanthos Antoniou and Savvas Karantzias (composition).

​

The exhibition traces the journey of a composer with a disability to Tallinn, where he collaborated with one of the world’s most renowned choirs to create a new musical work. Résonances documents this unique encounter and explores disability through an interdisciplinary lens that merges sound and image. It challenges perceptions and invites visitors to reconsider their relationship with the senses. Each photograph is paired with an original musical composition. QR codes placed beside the works allow visitors to listen to the music as they explore the exhibition. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own headphones for an immersive experience.

This project was made possible through the Culture Moves Europe mobility program, funded by the European Union and the Goethe-Institut, in collaboration with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Festival of European Polyphony.

​

Artists : Peggy Herbeau and Christophe Fillieule - photography, Chrysanthos Antoniou and Savvas Karantzias - composition.

 

Venue : Inn of France, Rhodes

Duration : September 28 – October 6, 2026

Time : in the morning 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and in the afternoon 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

​

​

«ODYSSEUS» LECTURE & MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

The work “Odysseus” was born from a collaboration between Professor Spyros Syropoulos and the two co-directors of the European Polyphony Festival, Savvas Karantzias and Chrysanthos Antoniou.

​

It is a multidimensional artistic project that combines spoken word and music, highlighting the polyphonic and multicultural dimensions of the Odyssey, while also exploring issues such as disability and inclusion.

The full version of the work revisits eight episodes from the Odyssey through a close interplay between narration and original musical composition. Inspired by the tradition of the ancient rhapsodes, the project highlights the universal, polyphonic and intercultural dimension of the Homeric epic.

​

The audience will have the opportunity to hear one of the musical sections, “Hades”, featuring the musical signature of Savvas Karantzias, performed by the Mikrokosmos Choir, with Chrysanthos Antoniou on violin.

The lecture will provide the audience with interpretive tools for listening, placing the musical work “Hades” within its mythological context and enhancing its artistic appreciation.

​

Venue : Museum of Modern Greek Art of the Municipality of Rhodes

Date : September 30, 2026

Time : 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free of charge, but advance reservation is required:  Reservation

​

​​

CONCERTS

FRIDAY, October 2, 2026

Concert #01 “Katharsis”

​

Performers :

Dulci Jubilo Chamber Choir

Mikrokosmos Choir – Octet

Christopher Gibert, musical direction, composition

Savvas Karantzias, composition

Chrysanthos Antoniou, violin

Sébastien Gisbert, percussions

​

Musical Programme :

The art of movement and stillness is revealed through a polyphonic programme that takes the audience to the heart of sound, highlighting the dynamics and subtle details of contemporary musical creation.

​

The programme explores the encounter of souls through the human voice, as a space of dialogue between cultures and eras. At the heart of the concert are new compositions, including Katharsis (2023–2024), a work for mixed choir, percussion and solo violin by Greek composer Savvas Karantzias. It is a contemporary Mass in nine movements, dedicated to Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis.

​

In contrapuntal dialogue, French composer Christopher Gibert presents Hymnus, an original work inspired by a 13th-century Occitan manuscript, combining texts from the New Testament. This rare source guides a quest for light, giving rise to a deeply contemplative musical language.

​

Venue : /!\ Changes - Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos 

Time : /!\ Changes - 8:30 pm

Admission is free of charge, but advance reservation is required: Reservation

​

SATURDAY, October 3 2026

Concert #02 “À la française”

​FRENCH VOICES — From Poetry to Prayer

​

Performers :

Dulci Jubilo Chamber Choir

Christopher Gibert, musical direction

​​

Musical Programme :

A musical journey between poetry and spirituality.

From Saint-Saëns to Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc and Duruflé, this programme reveals the richness and elegance of French vocal music. From the poetry of Charles d’Orléans to sacred works inspired by prayer, nature and contemplation, the programme brings together generations of composers in a celebration of the French musical tradition.

A journey where voices become poetry, landscape, prayer and light.

Repertoire: Camille Saint-Saëns, Christopher Gibert, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Caroline Marçot, Pierre Villette, Francis Poulenc, Thomas Ospital, Maurice Duruflé, Pauline Langlois de Swarte.

​

Venue : /!\ Changes - Modern Greek Art Museum of Rhodes

Time : /!\ Changes - 7:30 pm

Admission is free of charge, but advance reservation is required: Reservation

​

​

MONDAY, October 5, 2026

CONCERT #03 – CHILDREN’S DAY

 “POLYPHONIC MUSIC ENCOUNTER AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION”

​

Following the successful organization of the meeting between the children’s choirs of Rhodes and the Edvard Grieg Girls’ Choir from Norway, the Festival, wishing to contribute to the continued development and strengthening of the work of Rhodes’ children’s choirs and their educators, dedicates a significant part of its programme to children through the creation of “Children’s Day”.

​

This year, the Festival has the great honour of welcoming the distinguished teacher, educator and musician Nikos Kypourgos. This is a unique opportunity for the children of the participating children’s choirs and the Rhodes Music School to express themselves, learn and create through music and the creative approach of Nikos Kypourgos.

​

A unique collaboration bringing together children’s voices through a repertoire of classical music and traditional melodies, promising an evening filled with polyphony, surprises and emotion.

​

Performers :

Children’s Choir Ensemble of the Rhodes Municipal Conservatory, conducted by Angela Spanou

Amabile Children’s Choir of the Communication & Cultural Foundation of the Holy Metropolis of Rhodes, conducted by Michalis Kalaentzis

European Choir of the Rhodes Music School, conducted by Michalis Kalaentzis

“Agios Savvas” Archangelos Children’s Choir and the Children’s Choir of the 1st Sgourou Primary School, conducted by Petros Tsimperopoulos 

Rhodes Municipality Children’s Choir, conducted by Georgios Sakellaridis

Rhodes Music School

​

Programme : Manos Hadjidakis, Nikos Kypourgos, and others.

​

Venue : Melina Merkouri Theatre of the Medieval Moat, Medieval Town of Rhodes

Time : 6:00 p.m.

Admission is free and no reservation is required. The audience is advised to arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the concert begins.

​​​

​​

SPECTACULAR AERIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Compagnie Transe Express is a French group of artists who combine theatre and music in their performances and parades. During the Festival, they will present one of their most spectacular creations.

​

• The Cursed Bell Ringers/Maudits Sonnants

A poetic and unexpected open-air performance, a celestial spectacle that transforms public space into a stage of dreams. Strange and theatrical figures, full of humour and virtuosity, gather around the Heavenly Carillon. The bells ring out in a moment of collective harmony and, as the performers slowly rise into the air, the audience is swept away into a breathtaking vision that offers a rare sense of eternity.

With no electronic amplification, the sounds travel across the entire city, creating a magical experience of celebration, emotion and shared participation.

​

More than 1,000 students from the primary schools of Rhodes will take part in this spectacular musical show, transforming the city centre into a great celebration of sound, colour and movement. The students will prepare for the performance by participating in music workshops organised by the Festival in collaboration with the educational team of the Mikrokosmos Choir.

​

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

•  6 p.m. : Artists’ Meet-Up — With Many Surprises Before the Grand Show  

Music, percussion, face painting, magic…

Performers: Percussion Ensemble of the Rhodes Music Schools, under the direction of Nikolaos Chasapis, Rhodes Primary Schools

Outdoor venue: Open-Air Theatre “To Rodon”, Eleftherias Square

 

• 7:30 p.m. : Spectacular aerial music performance

Performers: Compagnie Transe Express, 

Outdoor venue: Rhodes' Town Hall, Eleftherias Square

​​

​​

MUSICAL AND HISTORICAL WALK ​

Walk through the Medieval City of Rhodes, discovering its hidden history and acoustics.

​

The much-anticipated musical walk returns to the Old Town, offering an innovative connection between music and historical exploration. Professor Spyros Syropoulos will bring the myths and stories of the Old Town to life, walking alongside the musicians.

​

A study of sound transmission in different locations and acoustic environments will be carried out, while the audience will have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and engage in dialogue with the participating artists.

​

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026

Participants : 

• Mikrokosmos Choir – Octet

• Dr. Spyros Syropoulos

Time : 7:00 p.m.

Location : Medieval City of Rhodes

Meeting point: Argyrokastro Square at 7:00 p.m.

​​

​

MUSIC WORKSHOPS

Admission is free. Registration for the workshops is mandatory and can be completed online through the Festival’s website: www.festivaleuropeanpolyphony.com

​

MUSIC WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The music and artistic practice workshop is aimed at young people aged 6–12 and 13–18. Appropriate practices and pedagogical approaches will be applied according to the participants’ age group.

• Sunday, October 4 2026

Choeur de Chambre Mikrokosmos – Octet

Venue : Inn of France (Auberge de France)

Time : 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Admission is free of charge, but advance reservation is required: Reservation

 

MUSIC WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS

These interactive workshops are aimed at amateur and professional musicians who are interested in experiencing a completely different approach to music.

• Sunday, October 4 2026

Choeur de Chambre Mikrokosmos – Octet

Venue : Inn of France (Auberge de France)

Time : 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Admission is free of charge, but advance reservation is required : Reservation

​

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Thursday, October 8, 2026

​

The educational programmes and music workshops of the “European Polyphony Festival” aim to develop and promote music among young people aged 6–18.

​

The eighth edition will dedicate a significant part of its workshops to children aged 6–10.

Through dozens of interactive music workshops that will take place in primary schools across Rhodes, we will meet more than 1.000 children. The students will discover the human voice and the art of polyphony, working with the experienced team of musicians from the French choir Mikrokosmos.

These activities also aim to prepare the children for the gathering that will take place during the final outdoor performance with Compagnie Transe Express, where they will join the artists in performing a collective song.

​​​

 

CINEMA – SCREENINGS  ​

​

Documentary Screening

A documentary produced by the European Polyphony Festival

“The Art of Movement” (2025), Olympia Gauguet

​

The documentary The Art of Movement explores the issue of disability and accessibility through the lens of artistic creation. It follows the journey of a composer with a disability as he undertakes an original composition for one of the world’s most renowned choirs.

Through this journey, the documentary highlights the challenges and sources of inspiration of an artist confronting the realities of accessibility, while at the same time celebrating music as a driving force. It captures the overcoming of limitations and the collective strength involved in the pursuit of an artistic expression without boundaries.

​

Venue : Available online on the Festival’s official website: www.festivaleuropeanpolyphony.com​​​