The 11th Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival takes place from Thursday 26th to Monday 30th June 2014 at the Casa dei Mezzo villa in the charming seaside village of Makrigialos, on the South coast of Crete.
Gunnar Stromsholm, the driving force behind this annual celebration of music, will once again transform his wonderful hilltop home into a mecca for classical music lovers, with a programme that encompasses old favorites as well as world premieres specially written for the occasion. Local Greek musicians are also well represented in a varied and broad repertoire, meaning there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Seventeen musicians and singers, representing eight countries, will add to the truly international atmosphere. Some of the acts have become firm favourites over the years, and are making a welcome return to this “The most unique and intimate music summer festival in Europe”, an accurate description by none less than the Sunday Times.
Centre of attention at the concerts is the magnificent Bösendorfer 290 Imperial grand piano, truly a Rolls Royce of an instrument with a breathtaking history – it was originally owned by Luciano Pavorotti, and was his rehearsal and recording instrument when he was in the UK.
The Festival kicks off as ever with a free opening concert at Makrigialos Harbour, where local students from the Leondaritis Music School can showcase their talents. Dimitris Vakakis will also be playing his haunting Cretan lyra, sure to be a stunning and dynamic opening evening full of fun and entertainment.
Over the following four days and nights there are both lunchtime and evening concerts, culminating in the Grand Gala closing concert, always a sell out event, when all of the artists come together under direction of Maestro Olof Boman, for a rousing and emotional send off evening show, leaving the audience with wonderful memories of this, an outstanding and magical festival that features world class artists in a warm, friendly and uniquely Cretan environment.
For more information, and up to date information on artists and the programme, please go to www.casadeimezzo-festival.com