Music festivals in Crete 2011
Late spring is when Crete starts gearing itself up for a summer of hedonism, heat and some serious live music…
Casi del Mezzo Music Festival – Thursday 23 June – Tuesday 28 June 2011
Since the 1960s when musicians such as Yiannis Markopoulos and Nikos Xylouris combined Cretan folk music with classical techniques, traditional and classical music has remained an important trait of Cretan culture. In the city of Chania classical music evenings are regularly held, whilst the town of Makrigialos, for the last seven years, has held the Casi dei Mezzo Music Festival. This six-day classical music bonanza sees the finest classical musicians from Europe and beyond ascend on this beautiful and unique Greek island.
The Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival never fails to attract a crowd of cool and savvy musicians covering every spectrum music has to offer. From classical aficionados to complete beginners, the festival’s varied programme caters for every taste and ability.
For a full programme for Casi del Mezzo 2011 visit: http://www.casadeimezzo-festival.com/
International Opera Workshop – Saturday 2 July – Tuesday 12 July 2011
Following the success of the 2010 International Opera Workshop ‘Lidal North goes South’, the event is scheduled to be repeated in 2011. Held also in the town of Makrigialos, the opera workshop offers nine days of coaching, voice lessons and master-classes.
For more information on ‘Lidal North goes South 2011’ visit: www.lidalnorth.com
Palaiochora Music Festival – August 2011
With its sizzling weather and scorching nightlife, August is a popular month to visit Crete. Although it is not just the long, lazy days and lively, vivacious nights that makes Crete in August a ‘hot spot’ for tourists. Situated on the south-western shoreline of the island, the small fishing town of Palaiochora holds a ten-day music festival. And for such a small, tranquil town, known as the “bride of the Libyan Sea”, Palaiochora sure knows how to hold a music festival.
Visit the Palaiochora website for more information: www.thepaleochorasite.com
