The 12th Molyvos International Music Festival (MIMF) is scheduled to take place from 12 to 19 August 2026 on the Greek island of Lesvos. Founded in 2015 by the acclaimed pianist sisters Danae and Kiveli Dörken, this highly prestigious chamber music event transforms the picturesque, UNESCO-protected village of Molyvos and other historic landmarks into an open-air classical music venue.
Founded in 2015 by renowned pianist sisters Danae and Kiveli Dörken, the festival has earned international recognition for combining world-class chamber music with the unique cultural heritage of Lesvos. Each year, performances transform medieval castles, museums and open-air venues into spectacular concert settings.
The 2026 edition is inspired by “Eudaimonia”—the Aristotelian concept of human flourishing and a meaningful life achieved through virtue, wisdom and inner balance.
A Journey Through the Virtues
The festival’s programme unfolds through a series of philosophical themes, with each concert exploring a different aspect of Aristotle’s vision of a fulfilled life.
The opening concert, “Wisdom”, takes place on 12 August at the iconic Castle of Mytilene, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Niccolò Paganini and Eugène Ysaÿe. Admission is free.
On 13 August, the festival travels to the Medieval Castle of Ancient Antissa for “Temperance”, where audiences will experience music inspired by Philip Glass and Pascal Schumacher.
Following a short break, the festival resumes on 16 August at the Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Agia Paraskevi with “Equilibrium”, showcasing contemporary choral compositions by Sven Helbig.
Molyvos Hosts the Festival Finale
The final three days move to the festival’s main venue at the Delfinia Hotel in Molyvos.
The “Virtue” concert on 17 August will feature works by Igor Stravinsky and Ludwig van Beethoven.
On 18 August, the programme explores “Courage” with an evening concert that includes the world premiere of a new composition by Greek composer Christos Papageorgiou, alongside an afternoon performance specially designed for children and young audiences.
The festival concludes on 19 August with “Eudaimonia”, bringing together masterpieces by Bach, Franz Schubertand Felix Mendelssohn in a celebration of classical music and the enduring ideals of ancient Greek philosophy.
Now firmly established as one of Greece’s premier chamber music festivals, the Molyvos International Music Festival continues to attract leading international performers while highlighting the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Lesvos through music.
📅 The 2026 Festival Itinerary & Venues
- 12 August (20:15) – «WISDOM» (ΣΟΦΙΑ): Hosted at the iconic Castle of Mytilene featuring works by Bach, Paganini, and Ysaÿe (Free entrance).
- 13 August (20:15) – «TEMPERANCE» (ΣΩΦΡΟΣΥΝΗ): Held at the Medieval Castle of Ancient Antissa, highlighted by a Philip Glass and Pascal Schumacher homage (Free entrance).
- 16 August (20:30) – «EQUILIBRIUM» (ΙΣΟΡΡΟΠΙΑ): Staged at the Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Agia Paraskevi, featuring choral works by Sven Helbig (Free entrance).
- 17 August (21:00) – «VIRTUE» (ΑΡΕΤΗ): The festival moves to its main hub in Molyvos at the seaside park of Delfinia Hotel, showcasing pieces by Stravinsky and Beethoven.
- 18 August – «COURAGE» (ΑΝΔΡΕΙΑ): Evening concert at Delfinia Hotel including a world premiere by Christos Papageorgiou, alongside an afternoon concert dedicated to children and youth.
- 19 August (21:00) – «EUDAIMONIA» (ΕΥΔΑΙΜΟΝΙΑ): The grand finale at Delfinia Hotel featuring foundational works by Bach, Schubert, and Mendelssohn.
