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 D\u00f6rken, 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.<\/h3>\n
Founded in 2015 by renowned pianist sisters Danae and Kiveli D\u00f6rken, 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.<\/p>\n The 2026 edition is inspired by \u201cEudaimonia\u201d\u2014the Aristotelian concept of human flourishing and a meaningful life achieved through virtue, wisdom and inner balance.<\/p>\n A Journey Through the Virtues<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The festival\u2019s programme unfolds through a series of philosophical themes, with each concert exploring a different aspect of Aristotle\u2019s vision of a fulfilled life.<\/p>\n The opening concert, \u201cWisdom\u201d, takes place on 12 August at the iconic Castle of Mytilene, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Niccol\u00f2 Paganini and Eug\u00e8ne Ysa\u00ffe. Admission is free.<\/p>\n On 13 August, the festival travels to the Medieval Castle of Ancient Antissa for \u201cTemperance\u201d, where audiences will experience music inspired by Philip Glass and Pascal Schumacher.<\/p>\n Following a short break, the festival resumes on 16 August at the Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Agia Paraskevi with \u201cEquilibrium\u201d, showcasing contemporary choral compositions by Sven Helbig.<\/p>\n Molyvos Hosts the Festival Finale<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The final three days move to the festival\u2019s main venue at the Delfinia Hotel in Molyvos.<\/p>\n The \u201cVirtue\u201d concert on 17 August will feature works by Igor Stravinsky and Ludwig van Beethoven.<\/p>\n On 18 August, the programme explores \u201cCourage\u201d 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.<\/p>\n The festival concludes on 19 August with \u201cEudaimonia\u201d, bringing together masterpieces by Bach, Franz Schubertand Felix Mendelssohn in a celebration of classical music and the enduring ideals of ancient Greek philosophy.<\/p>\n Now firmly established as one of Greece\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcc5 The 2026 Festival Itinerary & Venues<\/p>\n![\"Screen](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Screen-Shot-2016-07-29-at-10.01.09-AM.webp)
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