If you are in Crete from 24 to 29 June, opt for a beautiful musical experience at the Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival. Founder Gunnar Strømsholm transformed a quiet little place in Makrigialos, Crete into a hub for classical music concerts. Summer in Greece has a lot to offer.
What originally started out as a wedding gift has now become a 6-day, around the clock festival.
In 2004, Gunnar Strømsholm, originally from Kristiansund, organised a wedding at his summer house, Casa dei Mezzo, in the Cretan village of Makrigialos.
-One of the guests, composer and musician Øystein Sevåg, offered the bride and bridegroom a concert at the premises, and it turned out to be a great place for concerts. The following year, we made a mini festival, which has now developed into a 6-days festival, says Strømsholm proudly, welcoming everybody to a festival where beautiful performances meet beautiful surroundings.
Musical bonds between Norway and Greece.
– Hopefully this will start an important cultural exchange between our two countries. We are grateful for the support given by the municipalities of Lefki and Makrigialos as well as the Prefecture of Lasithi, says Strømsholm.
The Casa dei Mezzo music festival invites artists from all over Europe and the programme is extensive.
Artists performing are among others Norwegian pianist Sveinung Bjelland, mezzo-soprano Hege Høisæter, and
Hege Høisæter. Photo: www.casadeimezzo-festival.comGreek pianist
Apostolos Palios, described as one of the most exciting pianists that Greece has to offer.
For a complete list of Artists, click here.
This year the Festival celebrates the bicentenary of the composers Robert Schumann, Frédéric Chopin and Ole Bull. The programme reveals a series of interesting performances, among others an opera/lyric gala organised by John Lidal, also bringing his famous opera workshop 'Lidal North' to Makrigialos.
Tickets can be found in Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Ieraptera, Sitia and Makrigialos. More information on ticket reservations.
The concerts will be recorded by ERT Radio - Greece and will be broadcast by EBU (European Broadcasting Union) throughout Europe.
The festival is supported by the The Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian Institute at Athens, DNV, Gard and Yara.
Gunnar Strømsholm spends his time in Crete tending the olive grove and gardens at his summer house Casa dei Mezzo, while planning and organising the yearly Casa dei Mezzo music festival By Gunhild Guldseth