The International Choral Festival of Karditsa is one of the leading artistic events in Greece and worldwide, distinguished for its unique regulations and philosophy.
The Festival’s vision extends beyond the artistic level to embrace musical, pedagogical, social, and even intercultural and political dimensions among the participating countries and choirs. Its constant ambition is to promote choral music and to rediscover both ancient monophonic and polyphonic works, inspiring conductors, singers, and audiences alike.
Over the years, the Festival has hosted distinguished choirs from around the globe, prominent orchestras, and acclaimed soloists. Recognized as the most important international choral event in Greece, it attracts extensive participation from foreign choirs.
The 44th International Choral Festival of Karditsa is dedicated to the following distinguished composers:
John Dowland (1562–1626) – 400th anniversary of his death
Giovanni Legrenzi (1626–1690) – 300th anniversary of his death
Carl Maria von Weber (1786–1826) – 200th anniversary of his death
Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) – 50th anniversary of his death
Themistoklis Polikratis (1863-2026) – 100th anniversary of his death
Janni Christou (1926–1970) – 100th anniversary of his birth
Venues
The Festival will be held in the concert halls of Hotel Kierion (Karditsa), Mouzaki Palace Hotel (Mouzaki), Naiades Hotel (Lake Plastiras), the Municipal Theatres of Karditsa, the Cultural Center of Sofades, and the Conservatory of Karditsa – Konstantinos Efthimiadis Concert Hall, among other venues.
Founded in 1983, the Choral Festival of Karditsa has evolved into a premier cultural institution under the artistic direction of Conductor Prof. Dr. Nikos Efthimiadis.
Distinctive Features of the Festival
The Festival is renowned for its distinctive regulations, unique on a global scale, ensuring numerous world premieres by Greek and foreign composers, thus promoting contemporary musical creation. It also features a large number of participants from across Europe and the world.
The Festival’s unique characteristics include:
- Collaborative Performances: Each evening concludes with all choirs—or selected members—performing a new choral work (world premiere) by a Greek or international composer, conducted by a member of the International Jury. This process encourages collaboration, artistic exchange, and enrichment of repertoire.
Repertoire Supervision: Participating choirs are required to present specific works under the supervision of an International Committee composed of distinguished conductors and music scholars from Greece and abroad.
2. Educational Dialogue: At the end of each evening, a discussion with the jury offers conductors valuable feedback and artistic suggestions.
3. Cultural Diversity: Choirs perform works from ancient Greek, Byzantine, Gregorian, and modern Greek music traditions.
- Commissioned Works: All new works are specially commissioned for the Festival.
- Additional Events: The Festival also features opera and symphonic concerts, religious music at the Byzantine Castle of Fanari and Lake Plastiras, band performances, art exhibitions, and other cultural events.
For the first time worldwide, Byzantine and Ancient Greek music are presented equally alongside Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony. Each choir is also required to perform works from the 15th and 16th centuries, offering the opportunity to explore masterpieces of classical polyphony, romantic repertoire, and works by contemporary Greek composers and traditional music from their own countries.
Organization and Support
The Festival is supported by the Municipality of Karditsa, the Regional Unit of Karditsa (Region of Thessaly), the Holy Metropolis of Thessaliotida and Fanariofarsalon, the Municipality of Sofades, and the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Choirs and Choral Conductors.
Application Details
The application deadline is July 30, 2026.
For regulations, registration forms, and further information, please contact the Festival Secretariat:
International Festival of Karditsa (Greece) Kolokotroni 38 & Hydras, P.C. 43131, Karditsa, Greece Tel: +30 24410 75440, +30 24410 42896 Mobile: +30 6944 442532 Email: nke@otenet.gr, nikosefthimiadis22@gmail.com Website: http://festivalofkarditsa.blogspot.gr/ Facebook: International Festival of Karditsa
Optional Excursions
Participants may also enjoy organized excursions to:
Meteora – the world-famous monasteries built atop towering rocks (100 km from Karditsa)
Delphi – the renowned archaeological site of the Oracle and the Temple of Apollo (150 km)
The Aegean Sea, Thermopylae, and Vergina (approximately 100–150 km)
For excursion arrangements, please contact the Festival Secretariat or your tour operator.