Tim Sharp on his Festival of the Aegean experience

If ever the statement "Words cannot express…" should be applied, it would be in the context of the superlative musical experience of the Festival of the Aegean. Having spent two beautiful weeks conducting in this unique Festival, I have nothing but unqualified enthusiasm for this musical environment and experience.

The facts are, nothing is missing from this unique event: the music making is world-class; the Greek island setting is paradise; the venues in the city of Hermopoulis are wonderful; the audience is at capacity and enthusiastic; and the convergence of all of these factors are without peer in the world of choral music making. In addition, the Festival staff attends to every detail of a traveler's needs and concern.

My personal experience as a conductor is augmented by the experience of my own choir, as well as my own family. Within the first week of this two-week festival, everyone was asking me "when can we return", and that was before we performed our first concert! At the end of the event, no one wanted to leave.

I am already planning my return to the Festival of the Aegean, and I recommend this stellar musical experience without qualification. In a word, "go".

Sincerely,
Tim Sharp
24 July, 2011

[Note: Tim Sharp is Conductor/Artistic Director of the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus. He has appeared on MidAmerica's Carnegie Hall Series on several occasions, as well as the Festival of the Aegean.]

Earl Rivers on his Festival of the Aegean experience

I wish to tell singers and conductors who are considering participation in the Festival in July 2012 that they will have a rewarding musical experience and unique opportunities to experience Greek culture – friendly people, magnificent views and scenery, tasty food, and day trips to other islands and historical sites in Athens. Syros's performance venues of the Apollo Opera Theater and historic St. Nicholas Church rival any such venues in Europe.

Earl Rivers
28 July, 2011

[Note: Earl Rivers is the Director of Choral Studies and Division Head of Ensembles/Conducting at the University of Cincinnati: College Conservatory of Music.]

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