Marking five years of the Chios Festival’s creative journey, this year represents a significant milestone, featuring emblematic celebratory events attended by distinguished guests, including His Beatitude the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II, H.R.H. the Princess Joharah bint Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud, and the President of the Academy of Athens, Professor Nikiforos Diamandouros.
The 5th Chios Festival will take place from August 26th to September 6th, 2026, under the esteemed auspices of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce. Τhe event will be marked by the presence of the Chamber’s President, Mr. Ioannis Sarakakis.
PROGRAMME OF THE CHIOS FESTIVAL 2026
WEDNESDAY 26/8/2026, VOLISSOS, 20:00
- Concert by the distinguished Greek composer, Dimitris Papadimitriou
THURSDAY 27/8/2026, CASTELLI, 19:00
- Maria Efthymiou, Professor of History, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (N.K.U.A.)
FRIDAY 28/8/2026, CASTELLI, 19:00
An evening dedicated to H.B. the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II
- Afroditi Doriti, President of the Association of Friends of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa “Bridge of Africa”
- Calliope Limneos-Papakosta, Archaeologist, Director of the Hellenic Institute for Research of Alexandrian Civilization (H.I.R.A.C.)
SATURDAY 29/8/2026, CASTELLI, 19:00
- H.R.H. Princess Joharahb int Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud
- Alexandra Prokopiou-Mamaliga
- Eleni Dimou, Musical Finale
SUNDAY 30/8/2026
- Midday, Agios Georgios Sykousis
- Inauguration of the renovated Church of Saint George
- Evening, Hamidiye Mosque (Chios Castle), 20:00
- Opening of the exhibition of the distinguished Greek visual artist Sotiris Sorogas
MONDAY 31/8/2026, CASTELLI, 19:00
REGIONAL EVENT CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACADEMY OF ATHENS
- Honorary award presented by the Governor of the North Aegean Region, Mr. Konstantinos Moutzouris, to Mr. Simos Palios, President of the Association of Friends of the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA)
- Olle Kämpe, Professor of Endocrinology at Karolinska Institutet and Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine (2025)
- Stylianos E. Antonarakis, Member of the Academy of Athens, Professor Emeritus of Genetic Medicine at the University of Geneva
- George Chrousos, Member of the Academy of Athens, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Endocrinology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Professor at Georgetown University
- Athanassios S. Fokas, Member of the Academy of Athens, Professor of Nonlinear Mathematical Science at the University of Cambridge
- Alexandra Touroutoglou, Neuroscientist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School
TUESDAY 1/9/2026, CASTELLI, 19:00
- Panagiotis Roilos, Professor of Modern Greek Studies and Comparative Literature at Harvard University and President of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi
- Demetrios Yatromanolakis, Professor, Johns Hopkins University
- Peter Sarris, Professor of Late Antique and Byzantine Studies at the University of Cambridge
- The Rt Hon. Simon Woolley, Baron Woolley of Woodford, Principal of Homerton College, University of Cambridge, Member of the House of Lords
- George Windsor, the Earl of St Andrews, Chancellor of Greater Manchester University
- Nikos Stambolidis, Professor, Director General of the Acropolis Museum
- Mimi Denissi, actress, director and producer
- Screening of the documentary “The Woman Behind Elgin”
WEDNESDAY 2/9/2026, CASTELLI, 19:00
- Presentation of the documentary on Maria Callas “Mary, Marianna, Maria – The Unknown Greek Years of Callas” presented by Alexis Kostalas
- Musical finale by the distinguished soprano Christina Poulitsi, accompanied by pianist Dimitris Giakas
THURSDAY 3/9/2026
- Conference titled “Pioneering Pathways
FRIDAY 4/9/2026, ANAVATOS
- Performance by Katerina Didaskalou, “The Monologue of Clytemnestra” by Marguerite Yourcenar
SATURDAY 5/9/2026, HOMEREION CULTURAL CENTER, 20:00
Screening of the film “Kapodistrias” and discussion with its contributors:
- Yannis Smaragdis, director
- Antonis Myriagkos, actor
- Natalia Kapodistria, actress
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Keynote Speakers:
– Stylianos E. Antonarakis, MD, DSc, PhD, a world-leading geneticist and Professor Emeritus of Genetic Medicine at the University of Geneva Medical School, who serves as the Founding Director of the iGE3 Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, former President of the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO),Member of the Academy of Athens,Member of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences and the EMBO.
– George Chrousos, a world-renowned endocrinologist and academic who serves as Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Endocrinology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holds the prestigious UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care and also, clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical School. A Distinguished Visiting Scientist at the NICHD of the National Institutes of Health (NIH),Member of the Academy of Athens, he is globally recognized as one of the most cited scientists in the fields of Clinical Medicine and Biology.
– Maria Efthymiou, PhD, a distinguished Greek Historian and Professor Emerita at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). A prominent researcher and prolific author of historical academic works, she is widely recognized for her extensive scholarly contributions and her profound impact on public history. Honored with the “Excellence in University Teaching” award, she has dedicated decades to fostering national self-awareness through thousands of open lectures, bridging academic research with the broader public and promoting a deeper understanding of Greek and global history.
– Athanassios S. Fokas, PhD, a polymath Mathematician and Physician who holds the Inaugural Chair of Nonlinear Mathematical Science at the University of Cambridge, Chair in Applied Mathematics at Imperial College, UK, and a Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at Clarkson University. A Full Member of the Academy of Athens and a Fellow of Clare Hall, A Guggenheim Fellow and a Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences, he was awarded the prestigious Naylor Prize by the London Mathematical Society.
– Olle Kampe, MD, PhD, a world-renowned Professor of Endocrinology, Senior Consultant of Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Centre of Molecular Medicine, who served as the Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine -2025. A leading authority in the field of molecular medicine, he is distinguished for his pioneering research on autoimmunity and rare endocrine disorders, such as Addison’s disease and APS-1, while providing strategic leadership at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and the global scientific community.
– Sherif Mohamady Elsayed, PhD, is a distinguished academic and President of the National Water Research Centre (NWRC) in Cairo. A leading authority in water resources management, with expertise in hydraulic engineering and sustainable policy, he plays a key role in addressing global challenges such as water scarcity and climate change, while promoting scientific cooperation across the Mediterranean for environmental resilience and sustainable growth.
– Simos Palios, a prominent leader in the global maritime industry and the Founder of Diana Shipping Inc., who currently serves as the President of the Association of Friends of the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA). A dedicated advocate for scientific excellence, he is widely recognized for his strategic support of Greece’s premier biomedical research institution and his long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and advancement in the fields of health and technology.
– Calliope Limneos-Papakosta, a world-renowned archaeologist and Director of the Hellenic Institute for Research of Alexandrian Civilization (H.I.R.A.C.). For over two decades, she has led systematic excavations at Alexandria’s Shallalat Gardens, discovering pivotal remains of the Ptolemaic Royal Quarter and the iconic “Alexander of Shalalat” statue. Her pioneering work, featured in major National Geographic documentaries, has established her as a leading authority on the topography of the ancient metropolis and the enduring legacy of Hellenistic culture in the Mediterranean.
– Alexandra Prokopiou-Mamaliga, a distinguished leader in the global shipping industry and Co-Founder of the Prokopiou Family Office, who serves as the founder of the non-profit organization ‘World of Vision’ and is an internationally recognized figure in strategic philanthropy. Beyond her prominent role in the maritime sector, she is widely known for her pivotal contributions to global humanitarian efforts, partnering with organizations such as World Central Kitchen to provide vital strategic and logistical leadership for relief operations both in Greece and internationally.
– Panagiotis Roilos, PhD, the George Seferis Professor of Modern Greek Studies and Professor of Comparative Literature at Harvard University, who also serves as the President of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi. A world-renowned scholar in the humanities, he is distinguished for his extensive research on Hellenism and comparative poetics, while his leadership at the European Cultural Centre of Delphi focuses on fostering international intellectual dialogue and the promotion of European cultural heritage.
– Peter Sarris, a world-leading Historian and Professor of Late Antique and Byzantine Studies at the University of Cambridge, who serves as a Fellow of Trinity College. An acclaimed author and scholar, he is internationally recognized for his transformative research on the social, legal, and economic history of the Roman and Byzantine empires, and is widely considered one of the foremost authorities on the transition from Antiquity to the Middle Ages.
– Nikolaos Stambolidis, a distinguished Professor of Archaeology at the University of Crete and the Director General of the Acropolis Museum. A prominent Member of the Central Archaeological Council of Greece and a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens, he is an internationally acclaimed archaeologist whose extensive excavations and innovative museological vision have significantly advanced the study of classical antiquity and the global promotion of Greek cultural heritage.
– Alexandra Touroutoglou, MSc, PhD, a distinguished Νeuroscientist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, who serves as the Director of Imaging Operations for the Frontotemporal Disorders Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is globally recognized for her innovative clinical research and trials that integrate advanced brain imaging with non-invasive brain stimulation, pioneering new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
– George Windsor, the Earl of St Andrews, a distinguished former diplomat who currently serves as the Chancellor of the Greater Manchester University and as a prominent patron or trustee of various international cultural and charitable organizations, such as the SOS Children’s Villages UK and the Global eHealth Foundation.
– The Rt Hon. Simon Woolley, Baron Woolley of Woodford, the Principal of Homerton College, University of Cambridge, and a dedicated Member of the House of Lords. As the Founder and Director of Operation Black Vote, he is a transformative figure in British public life, internationally recognized for his tireless advocacy for social justice, political institutional reform, and racial equality. His leadership at Cambridge and his legislative work continue to inspire a more inclusive and representative democratic landscape.
– Demetrios Yatromanolakis, PhD, Department of Classics, Department of Anthropology, and Department of Comparative Thought, Johns Hopkins University, and Co-Chair of the Seminar Series Cultural Politics at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University. A world-renowned scholar, he is distinguished for his pioneering cross-disciplinary research on archaic and classical Greece and its reception in the art, thought, and cultural politics from the late nineteenth century to the present. His work explores the intersections of art, archaeology, anthropology, ritual, and politics, establishing him as an influential intellectual voice in the global academic community.
– Ahmed Zayed, PhD, is a world-leading sociologist, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Member of the Egyptian Senate. An eminent academic, he is internationally recognized for his contribution to the preservation of knowledge and his insights into social structures and Egypt’s development. Under his leadership, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina remains a global beacon of learning, fostering intercultural dialogue and bridging civilizations from the Hellenistic past to the modern era.
Artists:
– Mimi Denissi, an iconic Greek actress, as well as a prominent playwright, acclaimed director and producer. Widely recognized for her prolific and multifaceted career in theater and cinema, she has become a leading cultural figure in Greece, known for her grand-scale historical productions. Her dedication to bridging the past with the present is exemplified in her latest documentary, “The Woman Behind Elgin,” – produced with the support of the North Aegean Region – which will be featured at The Chios Festival. Through her multifaceted work, she remains a formidable creative force, dedicated to highlighting the pivotal moments of Greek history and heritage on the global stage.
– Katerina Didaskalou, an internationally acclaimed actress of profound expressive depth, whose career spans theater, cinema, and television. Trained at the National Theatre of Greece and the prestigious Columbia University in New York, she has collaborated with world-renowned directors and has been honored for her exceptional contributions to the arts. As a true ambassador of Greek culture, her performances bridge classical tragedy with contemporary drama, embodying a rare blend of elegance and intellectual intensity
– Eleni Dimou, an iconic and deeply soulful Greek singer, widely celebrated for her unique vocal timbre and her transformative presence in the Greek music scene. With a career spanning decades of collaborations with legendary composers, she has delivered timeless hits that shaped contemporary melodic song. Renowned for blending diverse genres – from pop and rock to entechno – with unparalleled emotional intensity and rare elegance, she remains one of the most authentic and enduring cultural voices of her generation.
– Christina Poulitsi, an internationally acclaimed coloratura soprano, widely celebrated for her virtuosic interpretation of the Queen of the Night and her recurring collaborations with the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House (Covent Garden) and the Bolshoi Theatre. A frequent collaborator of legendary maestro Zubin Mehta, she is recognized as one of the finest interpreters of the high soprano repertoire, distinguished for her exceptional vocal agility and her presence on the world’s leading operatic stages.
– Konstantinos Rigos, the visionary Director of the Greek National Opera (GNO) Ballet and an acclaimed choreographer and director, leading Greece’s premier dance ensemble. Under his transformative leadership, the GNO Ballet has achieved a sophisticated fusion of classical technical precision with bold, contemporary artistic expression. Renowned for its versatility and international caliber, the company – under Mr. Rigos’ guidance – will offer a performance that epitomizes the evolution of modern dance, showcasing the innovative spirit and aesthetic excellence that have placed the Greek National Opera at the center of the global cultural map.
– Giannis Smaragdis, the internationally acclaimed Greek film director, who alongside the distinguished actors Antonis Myriagkos and Natalia Kapodistria, is masterfully resurrecting the legacy of the visionary first Governor of Greece in the cinematic epic “Kapodistrias.” Celebrated for his profound ability to translate the lives of great Greek figures into universal cinematic narratives, Smaragdis, supported by the powerful performances of Myriagkos and Kapodistria, offers a poignant and historically significant portrayal of the man who laid the foundations of the modern Greek state.
– Sotiris Sorogas, a prominent Greek painter and Professor Emeritus at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). He was hounored by the Academy of Athens for his overall contribution to Arts. Widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Greek art, he is celebrated for his profound aesthetic contribution and his long-standing academic leadership, having shaped the artistic and philosophical discourse in Greece through his globally exhibited work and his dedication to the values of cultural heritage.
