Since 2017 the Irish Wings festival, under the direction of Kathryn Baird, has brought important Irish contemporary musicians, poets, writers and artists to Paxos in events and exhibitions attended every year by an enthusiastic international audience and by the Irish Ambassador to Greece.

This year’s special guest and headliner is Liam Ó Maonlaí,  the iconic singer and frontman of Hothouse Flowers, renowned for his soul-stirring voice, deep musical curiosity, and ability to move seamlessly between rock, folk, traditional music and improvisation. Joining Liam is Bright Phoebus, the house band of Irish Wings, a Greek-Irish ensemble conceived by leading Irish fiddle player and producer Dónal O’Connor. Dónal O’Connor is a gifted fiddle player and sought-after music and television producer, described by The Irish Times as a “fearless musical adventurer.” He is also the founder and artistic director of Belfast TradFest, a major week-long programme of traditional music events, education and cultural dialogue that attracts tens of thousands of attendees annually.

Also returning to Paxos is Chrysoula Kechagioglou,, the celebrated Greek vocalist whose affinity for Irish music has made her a beloved figure among Irish & Greek audiences. She will be joined by Alexandros Kapsokavadis (guitar & lute) and Effie Zaitidou (Kanun). From Ireland, Irish Wings is delighted to welcome back Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed traditional singers, and a leading exponent of the sean-nós style. Welcoming the Irish Wings ensemble to the Paxos stage is Paxos-born virtuoso Elias Dendias, (https://paxosfestival.com/artist/elias-dendias/) a master of the bouzouki and a leading exponent of rebetiko.

Together, these exceptional artists will present a varied programme that celebrates the richness of Irish and Greek musical heritage, while exploring new connections and collaborations under the starlit sky of Paxos.

Musical workshops: Two musical workshops will be held in the mornings of July 3 & 4 at the Old School in Loggos: Sessions include bodhrán (instruments supplied) with Liam Ó Maonlaí, tin whistle (whistles supplied) with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Irish fiddle with Dónal O’Connor, Greek traditional song with Chrysoula Kechagioglou, Greek traditional instrumental music (all instruments welcome) with Alexandros Kapsokavadis, and Greek bouzouki with Elias Dendias. For more information please contact Kathryn Baird: +44 7715 476 242

Our thanks for their support to: Culture Ireland, The Embassy of Ireland, Greece, the Hellenic Society of Ireland, Friends of Paxos and the Municipality of Paxos.