Most visitors to Greece expect the soundtrack of their holidays to range between the traditional sirtaki to more contemporary summer hits. But for visitors to Rhodes it is worth also keeping an eye (or ear) out for performances by a musical group rare for a Greek island: the Mixed Choir of Rhodes.

Established in 1962, this unique choir – which is composed of 4 different voice types – has been an essential feature of countless notable local musical celebrations on the island. These include the Ippokrateia Kos, the Arts Festival of Rhodes, the Simi Festival, the Medieval Festival of Rhodes, the “Days of Music” Festival and the Ecclesiastical Organ Festival of St. Francis of Rhodes Terra Sancto.

On September 2, 2017, the Mixed Choir of Rhodes will perform Renaissance pieces together with the Berthold Gymnasium Choir from Freiburg in a one-of-a-kind concert at the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.

The choir has also taken part in a number of major international events that have been held on the island and collaborated with other choirs from around Greece in numerous “choir gatherings” that celebrate the works of renowned Greek composers and poets. The group further promotes the education and enrichment of its members and the local community through seminars, and its interaction with renowned artists and celebrated works.

The group was founded by Xeni Emner-Papahalikitou who was also its conductor up until 1998. Beginning in 2000, Michalis Kalaentzis, Professor of Music at the Music School of Rhodes, became its new director and conductor.