When Mathematics Meets Music.

Festum π Returns to the Aegean.

Chania, Crete | 14–27 July 2025.

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For the fourth consecutive year, the prestigious Université Paris-Saclay, the largest mathematics school in France, joins forces with the Conservatoire de Paris and 80 leading mathematicians and musicologists from France and Greece — this time on the island of Crete, in the beautiful city of Chania.

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As part of Festum π, two international conferences will be held, with proceedings to be published by Springer, one of the world’s top academic publishers. Participation is completely free for selected Greek and French students.

Every evening, a classical music festival takes place, featuring not only concerts but also lectures by leading researchers in the field of Artificial Intelligence – all free and open to the public.

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The event is held under the auspices of the French Embassy in Greece, the French Ministry of Research, and with the support of the Academy of Athens and the Region of Crete.

Festum π Highlights

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Open AI Lectures

Four world-renowned Artificial Intelligence experts will deliver open lectures to the public:

• Rémi Lam – Co-founder of Google DeepMind, named one of the "10 scientists who shaped science in 2024" by Nature. His research now powers global weather prediction models.

• Constantinos Daskalakis (MIT) – One of the most distinguished Greek scientists worldwide.

• François Pachet – Pioneer in the field of AI and Music, co-creator of Spotify’s music intelligence.

• Cédric Villani – Fields Medal laureate and author of the 2018 “Villani Report” that shaped France’s AI strategy.

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Musicology Lecture

Professor Theodora Psychogios (Sorbonne University), a leading French musicologist originally from Chania, will deliver a special open lecture, returning to her hometown for the occasion.

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Concerts & Musical Events

Varduhi Yeritsyan

Professor at the Conservatoire de Paris and former student of the legendary Brigitte Engerer, Yeritsyan will open the festival with a recital dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel. She will also offer free masterclasses for young pianists from Crete.

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Iddo Bar-Shai

Internationally acclaimed for his performances of François Couperin, he will present works by the French composer and share insights into his legacy.

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An Evening of Xenakis

Pianist Stephanos Thomopoulos and musicologist Makis Solomos will present a concert dedicated to Iannis Xenakis, focusing on his unique Franco-Hellenic identity.

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World Premiere – Mikis Theodorakis

The first-ever complete performance of Mikis Theodorakis' works for string quartet, performed by the George Demertzis Quartet: George Daskalakis (violin), Giannis Mageiropoulos (viola), Aristidis Lykos (cello).

Silent Film & Live Piano

Composer Karol Beffa, professor at the Collège de France, will improvise live piano music to F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece Sunrise (1927).

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Festival Orchestra – Academy of St Martin in the Fields

Featuring leading musicians from the world-renowned British ensemble, the festival orchestra will offer free masterclasses for young Greek musicians.

Soloist: Simone Dinnerstein, performing Philip Glass’s Piano Concerto No. 3, composed especially for her.

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More than a festival, Festum π is a celebration of Music and Mathematics – a tribute to Franco-Hellenic friendship and a modern expression of the Aegean’s timeless identity. Inspired by the spirit of ancient Greek science, from Oenopides of Chios to Pythagoras of Samos and Geminos of Rhodes.

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Join us in Chania, 14–27 July (MAICh, Venizelio Conservatory, Cultural Centre of Chania), to experience the magic of Festum π together!