The Koufonisia Classical Music Festival is thrilled to announce the launching of the Academy of Rhythm and Time, a five-day course led by percussion soloist Dimitris Desyllas as part of its 2026 planning!
This intensive programme explores the many dimensions of musical time: Participants will engage with fundamental and advanced questions of rhythm, pulse, accuracy, synchronisation, subdivision, complexity and musical time
The course is open to instrumentalists of all disciplines, as well as conductors, who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of rhythm in performance
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend rehearsals and the final concert of ΤΥΠΑΝΑ Percussion Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Dimitris Desyllas
Participants are advised to plan to arrive on Koufonisi on 16 July and remain on the island until 22 July.
The Academy will begin with morning lessons on 17 July and will continue with daily sessions throughout the five-day programme. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend daily rehearsals of TYΠANA Percussion Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Dimitris Desyllas, as well as and the final concert taking place on the evening of 21 July.
Application Timeline:
Application deadline: 12 June 2026
Notification of selected participants: by 18 June 2026
Payment deadline for selected participants: 30 June 2026
Application materials:
Applicants are requested to submit the following documents and information by email at academy@rhythmandtime.com , in either English or Greek:
1) Full contact details
2) A short biography
3) A video link showing the applicant performing or conducting a work of their choice, in any style
Participation fee:
The participation fee is €150 in total per person.
The fee is payable only after the applicant has received confirmation of acceptance from the Koufonisia Classical Music Festival. Selected participants must complete the payment by 30 June 2026 in order to secure their place.
Payment should be made by bank transfer to the following account:
Beneficiary name: Synarmonia Non Profit Civil Law Company
IBAN: GR51 0172 0450 0050 4511 3507 626
BIC: PIRBGRAA
The participation fee includes participation in the Academy and attendance at the rehearsals and final concert of TYΠANA Percussion Ensemble
Accommodation, travel and all other personal expenses are not included in the fee and must be arranged separately by each participant. The Festival may provide general recommendations for accommodation and travel upon request
