Charlie Parker with strings

Α tribute to the jazz legend Charlie Parker will be staged by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra with the help of another well-known, local musical ensemble. The concerts on June 30, July 1 and 2 in Nicosia, Paphos and Limassol respectively will focus on his 1949-50 recordings for jazz quartet accompanied by a string section, oboe, harp and sometimes French horn, titled Bird with Strings.

“This legendary recording,” says the Orchestra, “created a new vogue for jazz soloists to incorporate a string ensemble into their standard jazz section, a trend still in fashion today.” Charlie Parker, also known as Bird, intended to play with strings as early as 1941 as he was always searching for new colours in his music-making. The Charis Ioannou Quartet along with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra pay homage to this repertoire that sounds fascinating and colourful.

The programme will open with the world premiere of the piece Modus Vivendi, in a jazz fusion style, written by the Orchestra’s Robert Hovanesyan, 1st violins tutti, and also a talented composer with a special flair for jazz. Robert’s personal reflection in connection to this composition is that: “Life is unpredictable. Everyone is looking for their own modus vivendi – way of living – in order to survive…”

Charlie Parker with String

Tribute to Charlie Parker by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and the Charis Ioannou Quartet. June 30, Pallas Theatre, Nicosia. July 1, Markideio Theatre, Paphos. July 2. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. 8.30pm. €5,7,12. Information: 22-463144, www.cyso.org.cy