Upcoming performances at Axiothea Cultural Festival

The second part of the 2021 Axiothea Cultural Festival has already begun, enriching old Nicosia with high-quality performances while next up at the University of Cyprus’ cultural venue is the Udopia Duo on Saturday.

Thymios Atzakas on the oud and Thodoris Ziarkas on double bass make up the duo and their sound plays with the limits of the Mediterranean musical tradition. Their music blends together original compositions, creating minimalist melodic dialogues, unexpected harmonies and functional contrasts that open up opportunities to explore the musical heritage of Eurasia and to improvise. Joining them is guest artist Michalis Kouloumis on the violin.

The following week, the newly-established Ensemble Cantara will perform as eight musicians present a set on September 17 introducing the ensemble’s melodies. The fresh ensemble explores Medieval music from the East and the West through a selection of original and traditional pieces from Cyprus, France, Spain, Italy and the Eastern Mediterranean in an effort to highlight the influences and affiliations in the musical traditions of Europe and the Middle East.

Next on the festival’s agenda is a performance based on the entire Cavafy oeuvre, which combines those poems or parts of poems in which the Alexandrian makes use of techniques and elements characteristic of the dramatic art. Titled Waters of Cyprus, of Syria, and of Egypt – Study on the Dramatic Cavafy, the performance is a theatrical workshop and will take place on three dates: September 20, 21 and 23. The last performance however will take place at the Lakatamia Municipal Amphitheatre.

A few days later the events will return to Axiothea Mansion as Haris Sophocleous presents his composition Success Story, along with the Trio Ostinato. Sophocleous’ Success Story is a modern composition, combining music and multimedia, which attempts to represent seminal events that have marked the history and the people of Cyprus in the last 100 years. The work, to be performed on September 24, follows a contemporary approach to composition and blends modern and classical elements in an intriguing piece for piano, violin and percussion instruments.

24^th Axiothea Cultural Festival

Annual festival by the University of Cyprus with performances and events. Until October 15. Axiothea Mansion, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-894531. www.ucy.ac.cy/cucentre/el/