The 21st International Pharos Chamber Music Festival will open on May 24 at the Pharos Arts Foundation’s recital venue The Shoe Factory with a cello and piano recital by the fascinating cellist and artistic director of the festival Alexander Chaushian, and Alessio Bax, described by the international press as “one of the most remarkable pianists before the public”.

With their insightful interpretations and dazzling virtuosity, the duo will offer the audience a listening experience with works by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Chopin and Crumb, and carve the way for a magnificent, highly-anticipated week of music-making in Kouklia’s Royal Manor House.

Another seven chamber music concerts will run as part of the festival welcoming 15 remarkable soloists. The opening evening on May 24 is the only concert hosted at The Shoe Factory in Nicosia. After that, the other May and early June concerts will follow at the Royal Manor in Kouklia and the Olive Grove in Delikipos.

After having performed extensively around the world with orchestras as acclaimed as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Chaushian is travelling to Cyprus to be part of the festival. Also with international collaborations and extensive musical globetrotting is Bax who Gramophone has described as “among the most remarkable pianists before the public.” Recent and forthcoming highlights include a trio tour of Spain, recitals at New York’s Lincoln Centre and, of course, this May in Cyprus performing works by some of the most well-known composers.

Cello and Piano Recital

With Alexander Chaushian and Alessio Bax. Part of the 21st International Pharos Chamber Music Festival. May 24. The Shoe Factory, Nicosia. 8.30pm. www.pharosartsfoundation.org.Tel: 22-663871