University of Cyprus Cultural Festival is back

For yet another summer, the University of Cyprus’ Cultural Centre presents its annual arts festival. This year, the 25^th, it is dedicated to the memory of Michalis Pieris, the founder of the Cultural Festival and the University’s theatrical workshop who for the first time will not be there. During June and July, dozens of music, theatre and literature performances will take place at Axiothea Mansion, bringing a sense of culture to a quiet part of old Nicosia.

Coming up next at the festival is the George Kontrafouris Trio, which will perform on Friday. The internationally recognised Greek hammond organ and piano player and composer Kontrafouris will be accompanied by guitarist and composer Stefanos Andreadis and award-winning drummer Billy Pod. They will be at Axiothea for the first time to present his new album London 3, released in early 2022. The trio will also perform pieces from their discography as Flying Jazz with original compositions and selections from the classic jazz repertoire.

June 28’s evening will bring ethnic jazz sounds to old Nicosia as the Irenaeos Koullouras Trio featuring Amos Hoffman takes the stage. The well-known Cypriot jazz trio with Koulouras on the double bass, Giorgos Krasides on the saxophone and clarinet, and Giorgos Koulas on the drums, is hosting the distinguished oud and guitar player from Israel in a concert where jazz improvisations blend together with traditional elements characteristic of Middle Eastern music.

The first performance for July, on Friday 1, will welcome four musicians who will present the concert Wooden Sounds. The Chamber Music Ensemble for Marimba and String Quartet is performing a selection of works by composers Christos Hatzis, Philip Glass and Dave Maric which highlight the possibilities of the marimba as a solo instrument and explore the boundaries of the violin, the viola and the cello as percussion instruments.

Another seven performances remain for July including dances and music of Cyprus, the poetry of Michalis Pieris, James Joyce’s Ulysses and even shadow theatre with Karagiozis.

Cultural Festival – University of Cyprus

25^th edition of the annual festival. June and July. Axiothea Mansion, Nicosia. €10. Tel: 22894531-2. [email protected]