Pharos Foundation chief Keheyan made Italy Cavaliere

Founder and President of the Pharos Arts Foundation, Garo Keheyan, has been made “Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy” (Cavaliere) for his contribution to the culture of Italy. Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus Federica Ferrari Bravo conferred the knighthood in a ceremony that took place at the Italian Residence on November 23, 2022.

The Ambassador extolled Mr. Keheyan’s contribution to the arts and culture of Italy through the activities of the Pharos Arts Foundation, “for promoting the Italian culture, education and tradition”, and for “strengthening the cultural relationship between Italy and Cyprus”. Ambassador Ferrari Bravo also shared that, upon her initial arrival in Cyprus, the Pharos Arts Foundation’s Nicosia recital venue, The Shoe Factory, had left a particularly memorable impression.

Receiving the award, Mr. Keheyan noted that: “Italy is a foundational pillar of European culture and civilisation.

“In my opinion, the world is threatened by three dark forces: greed, fear and ignorance,” he continued, “these are manifested through aggression, division and war, and the best antidote is light, which is found primarily through the arts.”

The day after the ceremony, on November 24, the Pharos Arts Foundation presented a magnificent concert with the Quartetto di Cremona – one of leading string quartets in the world today.