More musical, theatre, dance and poetry performances are set to take place at Axiothea Mansion as the 26th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus continues. Presenting a modern approach to tradition is the musical performance titled Harper & Xylouri which will take place on June 25.
Maria-Christina Harper and Niki Xylouri will create a mystical soundscape, approaching the Greek musical tradition in a dynamic and innovative way, incorporating jazz and avant-garde elements and making the best of Niki’s sensual voice and characteristic use of percussion instruments and Cretan lyre, as well as Maria-Christina’s experimental and unique technique on the harp. Complementing the duo will be George Koutras on the electric and 12-string guitar.
The next performance on June 27 will shine a light on the songbook of jazz. Ioanna Troullidou and her band, which comprises some of the best instrumentalists on Cyprus’ jazz scene, will present a selection of songs from various jazz periods as well as original compositions by the singer herself, inspired by the long tradition of jazz she and her musicians have been exploring for the last 15 years.
The music performances will continue towards the end of the month as the Vakia Stavrou & Friends concert brings together four musicians to perform sounds from Argentina, Greece, France, Cuba, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Taking the floor of Axiothea Mansion on June 29 are Vakia Stavrou, Socrates Leptos, Manolis Neophytou and Stelios Pittas.
July’s first festival performance will be a gathering of more local musicians – specifically Freedom Candlemaker, Nama Dama and Cemre Arca. On July 3, the three musicians will join forces as Freedom Candlemaker (Lefteris Moumtzis) presents his latest EP titled Resurrection, which heralds the new album Ageless which he has been preparing for the last two years and will be released in the winter. In addition to Resurrection, the concert will include songs from the albums Now Happiness, Beaming Light and the unreleased album Ageless.
Freedom Candlemaker will be on vocals, piano and guitar, Nama Dama will be on backing vocals, synthesizer, percussion and the aulos while Cemre Arca will add to the performance with backing vocals, keyboards and flute. Another seven performances will make up the remainder of the festival’s July agenda which includes song and dance, a workshop on ancient Greek theatre, guitar sounds and more.
Harper & Xylouri – A Modern Approach to Tradition
Music performance by Maria-Christina Harper and Niki Xylouri, accompanied by George Koutras. Part of the 26th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus. June 25. Axiothea Mansion, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-894531
Ioanna Troullidou – A Jazz Songbook
Jazz music by Ioanna Troullidou, Charis Ioannou, Marios Toumbas, Irenaeos Koulouras and Stelios Xydias. Part of the 26th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus. June 27. Axiothea Mansion, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-894531
Vakia Stavrou & Friends
Live song and music from four local musicians. Part of the 26th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus. June 29. Axiothea Mansion, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-894531
Resurrection
Performance by Freedom Candlemaker, joined by Nama Dama and Cemre Arca. Part of the 26th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus. July 3. Axiothea Mansion, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-894531
