December Music in the Mountains

The popular music series which brings intimate performances to rural Cyprus, Music in the Mountains, continues in December with the final events of the year. Three Christmas-inspired live performances will take place this month, in Trimiklini, Lofou and Ineia.

“As we come to the end of an eventful year,” says organiser Andrew Oliver, “I reflect upon a period of great love and support for culture, in an uncertain world. After presenting almost 30 concerts this year, I am more convinced than ever of the value of music in our lives, especially in rural Cyprus.”

The first performance will take place on Thursday as the Moonriver Quartet along with Michael Antoniou will present a special swinging Christmas show at John’s Restaurant in Trimiklini. Starting at 8pm, the quartet will perform classics from Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams and Louis Armstrong among others bringing jazz, swing and seasonal favourites to the floor.

On December 13, Alice Ayvazian with Dimitris Miaris will host a Christmas jazz performance at o Linós in Ineia – an event that is already fully booked. Their repertoire will include hit jazz songs from the 20s, 30s and 40s as well as other Christmas classics with a jazz twist.

A few days before the holidays, soprano Anoki Von Arx and pianist Milena Romanova will present a classical music concert playing the season’s most beloved pieces. The duo will take over the Agrovino Wine Bar in Lofou on December 21 to perform a selection of well-loved Christmas songs, and solo piano works, including the Ave Marias from Schubert, Bach/Gounod, Caccini and Verdi Gomez. They will also present popular Christmas songs from around the world, including Germany, England, Italy, and France, and classical songs for this time of the year from A. Adam, Brahms and Bach.

As the New Year arrives, the Music in the Mountains series will continue with more performances in spring and possibly a new initiative. The Classics@Home series will include intimate house concerts sharing the love for classical music. Details on the when, where, who and how will follow as 2024 rolls in. Until then, there’s plenty to enjoy!

A Swinin’ Christmas with the Moonriver Quartet

Live jazzy, swing performance with Michael Antoniou on vocals. December 7. John’s Restaurant, Trimiklini, Limassol. 8pm. €15. Tel: 97-898997

A Jazzy Christmas

With Alice Ayvazian with Dimitris Miaris. December 13. o Linós, Ineia, Paphos. 8pm. €15. Tel: 96-207351

A Christmas Concert

With soprano Anoki Von Arx and pianist Milena Romanova. December 21. Agrovino Wine Bar, Lofou, Limassol. Paphos. 8pm. €15. Tel: 99-584871