A musical journey through refugee heritage

Today, in the heart of Nicosia, the Cultural Centre of the Bank of Cyprus will come alive with the melodies of the Smyrnaic Echo ensemble. An evening performance will take listeners on a captivating musical journey as a parallel event of the ongoing exhibition Siko Psychi Mou.

The quartet, comprised of Christos Petrou, Sotiris Karantoni, Alexandros Koutsonasios and Dimitris Pichas, is set to perform at 8pm, bringing to life a repertoire of interwar and post-war rembetika songs. These compositions serve as a testament to the profound creativity and influence of Asia Minor refugee songwriters, weaving their cultural tapestry into the urban folk music of the time.

The event not only promises an evening of soul-stirring music but also offers a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the refugees of ’22. The melodies and lyrics echo the resilience and spirit of a community that found solace and expression through music in the face of displacement.

Admission to this cultural celebration is free. While at the Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus, audiences can also explore the Siko Psychi Mou exhibition which until February showcases the images and music of the refugees of ’22, chronicling the destruction of Asia Minor and the songs, symbols and memories birthed from it.

Smyrnaic Echo

Live performance by quartet. Part of the ‘Siko Psychi Mou’ exhibition. December 15. Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus, Nicosia. 8pm. Free. Tel: 22-128175