The Cyprus premiere of Andys Skordis’ work β is coming up soon in the capital, presented within the 5th Nicosia International Festival 2024. The Nicosia 2030 team, as part of its mission to showcase the work of Cypriot creators excelling abroad, organises the concert at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre on February 6.
β is an interdisciplinary performance featuring four musicians, a conductor/electronics and live VJ performers. The music unfolds as a cycle of seven pieces, including four larger works separated by short electronic interludes. The performance is defined by its music, lighting, text and moving images, forming a ritual that evolves through three stages: Preparation – Event – Catharsis.
This work is inspired by Reiner Maria Rilke’s Duino Elegies, specifically the first elegy. The music is composed for mezzo-soprano, bass clarinet, cello, percussion and electronics, blending elements of contemporary classical music with Balinese gamelan, Carnatic music and techno. This combination creates a sonic experience inviting the audience into a ritual where the concepts of beauty and terror are highlighted and guiding the performance.

β was commissioned by the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, where it premiered in June last year, and since July 2024 it has also been available on vinyl in both Cyprus and Greece. Following this concert, the festival’s February agenda will continue with a family-friendly play by the creative team behind the award-winning STILL!
This time, they present Franz Kafka’s Doll, a story set in 1923 Berlin. A little girl weeps over the loss of her doll when she meets the famous author Franz Kafka, who reassures her that her doll is not lost, but has embarked on a grand journey to see the world. From that day on, the girl begins to receive letters from her doll – penned by Kafka – detailing her adventures across the globe. Two performances will be held, on February 8 and 9.
Then it will be time for more original music created by Cypriot artists. Nābu Pēra, a somewhat new musical group has been invited to perform at the festival on February 11. Their performance Soundscapes of Nicosia highlights everyday sounds through an electronic lens blended with wind and percussion instruments. On stage, musicians Savvas Thoma, Natasa Hadjiandreou and Dimitris Yiasemidis will introduce audiences to their signature tunes. Here’s to an exciting month ahead!
Β
Cyprus premiere of Andy Skordis’ work. Part of the 5th Nicosia International Festival. February 6. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. €12. www.soldoutticketbox.com
Franz Kafka’s Doll
Theatrical production for children and adults. Part of the 5th Nicosia International Festival. Directed by Kostas Silvestros. February 8 and 9. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. €12. www.soldoutticketbox.com
Soundscapes of Nicosia
Performance by the new musical group Nābu Pēra. February 11. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. €12. www.soldoutticketbox.com
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