Faidros Kavallaris stages world premiere with internationally acclaimed pianists

Cypriot composer Faidros Kavallaris last year celebrated his 70^th birthday. To mark the occasion, he now presents the world premiere of his work Exochrono of Sappho, or the Palintonos Harmonia – a music-poetic journey for daring and venturesome musicians.

The performance, on Saturday at Nicosia Municipal Theatre, and Monday at Patticheion Theatre Limassol, concerns one of his latest works that had already been published in an elegant volume containing the composite hand-written score and a 32-page book with a complete analysis and ways to perform of the work.

Exochrono of Sappho was inspired by the poetry of ancient Greek poet Sappho, just like previous works by the composer. The work is in essence a diptych for one or two pianists with seistron and/or other performers incorporating recitation of Sappho’s poetry.

In this piece, Kavallaris sums up and incorporates musical aspects and compositional approaches that he has been inspired by in the past. Ideas, processes and practices that have already been used and characterise some of his previous works, make up parts of Exochrono of Sappho.

“In this open-form performance,” say organisers, “through this music-poetic journey to the Cosmos, the stars and distant galaxies, the musician traces out a bright space, creating a life-cycle – the musical performance and the music itself, a truth and an instant beauty, like a shooting star in the infinite expanse of the Universe.”

The work will have its world premiere with two internationally acclaimed young pianists who will come to Cyprus from Germany: Danae and Kiveli Dörken. They will be accompanied on stage by Maria Zitti and Efi Charalambous reciting Sappho’s poems, as well as by other participants, forming a special performance on a high artistic level. “A particular and unique music event for Cyprus,” says the organising team.

Exochrono of Sappho or the Palintonos Harmonia

A performance composed by Faidros Kavallaris including music and poetry. April 17. Nicosia Municipal Theatre. April 19. Patticheion Theatre, Limassol. 8pm. €12. Advance booking is required www.soldoutticketbox.com Tel: 99-553174