New York, NY– Sounds of Cyprus, the music ensemble dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus, will present a concert of traditional Cypriot music and dance on Friday, October 4 from 5:30- 7 PM at the New York Public Library’s Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, located at 455 Fifth Avenue in New York City. This performance will be free and open to all members of the public.
Sounds of Cyprus is thrilled to bring a vibrant showcase of traditional Cypriot music and
dance to the heart of New York City. The ensemble comprises highly skilled musicians
and dancers who are deeply passionate about preserving and promoting Cyprus’s cultural
legacy. Through their captivating performances, Sounds of Cyprus aims to foster greater appreciation and understanding of the multicultural diversity of Cypriot traditions among audiences.
This special concert at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library underscores the ongoing
commitment of cultural institutions like the New York Public Library to offer enriching
experiences that highlight the diversity and richness of global heritage. By partnering with
the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, Sounds of Cyprus not only celebrates the
artistic excellence of Cyprus but also strengthens cultural diplomacy and fosters
cross-cultural dialogue, multicultural music, and intercultural exchange.
Audiences can expect an immersive journey into the soul-stirring melodies, intricate rhythms, and dynamic movements that define Cypriot music and dance. From lively folk tunes to evocative ballads, the concert will showcase the depth and variety of Cyprus’s musical traditions, transporting listeners to the sun-kissed landscapes and vibrant communities that have shaped this unique cultural tapestry.
The upcoming Sounds of Cyprus performance is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The concert is presented as a part of the New York Public Library’s public program, is under the auspices of the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, and is free and open to the public.
To register visit:
https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2024/10/04/7-stories-presents-sounds-cyprus
No library card is required for registration.
Sounds of Cyprus is a Cypriot orchestra co-founded by Peter Douskalis and Elena Chris in New York City. The group performs the traditional music of Cyprus in varying orchestrations and styles that both consciously honor the time period of composition and period instruments as well as perform with a modern approach. Peter Douskalis, Project/Music Director, plays the laouto, oud, mandolin, and guitar in the group, switching between the proper instrument as needed for the authentic and modern orchestration of the pieces. Elena Chris, vocalist and Creative/Artistic Director of the group, sings the traditional songs in the Cypriot dialect of Greek, as well as in Turkish for songs that contain lyrics in both languages. Other instruments of the group are violin/viola (Alex Tasopoulos), contrabass (Erikos Vlesmas), and percussion (Mark Katsaounis), among others.
For more information about Sounds of Cyprus, their upcoming projects, and to become a
community partner, visit www.soundsofcyprus.com
