**Traditional Cyprus Music Highlighted at UCy Cultural Festival**
Nicosia, Cyprus – The 29th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus is currently taking place at the historic Axiothea Mansion in old Nicosia, showcasing a rich tapestry of music, dance, and cultural performances. The festival, which runs until July 14, features a diverse lineup that celebrates both local and Mediterranean traditions.
One of the key performances scheduled for Wednesday is by renowned musician Stelios Petrakis, who will present his new album titled *Lyric*. This project emphasizes the lyra, a traditional string instrument, and is infused with strong Mediterranean and intercultural influences. The album aims to connect listeners with the modal traditions of the Mediterranean, highlighting the expressive capabilities of the lyra and its unique musical language. Through this performance, audiences can expect to be transported across various regions, including Crete, Asia Minor, southern Italy, and Valencia.
In addition to Petrakis's performance, the festival will feature a Traditional Dance Workshop on Sunday. This event will bring together three folkloric dance associations and six musicians from Cyprus, offering a unique performance that pays homage to the musical and dance traditions of four regions within the broader Hellenic world. The performance aims to evoke the shared cultural memories of Cyprus, Pontus, Asia Minor, and Eastern Rumelia, bringing to life the joys, sorrows, and everyday moments through music, songs, and dance. Central to this performance is the theme of homes left behind due to historical events, forced displacement, and population movements, with the songs and dances serving as a testament to the intangible cultural heritage passed down through generations.
As the festival progresses into July, vibraphonist Dimitris Angelakis will take the stage on July 7 with his quartet, presenting a performance titled *Long Way Home*. This concert will feature music from Angelakis's debut album of the same name, inspired by the poem "Ithaca" by CP Cavafy. The compositions reflect the idea that personal journeys shape our identities, with influences from Greek culture intertwined with elements of American jazz.
The festival will also include a theatrical adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's *The Talented Mr. Ripley*, performed by ENA Theatre from July 10 to 12. This psychological thriller, recently adapted into a Netflix series, promises to engage audiences with its suspenseful narrative and complex characters, performed in Greek by a local cast.
Closing the first part of the festival will be a special performance titled *The Zurna and Davul of Cyprus*, presented by the Cypriot Music Archive. This event features traditional musicians Kemal Deveci and Aziz Kahraman, who will showcase the authentic Cypriot musical traditions associated with the zurna and davul. Both musicians, born in the Karpasia Peninsula, are among the last practitioners of the old Cypriot repertoire for these instruments, which has been influenced by Turkish music since 1974. Their performance will recreate the complete musical ritual of a Cypriot wedding, offering a glimpse into the sounds that have shaped the social life and collective memory of Cyprus. Dr. Nicoletta Demetriou, an ethnomusicologist and director of the Cyprus Music Archive, will provide contextual insights during the performance, enriching the audience's understanding of the historical and social significance of the repertoire.
The 29th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus promises a vibrant celebration of the island's rich cultural heritage through theatre, dance, music, and various performances. Events are held at Axiothea Mansion, starting at 8:30 PM, with ticket prices ranging from free to €10, and a season ticket available for €50. For more information, interested individuals can contact the festival organizers at 22894531-2 or via email at [email protected].
As the festival unfolds, it continues to serve as a platform for both established and emerging artists, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural traditions that define Cyprus and its place within the Mediterranean region.