CyprusTODAY Volume LII, No 3, July - September 2014 Contents
Editorial...... 2
18th International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama...... 4
Cyprus and Geology. Science-EnvironmentCulture...... 12
16th Pafos Aphrodite Festival...... 14
Lekfara lace embroidery course by UNESCO...... 17
13th International Countryside Animafest Cyprus...... 23
1st Apollon International Chamber Music Festival...... 28
9th Lemesos International Documentary Film Festival...... 35
6th International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival...... 42
George Philippou Pierides...... 54
Painting the Divine icon exhibition...... 56
Summer Music Academy...... 59
My London Renos Lavithis...... 60
The Howa Jani Project...... 64
Volume LII, No 3, July - September 2014
A quarterly cultural review of the Ministry of Education and Editorial Assistance: Culture published and distributed by the Press and Information Natassa Haratsis-Avraamides Office (PIO), Ministry of Interior, Nicosia, Cyprus. [email protected] Press and Information Office Address: Michaela Mobley Ministry of Education and Culture [email protected] Kimonos & Thoukydides Corner, 1434 Nicosia, Cyprus Website: http://www.moec.gov.cy Design: GNORA COMMUNICATION CONSULTANTS Press and Information Office Printed by: Printco Ltd Apellis Street, 1456 Nicosia, Cyprus Website: http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio Front cover: The animation This is not a time to lie by Lei th EDITORIAL BOARD Lei, presented at the 13 International Countryside Animafest Chairperson: Cyprus Pavlos Paraskevas, Back cover: Aeschylus’ The Libation Bearers (Photo by Franca Director of Cultural Services, Centaro), as performed at the 18th International Festival of Ministry of Education and Culture Ancient Greek Drama Chief Editor: Jacqueline Agathocleous [email protected] GNORA COMMUNICATION CONSULTANTS PIO 238/2014 - 7.000 (website: www.gnora.com) ISSN (print) 0045-9429 Tel: +357 22441922 Fax: +357 22519743 ISSN (online) 1986-2547
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t is safe to say that this past summer was uncharacteristically mild for our beloved island’s Istandards, though you would be hard pressed to hear any complaints! And many would agree that one of the plus sides of this beautiful summer was that it created the ideal setting for an abundance of festivals. Festivalgoers were indeed spoilt for choice, and they still have the International Pharos Contempo- rary Music Festival, now in its sixth edition, to look forward to in October, as well as the first ever Apollon International Chamber Music Festival in November. Readers can find out more about those in this issue of Cyprus Today. We also present a selection of our other favourite festivals, including the 18th edition of the increas- ingly popular International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama and the equally loved Pafos Aphrodite Festival, which presented opera lovers with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte.
Our issue takes a look at a very special village in Cyprus – Lefkara - and its trademark embroidery The Howa Jani Project (page 64) Lefkara lace. One of Cyprus’ most distinctive types of traditional needlecraft, the Lefkaritiko is honoured to be on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Human- ity. Read our specially-dedicated feature to find out how UNESCO’s week-long embroidery course faired. Ecclesiastic art lovers will enjoy reading about the icon-exhibition Painting the Divine: Trends and influences in church painting of Cyprus during the 19th and 20th century and the role of the Modern Greek state, which explores the relations between the newly-founded Greek state (1830) and Cyprus under British rule in the field of painting. George Philippou Pierides is considered one of the most prominent figures of the Letters in Cyprus, having written – and won State Prizes for – a number of acclaimed works, most famously his Tetral- International Festival ogy of the Times. To mark the 110th anniversary of the late writer’s birthday, the Cultural Services of of Ancient Greek Drama (page 4) International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival (page 42) the Ministry of Education and Culture organised a workshop during which publications by academ- ics and eminent scholars, who have studied and analysed the writer’s work, where presented and discussed And, of course, our issue is laced with beautiful artwork, just to satisfy those visual senses! Cyprus Today was excited to hear about an exhibition by one of our much-loved artists living in London, Renos Lavithis. My London by Renos was presented at the prestigious Gallery in the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and did a good job of promoting our island’s talent further afield. Finally, Cyprus Today follows the Howa Jani Project from Jerusalem, which has gained much rec- ognition in recent years and represents the new generation of Israeli musicians. In three concerts in Cyprus in July, the Howa Jani Project, led by Neta Elkayam, revisited in their own distinct way the traditional music of North Africa with emphasis on the music of the Moroccan Jews. Enjoy! My London by Renos Lavithis (page 60) International Countryside Animafest Cyprus (page 23)
2 3 18th International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama
heatre lovers were certainly not disappointed came, offering the public a multicultural entertain- Twith this year’s Festival of Ancient Greek ment of high aesthetic standards. th Drama on 4 July 2014, which is already in its 18 This year all the performances of the International year. The audience enjoyed ancient Greek drama Festival of Ancient Greek Drama are also included performances from Croatia/Slovenia, Belgium, in the official events programme of the Organisa- Italy, Greece and Cyprus at Pafos Ancient Odeon, tion European Capital of Culture – Pafos 2017. Curium Ancient Theatre in Limassol and Makarios Meanwhile, the organisers significantly reduced III Amphitheatre in Nicosia. the price of entry tickets, to move with the difficult Organised by the Cultural Services of the Minis- financial times. try of Education and Culture, the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute and the Cy- prus Tourism Organisation, this year’s festival This year’s performances was no mean feat. Medea by Euripides However, even in the midst of an unprecedented One of the best works of the great ancient Greek ETHAL (Limassol Theatre Development Company) in cooperation with Technodromio, economic crisis, the Festival’s organisers remained writer Euripides, Medea, a story about love, envy, Cyprus and Pera Theatre, Greece, presented Sophocles’ tragedy Philoctetes true to their goal of presenting performances that greed for fame and revenge, a co-production by were chosen for the originality of their approach. the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Pandur. While preserving the uniqueness of ancient Greek Theaters, Slovenia and the Dubrovnik Summer at the Pafos Ancient Odeon. Medea, directed by vengeance against her and tries to force through drama, the performances also bore the distinc- Festival, Croatia, opened the 18th International the internationally acclaimed Tomaž Pandur, was the doors of the house, Medea suddenly appears tive cultural traits of the country from which they Festival of Ancient Greek Drama on 4 July 2014 presented in Croatia and Slovenia, and recently above, borne on a fiery car sent by her grandfather, at the Iberoamerican Theatre Festival 2014, in the Sun-god. Medea by Euripides Colombia. The direction, along with the spectac- Cast and crew ular acting of Alma Prica in the leading role, has Adaption from Euripides: Darko Lukić; transla- been highly praised in many countries. tion: Lada Kaštelan; Director: Tomaž Pandur; According to the plot, Medea, daughter of Aietes, Screen play by Tomaž Pandur, Livija Pandur; king of Kolchis, and granddaughter of the Sun- Dramaturge: Livija Pandur; Set design: Sven god, leaves her father and murders her brother to Jonke for NUMEN; Costume designer: Danica help Jason take her family’s treasure, the Golden Dedijer; Music: SILENCE; Video design: Dorijan Fleece. In addition, she has remained a faithful Kolundžija / Galerija 12+; Light designer: An- wife to him and has born him two sons. Neverthe- drej Hajdinak; Language advisor: Đurđa Škavić; less, he betrays her and wrongs her. He decides to Photographer: Aljoša Rebolj; Assistant direc- abandon her for the daughter of Creon, King of tor: Paolo Tišljarić; Assistant dramaturge: Mirna Corinth. Moreover, Creon orders her banishment Rustemović; Assistant to costume designer: Zjena from the country. After an outburst of despair, she Glamočanin; Stage manager: Roko Grbin. manages to convince Creon to let her stay in the Medea: Alma Prica; Jason: Bojan Navojec; Keep- country until the next day. In vain Jason tries to er of the Golden Fleece: Livio Badurina; Pheres: convince her that what he is doing is for her own Ivan Glowatzky; Mermeros: Romano Nicolić; Ae- good and the good of their children. She then pro- geus: Damir Markovina; The Argonauts: Kristijan ceeds deliberately to destroy Jason and all who are Potočki, Andrej Dojkić, Petar Cvirn, Tomislav connected with him: Creon’s daughter, Creon him- Krstanović, Jure Radnić, Ivan Magud, Adrian self and her two children. And when Jason swears Pezdirc, and Ivan Ožegović.
4 5 Philoctetes by Sophocles who helped Heracles end his sufferings while ETHAL (Limassol Theatre Development dying and was given them in return. Company) in cooperation with Technodromio, Odysseus and his obedient accomplice Neo- Cyprus and Pera Theatre, Greece, presented ptolemus, son of Achilles, are sent to carry Sophocles’ tragedy Philoctetes, translated by Philoctetes back to Troy. Odysseus’ plan is to the awarded Greek poet Giorgos Blanas and use Neoptolemus as bait to cheat Philoctetes directed by the Artistic Director of ETHAL, into giving away his arrows, since the oracle Minas Tigkilis. This was ETHAL’s first partici- pointed out that the arrows should be used by pation in the Festival. Neoptolemus. Neoptolemus is reluctant to de- Philoctetes, son of Poeas, in the first year of the ceive Philoctetes and even though at some point Grecian expedition to Troy, was bitten by a ven- he is persuaded, Philoctetes’ misery makes him omous serpent, the guardian of the shrine, while defy Odysseus and decide to help Philoctetes visiting the temple of the goddess Chryse. His return home. incurable wound aroused so much revulsion Philoctetes is unwilling to make peace with among his former comrades that the Atreides, those who treated him so cruelly and only by Agamemnon and Menelaos, asked Odysseus to the intervention of the deified Heracles is he abandon him in a desolate island and Odysseus persuaded to help the Greeks to victory. Philo- chose to banish him to the uninhabited island ctetes is a tragedy about human pain, abandon- of Lemnos, where he eked out a wretched life ment and the association between conscience during the ten years of the Trojan War. In the and politics, honour and duty. The Fondazione Instituto Nazionale Del Dramma Antico – INDA, Italy, based in tenth year, an oracle informed the Greek lead- Cast and crew Syracuse, Sicily, presented The Libation Bearers (Photo by Franca Centaro) ers that Troy could only be taken with the help Translation: Giorgos Mplanas; Direction: Minas of the invincible bow and arrows of Heracles, Tigkilis; Set and costume design: Edouardos Aristophanes, Lysistrata, under the Lithuanian sistrata (411 BC) has shone down the millennia and these were in the possession of Philoctetes, Georgiou; Lighting design: Vasilis Peteinaris; director Cezaris Grauzinis. as a hymn to peace, love and womanhood. Original: Giorgos Kolias; Movement: Chloe Twenty years after the Peloponnesian War be- Cast and crew Melidou; Assistant Directors: Panayiota Papa- gan, the situation in Athens has become so dif- Translation/Adaptation: Spyros Α. Evange- georgiou & Elena Meletiou; Set designer as- ficult that one woman, Lysistrata, decides to latos; Direction: Cezaris Grauzinis; Set/Cos- sistant: Thelma Cassoulidou; Musical coaching take matters into her own hands. Her plan is to tumes: Giorgos Patsas; Music: Dimitris The- of the Chorus: Nicos Vihas (Famagusta Choir); force the men to negotiate through the denial ocharis; Lyrics: Giorgos Mpakolas; Movement: Chorus: Christos Christofides, Costas Mpafas, of their conjugal rights. To this end, she organ- Dimitra Kritikidi; Text Edit: The translator and Iacovos Kantounas and Giorgos Diamantides. ises a secret meeting of women from Athens the actors/actresses; Lighting: Sophia Alexi- Cast: Philoctetes: Eftyhios Poullaides; Odys- and the other warring city states and convinc- adou; Production: Giorgios Lykiardopoulos, seus: Costas Kazakas; Neoptolemus: Constan- es them to refuse all sexual contact with their Highway Productions, NPO Lykofos, in a co- tinos Gavriel; Sailor man: Alexandros Parisis; Lysistrata by Aristophanes husbands and lovers. production with the Agrinion Municipal Re- Chorus: Coryphaeus A: Yiannos Antoniou; Cor- Lysistrata and the other Athenian women then gional Theatre, Greece yphaea B: Panayiota Papageorgiou; Coryphaeus occupy the Acropolis, where the state treasury C: Michalis Christou; Euripides Dikeos, Stefani Cast: Lysistrata: Maria Gkavogianni; Calonice: is located, so that the men will lack the funds Kaiti Konstantinou; Myrrhine: Nantia Konto- Nerou, Zacharias Iordanides and Andreas Dan- to continue the war. The scheme is quick to iel; Musician: Theodoros Polykarpou. georgi; Lampito: Margarita Varlamou; A Boeo- produce results, not only in Athens but in the tian Woman: Maria Philippou; A Corinthian enemy states as well. Envoys from the Spartans Woman: Jinie Papadopoulou; An Eleusinian Lysistrata by Aristophanes and the Athenians appeal to Lysistrata to com- Woman: Elina Malama; Magistrate: Antonis Highway Productions in cooperation with promise, and peace is secured with the help of Loudaros; Cinesias: Thanasis Tsaltampasis; A Giorgos Lykiardopoulos’ NPO Lykofos, in a a beautiful young woman, Reconciliation, and Spartan Ambassador: Thanasis Kourlampas; co-production with the Municipal Regional concessions are made on both sides. Chancellor: Dimitris Papanikolaou; A Spartan Theatre of Agrinio, presented the most popu- Written with Aristophanic sparkling humour in Herald: Thomas Gkagkas; Athenian A: Vasilis Medea, a story about love, envy, greed for fame and revenge lar and most frequently staged comedy of the darkest days of the Peloponnesian War, Ly- Poulakos; Athenian B: Gerasimos Skafidas.
6 7 sistance for his revenge, Electra and the Chorus Oedipe by Sophocles by plague. Oedipus takes action to save his city arrive to ask for her father’s assistance as well. (Olivier Kemeid adaptation) again. In his effort to discover the murderer of the As she sees the signs on the grave she suspects previous King, Laius, he discovers that he is his The famous Mexican director and choreographer that Orestes is there and indeed he appears and José Besprosvany participated in the Festival for son, that he killed him, married Jocasta, his mother they recognise each other. They lay out the plan the second time, presenting Oedipe, a Compagnie and had children with her. Thus the ancient proph- of their revenge and they execute it. They enter José Besprosvany/IDEA asbl production, co-pro- ecy has been fulfilled in all its dreadful detail. the palace announcing Orestes’ supposed death duced with the Theatre Royal du Parc in Brussels Jocasta in her horror hangs herself and Oedipus to Clytemnestra and she calls Aegisthus. Orestes and the Theatre d’Ivry Antoine Vitez, Paris. plucks out his eyes. Then he imposes on himself kills him and then comes face to face with his the penalty of exile which he had promised for the In this faithful take on Sophocles’ tragedy by mother. He hesitates to kill his own mother but murderer of Laius. after Pylades’ urging he murders her. He then writer Olivier Kemeid, José Besprosvany once again sets out to enrich the stage through his com- Cast and crew “The Furies are terrible, supernatural, and relentless and they dresses as a supplicant and starts out for the Ora- chase Orestes who killed his mother” - The Eumenides (Photo pany’s hallmark juxtaposition of text, music, and Script: Olivier Kemeid, adapted from Sopho- by Franca Centaro) cle to conjure the blood from his hands, while dance. Oedipe was highly praised in Belgium and cles; Direction, choreography: José Besprosvany; the Furies are hunting him. France. Video: Yannick Jacquet; Music, sound design: The Eumenides Oedipus grows up in the court of Polybus, King of Koenraad Ecker; Costume design: Bert Menzel; The Furies are terrible, supernatural, and re- Corinth, as his son. One day someone tells him that Lighting design: Marc Lhommell; Assistant Vis- lentless and they chase Orestes who killed his he is not Polybus’ real son. Polybus’ assurances ual Designer, Assistant Dramaturg: Francois Prod- mother. He takes refuge at the temple of god- are not enough to convince Oedipus who seeks homme; Assistant Set Designer: Richard Klein; dess Athena who founded the first court of jus- the truth at the Oracle of Delphi. The oracle that he Assistant on tour: Martin Coiffier; Video techni- tice. Orestes is pronounced not guilty for the gets is terrible. He is told that he will kill his father cian and general coordination: Yannick de Coster; murder of his mother Clytemnestra, who had and marry his mother and have children with her. Light technician: Caspar Langhoff; Sound techni- murdered his father Agamemnon. The vindic- This is enough for him to forget his previous prob- cian: Cédric Chotte. tive Furies are transformed into blessed favour- lem and take the decision to leave Corinth. On his Cast: Oedipus: Gauthier Jansen; Jocaste, the able Eumenides. way he gets into a fight with a man and kills him. Sphinx: Isabelle Roelandt; Creon: Georges Sia- Cast and crew He continues his journey until he reaches Thebes. tidis; The young man: Toussaint Colombani; The There he solves the riddle of the Sphinx, saves the old man, Tiresias, Laios, Polybus: Charles Cor- The Eumenides (Photo by Franca Centaro) Translation: Monica Centanni; Direction: Daniele Salvo; Assistant Director: Emiliano Bronzino; Set city from its sufferings and marries queen Jocasta nette; Dancers: Mylena Leclercq, Fernando Mar- and Costume design: Arnaldo Pomodoro; Music: and has four children with her. tín, Yann-Gaël Monfort, François Prodhomme and Oresteia: The Libation Bearers and Marco Podda. Prosperity does not last long for Thebes is struck Louis Richard. The Eumenides by Aeschylus Cast: Orestes: Francesco Scianna; Pylades: Oedipe – “The oracle that he gets is terrible. He is told that he will The Fondazione Instituto Nazionale Del Marco Imparato; Electra: Melania Giglio; kill his father and marry his mother and have children with her” Dramma Antico – INDA, Italy, based in Syra- A male Servant: Alessandro Romano; cuse, Sicily, an institution that has been serv- Clytemnestra: Elisabetta Pozzi; Nurse of Or- ing ancient Greek tragedy and comedy for a estes: Carbonetti Antonietta; Aegisthus: Gra- century now, presented the two tragedies of ziano Piazza; A Male Servant of Aegisthus: Aeschylus’ Oresteia trilogy: The Libation Alessandro Romano; The Pythian Priestess: Bearers and The Eumenides. The production Clara Galante; Apollo: Graziano Piazza; The had its first performance on 9 May 2014 at the Ghost of Clytemnestra: Elisabetta Pozzi; Athe- Greek Theatre in Syracuse, directed by Dan- na: Paola Gassman; Leaders of the Chorus: Si- iele Salvo with Francesco Scianna, Francesca monetta Cartia, Francesca Ciocchetti, Marcella Ciocchetti, Marco Imparato and Elisabetta Favilla, Clara Galante, Silvia Pietta and Elena Polic Greco; Chorus: Claudia Benassi, Rosy Pozzi in the leading roles. Bonfiglo, Clio Cipolletta, Giulia Diomede, Gi- The Libation Bearers uliana Di Stefano, Carmelinda Gentile, Paola Orestes and Pylades return to Argos after Ag- Giglio, Viola Graziosi, Jin Liyu, Doriana La amemnon’s assassination. As he secretly offers Fauci, Francesca Maria, Valeria Perdono, Silvia libations at his father’s grave, asking for his as- Pernarella and Elena Aimone.
8 9 Alcestis by Euripides Cast and crew the Greek language. But above all, we saw in Adaptation and stage direction: Michalis Pi- practice how vigorous Aristophanes’ Lysistrata eris; Music: Evagoras Karagiorgis; Set and cos- is as a theatrical text, but also how powerful is tumes: Christos Lysiotis, Eliana Chrysostomou; its translation into modern Cypriot dialect by the Movement coaching: Michalis Pieris; Choreog- most prominent contemporary poet of Cyprus. So raphy: Elena Christodoulidou; Lighting: Gior- powerful, yet so effortless that it breathes with the gos Koukoumas; Sound supervision: Stamatia breath of the people of Cyprus. Laoumtzi; Technical support: Kyriakos Kak- Thus, the director’s approach was based on the oullis; Production manager, assistant director: understanding that Montis’ Lysistrata should be Stamatia Laoumtzi. staged in the context of the demotic and folk tradi- Cast: Lysistrata: Christina Pieri; Magistrate: Dimi- tion, not least because the Cypriot poet’s language tris Pitsilis; Myrrhine: Myria Hadjimatthaiou; and choices point to this precise direction. How- Cinesias: Stavros Aroditis; Coryphaeus of Old ever, we set on ourselves two conditions. First: not Men: Michalis Yangou; Coryphaeus of Women: to interfere in any way with the meaning and the Eftychia Georgiou; Lampito: Miranda Nychidou; dramatic structure of the ancient text (which Mon- Calonice: Angela Savvidou; Old Man: Chariton tis fully respected); and second, not to fall into Iosifides; Old Woman: Michalis Michael; Chorus the trap of turning the play into a parody by over- of Old Men / Chorus of Women: all members of emphasising folk elements. With these thoughts THEPAK. in mind, I asked my collaborators to enter into a creative dialogue with the timeless values of the rich Cypriot tradition in all aspects of stage realisa- Director’s note tion: articulation, music, costumes, movement and By Michalis Pieris dance. We sought to identify elements of the ethos, Alcestis by Euripides dramaturgy: Nicos Charalambous; Set designer: “Working with this masterpiece of a text, we dis- which characterised the traditional Cypriot socie- Amfiktio Theatre closed the 18th International Lakis Genethlis; Music: Nikolas Leventis; Move- covered new virtues of the Cypriot dialect; we ty, that we believed had survived, albeit partially, Festival of Ancient Greek Drama with Euripides’ ment: Nataly Amman. tasted the rare literary juices of Costas Montis’ in modern times, we studied them carefully, and tragedy Alcestis, the symbol of self-denial and Cast: Apollo: Marios Kakoullis; Death: Julie Tsol- creativity, and enjoyed the flexibility and adapt- we tried to benefit from them without resorting to wifely devotion, directed by Nicos Charalambous. ka; Maidservant: Anna Yiangiozi; Alcestis: Maria ability that characterise this beautiful dialect of slavish imitation. Michael; Admetus: Simos Tsiakkas; Heracles: With Apollo’s assistance, Admetus, King of Pher- Costas Montis’ adaptation of Lysistrata, translated into Cypriot dialect by Cyprus’ ae, has secured an unusual privilege: when his Manos Galanis; Pheres: Neophytos Neophytou; most prominent contemporary poet, was presented by THEPAK time comes to die, he will be spared, provided he Leaders of the Chorus: Nataly Amman and Pa- can find someone to take his place in the Under- nayiotis Grigoriou. world. But who loves Admetus enough to give up their life for him? Lysistrata by Aristophanes, In the end, no one volunteers to die on his be- adapted by Costas Montis half except for his young wife, Alcestis, who The 18th International Festival of Ancient Greek bids farewell to life and embarks on a journey Drama commemorated the great Cypriot poet to the Underworld. Everyone in the palace Costas Montis by presenting his adaptation of mourns the loss of their devoted queen, who Aristophanes’ Lysistrata in a parallel event, as part only a hero can return to life by taking on Death of the “Costas Montis’ Year” celebrations. and besting him. Costas Montis’ adaptation of Lysistrata, translated Euripides’ oldest surviving play combines the into Cypriot dialect by Cyprus’ most prominent form and characteristics of tragedy with comedic contemporary poet, was presented by THEPAK elements, irony and an optimistic ending. (Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus) Cast and Crew and directed by Michalis Pieris at the Archontiko Translation: Makis Antonopoulos; Direction, of Axiothea.
10 11 Cyprus and Geology. Science-Environment-Culture
ollowing an enthusiastic response by the Fart-loving public, the Bank of Cyprus Cul- tural Foundation decided to extend its exhibition Cyprus and Geology. Science-Environment-Cul- ture until August 31, 2014. The exhibition presented the genesis and the emergence of the island of Cyprus. With the use of photographs and diagrams the visitor learned about the geological processes which gave birth to an island with unique geology, topographic features, microclimatological conditions and fer- tile soil covered with thick forest and a great va- riety of flora and fauna, and with abundant water The exhibition presented the genesis and the emergence of the island The Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation opens its exhibition Cyprus and Geology. Science-Environment-Culture and mineral resources as well as hydrocarbons. of Cyprus All these elements together with its geographical position at the crossroads between three conti- of activities, in keeping with the objectives origi- nents formed the basis for an excellent habitat nally delineated for the Cultural Foundation by for people and of a ten thousand-year long his- the Bank of Cyprus. tory of art and civilisation. The Foundation’s main strategic aims are to en- The exhibition was not only for geoscientists but courage the research and study of Cypriot civili- also for many other scientists such as historians, sation in the fields of archaeology, history, art and archaeologists, agronomists, mining and civil literature as well as to preserve and disseminate the cultural and natural heritage of Cyprus, with a par- Exhibits included native copper (bottom left), copper oxides (bottom Covered with thick forest and a great variety of flora and fauna, Cyprus engineers, hydrologists, doctors for the evolu- right) and copper rich ore has abundant water and mineral resources as well as hydrocarbons tion of medicine and pharmacology in Cyprus, ticular emphasis on the international promotion of the island’s centuries-long Greek civilisation. teachers and professors for teaching purposes as In 2008, by the archive of photographs of Μanuel Foundation has expanded its activities overseas, The Cultural Foundation is housed in the old well as for everyone who wants to know Cyprus. Baud-Bovy and Aristea Tzanou Baud-Bovy, in collaborating closely with major organisations administrative building of the Bank of Cyprus, 1999, by the Archaeological Collection of George and museums, both in Cyprus and abroad. which was built in 1936 and is situated in the his- Publication and educational programme and Nefeli Giabra Pierides, donated by Clio and Since its inception, it has held more than forty- torical centre of Nicosia near Faneromeni Church. Solon Triantafyllides, in 1993, by the Map Col- The exhibition was accompanied by a publication five exhibitions in Cyprus, in Greece, and in a The Foundation keeps five Cyprological col- lection of Antonakis and Laura Georgiades, in entitled Cyprus and Geology, by authors George number of European cities. In February 2000 lections: Coins - Maps - Rare Books & Manu- 1988, by the Map Collection of Mikis and Ag- Constantinou and Ioannis Panayides. It also in- it opened a branch in Greece. Both Cypriot scripts, Engravings, Old Photographs & Wa- nes Michaelides, in 1987, by fifty-one of Elektra cluded the educational programme Geology and tercolours - Contemporary Cypriot Art and the Megaw’s watercolours under the general theme and foreign institutions have recognised the in- Cyprus. A Journey in Time, which the visitor Archaeological Collection. “Wildflowers of Cyprus”. cessant, multifaceted activities of the Cultural could participate in, either with the help of an Further, the Cultural Foundation curates two Foundation. Some of the awards garnered by the animator or with help from an “educational kit” One manner by which the Cultural Foundation museums: the Museum of the History of Cyp- Foundation are indicative of its recognition: which could be acquired from the exhibition. achieves its objectives is the publication of books riot Coinage and the Archaeological Museum of and folios that pertain to archaeology, history, The Republic of Cyprus “Archaeology Award” George and Nefeli Giabra Pierides (donated by art, literature and the environment. This is pre- (2008); Benaki Museum (2007); The Historical About The Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation Clio and Solon Triantafyllides). cisely why the Foundation periodically organises and Ethnological Society of Greece (1991); and Since its establishment in 1984, the Bank of Cy- The Cultural Foundation Collections have been exhibitions, lectures and scientific conferences The International Map Collectors’ Society – IM- prus Cultural Foundation has developed a wealth enriched over the years by a number of donations: devoted to these areas. In addition, the Cultural CoS (1990)
12 13 16th Pafos Aphrodite Festival
he outstanding and cheerful opera Così Fan TTutte (So do all Women), by Wolfgang Ama- deus Mozart, marked the 16-year old success story of Pafos Aphrodite Festival, which once again pre- sented an artistic performance of international scope. The spectacular performance of Mozart’s great ro- mance, which took place on the enchanting stage of the Medieval Castle of Pafos on 5-7 September 2014, was a co-production between Pafos Aphro- dite Festival Cyprus and Opera Futura from Vero- na with the participation of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.
Così Fan Tutte Così Fan Tutte narrates a very daring (for that time) story of exchanging lovers. Despite an enthusiastic response by the Viennese audience when it premiered in 1790, producers avoided staging this opera for one and a half centuries, or altered it by staging a more censored version. However, during the 1950s, Così Fan Tutte re- The cast The Company’s establishment was Despite an enthusiastic the Municipality of Yeroskipou by gained its place in the operatic repertoire and The performers are members of internationally ac- the result of close cooperation be- two, the Municipality of Peyia, the since then, it has been and still is, one of the most response by the knowledged opera houses from abroad. tween these five organisations in Pafos Chamber of Commerce and famous and anticipated operas. Viennese audience Fiordiligi (soprano): Paola Santucci and Vittoria Ji the Pafos District, aimed at promot- Industry, and the Pafos District The opera consists of two acts – written on a libret- when it premiered Won Yeo; Dorabella (mezzo soprano): Paola Gar- ing Pafos as an international centre Committee of the Cyprus Hoteliers to by Lorenzo da Ponte – and it is considered char- in 1790, producers dina and Alessia Nadin; Ferrando (tenor): Francisco of high-profile cultural events, thus Association by one each. acteristic of opera buffa, the Italian comic opera. Brito and Riccardo Gatto; Guglielmo (baritone): contributing to the international avoided staging this Love and unfaithfulness, emotion and logic, lies Valdis Jansons and Andrea Zaupa; Don Alfonso promotion and elevation of Cyprus opera for one and a half and truth, all co-exist in an artistically skilful way The Company’s Course (baritone): Graziano Dallavalle and Carlo Torriani; in the cultural and tourism sectors. centuries, or altered and present, in a pleasant manner, the tragicomic and Achievements Despina (soprano): Paola Cigna and Julia Farrès The Company is a non-profit or- consequences of erotic deception. it by staging a more In 1998 the Company Pafos Aph- Llongueras; Chorus (soldiers, servants and sailors): ganisation and its basic aims are Opera lovers had the opportunity to watch this op- censored version rodite Festival Cyprus hosted three Pafos Aphrodite Festival Cyprus in collaboration the organisation and management era for the first time in Cyprus at the picturesque concerts by the Budapest Concert with Coro Lirico Citta’ di Rimini “Amintore Galli”. of one internationally acclaimed annual cultural harbour of Pafos in a unique audio-visual experi- Orchestra MAV at the ancient Odeon in Kato Pa- event as well as other cultural events in the District ence which captivated the audience. fos. A year later, in September 1999, it held the of Pafos. st Ayis Ioannides was the Conductor and Chorus Company Pafos Aphrodite Festival Cyprus 1 Pafos Aphrodite Festival presenting Giuseppe Master and Paolo Panizza the Director and Set De- The Company Pafos Aphrodite Festival Cyprus The Founding sponsor is the Republic of Cyprus, Verdi’s Aida by the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow at signer, while Elisabeth Juillard was Stage Manager (P.A.F.C) was founded in 1998 by the Munici- through the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Medieval Castle Square. and Nicoletta Olivieri Music Stage Manager. Stefa- pality of Pafos, the Municipality of Yeroskipou, the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and In April 2000 the company hosted its 1st Akamas no Nicolaou designed the costumes and Fiammetta the Municipality of Peyia, the Pafos Chamber of Tourism. Festival, presenting the classical music ensemble Baldiserri was in charge of lighting. Massimo Tad- Commerce and Industry, and the Cyprus Hoteliers At the P.A.F.C Board of Directors, the Munici- Monasteria Ensemble from Germany with perfor- dia was the performance’s Artistic Director. Association – Pafos Regional Committee. pality of Pafos is represented by four members, mances at various hotels in Pafos. In September
14 15 Lefkara lace embroidery course by UNESCO
23-29 August 2014, Lefkara
efkara lace (known locally as Lefkaritika) ject, disseminate and utilise elements of the art of Lis one of Cyprus’ most distinctive types of Lefkara lace-making, the course is primarily di- traditional needlecraft. Its cultural as well as ar- rected at teachers of the visual arts and artists, of- tistic value is acknowledged through its inscrip- fering the opportunity of on-site cooperation with tion in 2009 on UNESCO’s Representative List acclaimed embroiderers from Lefkara. of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A dozen learners took part this year, attending In fact, this was the reason behind a decision by classes given by six embroiderers. Among the pro- of that same year, the 2nd Pafos Aphrodite Festival The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra was founded in the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO to gramme’s targets is to educate and sensitise teach- took place, presenting George Bizet’s Carmen by 1987 by the Ministry of Education and Culture as organise a week-long embroidery course in 2013. ers to how important it is to protect and dissemi- the National Opera of Estonia. a chamber orchestra. In 2006, by decision of the Following its success, the course was held again nate Cyprus’ Intangible Cultural Heritage, acquire Other operas performed at the Pafos Aphrodite Council of Ministers, the Cyprus Symphony Or- this year. With the main idea being to protect, pro- the basic skills to create Lefkaritika and provide Festival include: Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco; chestra Foundation (CySOF) was established and Lorca Massine and Mikis Theodorakis’ Zorba from 1 January 2007 took over the management the Greek by the National Opera of Poland; of the Orchestra which was renamed Cyprus Sym- Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot by the National phony Orchestra. Opera of Poland; Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca by The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra plays an impor- the Festival of Arena di Verona; Giuseppe Ver- tant role in the cultural life of Cyprus. It presents di’s Rigoletto by the National Opera of Poland; symphonic performances for audiences of all ages, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata by the National promoting knowledge and cultivating apprecia- Opera of Poland; Giuseppe Verdi’s Un ballo tion for classical music. In addition to symphonic in Maschera by the Mariinsky State Academic concerts, the CySO actively engages in education- Theatre of St Petersburg; Giuseppe Verdi’s Il al and outreach programmes, as well as other cul- Trovatore by The Abai State Academic Thea- tural activities all over Cyprus. In order to enrich tre of Opera and Ballet (Kazakhstan); Giacomo the cultural life on the island, the CySO collabo- Puccini’s Madama Butterfly by The Lyric Thea- rates with other cultural organisations, schools, tre “Giuseppe Verdi” of Trieste (Italy); Léo De- festivals, and radio and TV channels. libes’ Lakmé by The National Opera of Sofia; The Educational Programmes are organised in Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème by the Opera collaboration with the Ministry of Education and of the Slovak National Theatre; Jacques Offen- Culture for all levels of education: pre-school, pri- bach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann by the Opera of mary and secondary. They include school visits by the National Theatre Prague; Giuseppe Verdi’s musicians, preparatory music workshops, school Otello by the Opera of the Slovak National Thea- and family concerts. tre; and Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore in a Aiming to promote the work of Cypriot artists, co-production between Pafos Aphrodite Festival the CySO regularly collaborates with Cypriot Cyprus and Opera Futura Verona, with the partici- composers, by commissioning and presenting pre- pation of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. mieres of their works, to be heard both at home Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika – © 2008 and abroad. Also, the Orchestra frequently offers a by Lefkara Municipality / Ministry of Education and Culture (Photo by Cyprus Symphony Orchestra platform for young artists by offering them regular Antigoni Polyniki) Since last year, Pafos Aphrodite Festival has public exposure. welcomed a special new addition to its fold: The For more information on Pafos Aphrodite Festi- Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. val, visit: www.pafc.com.cy
16 17 different periods from the 19th to the early 20th cen- 5 pm from April until October. Admission is €1.70 tury. In the left corner of the courtyard a staircase and unfortunately, due to its age, it is non-wheel- leads to the upper floor. chair accessible. Three rooms on the upper floor contain rural fur- nishing belonging to the 19th and early 20th cen- The history behind Lefkara lace turies and they serve as an entrance hall, a living Lefkara lace is perhaps the finest example of room and a bedroom. The furnishing of these needlecraft and folklore tradition that Cyprus rooms creates the atmosphere of a typical grand has to offer. Lefkara house. Traditional costumes, jewellery, It is embroidery of great value that reflects the dy- silverwork and a large collection of old Lefkara namism, the sensitivity, and the power of observa- embroidery, for which the village is renowned, are tion of the Cypriot woman. The skilful hands of on display in other rooms on the upper floor. the needlewoman manage to create perfect and ar- The arrangement on the ground floor, which con- tistically delivered designs upon the fabric, which tains a rural type dining room and a storeroom not even the hand of the most skilful designer with large jars and agricultural implements and would have been able to deliver in such detail, tools, gives a vivid impression of traditional vil- grace, rhythm, and harmony. lage life. All the designs of the lace embroideries from
Group photo in the courtyard of the Museum of Traditional Embroidery & Silver-Smithing in Lefkara © Cyprus National Commission for The Museum is open from 8.30 am until 4 pm Lefkara are inspired by nature and the environ- UNESCO (Photo by Antigoni Polyniki) from November to March, and from 9.30 am until ment, receiving a characteristic form as the stitches social and economic incentives to embroiderers duction and Projection of Lefkara Lace Embroi- who are recognised for their work, so they can dery, Margarita Charalambous. Once the lesson pass on their knowledge and skills. ended, attendees were taken on a tour of the Mu- The course began on Saturday, 23 August 2014, at seum and shown exhibits by Antiquities Officer the Lefkara Hotel and included a lecture entitled: Evi Fiouri, before sitting down to lunch provided “Lefkaritika embroidery” by Androula Hadjiyia- by the Municipality of Lefkara. semi, former school inspector in Home Econom- The course concluded on 29 August. ics, researcher and author. Mrs Hadjiyiasemi pre- For more information, visit: www.unesco.org.cy sented works by Cypriot artists that were inspired by Lefkaritika embroidery and spoke of how the art had evolved, how it was traded and its main Museum of Traditional Embroidery & Silver- structural elements and characteristics. Smithing On 24 August, participants gathered at the same The Museum of Traditional Embroidery & Silver- hotel to meet with traders of the traditional lace Smithing is located in the village of Lefkara. It is and learn about their personal experiences and run in the House of Patsalos, which was named views. after its owner who belonged to one of the vil- lage’s richest families. Since 1979, many houses in The following day, a group lesson was given in the Lefkara have been declared “ancient monuments” courtyard of the Museum of Traditional Embroi- and some of them have been restored by the De- dery & Silver-Smithing, where learners and em- partment of Antiquities. broiderers exchanged ideas and experiences. The gathering was visited by the Mayor of Lefkara, The House of Patsalos was acquired by the Depart- Savvas Xenofontos; the Director of the Cultural ment in 1983, thanks to a donation by Sir Stelios Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ioannou, and after its restoration it was officially and Secretary-General of the Cyprus National opened to the public as a Museum in August 1988. Commission for UNESCO, Pavlos Paraskevas; The entire house is constructed out of local white Detail of Lefkaritika by award-winning embroiderer Chryso Kola Embroiderer-teacher Margarita Charalambous with one of her © Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO (Photo by Antigoni students from the course © Cyprus National Commission for and the President of the Association for the Pro- limestone and contains several rooms built during Polyniki) UNESCO (Photo by Antigoni Polyniki)
18 19 are combined. Today’s Lefkaritika have evolved to to a serious risk of the traditional needlecraft’s a great extent, other - more recent - elements hav- technique going extinct. ing been added to the stereotyped, old decorative Today’s ambition is to train and create perfect geometrical motifs. Hence, a huge variety of em- needlewomen by conveying in a simple man- broideries with characteristic names such as athasi ner the wealth of tradition, which was handed (almond), margarita or makoukoudi (refers to a down as a legacy from generation to generation, small weaving row), mi me lismoneis (forget me and through everyone’s contribution, ensure that not), tagiada (a basic pattern in weaving), pota- it continues for many more generations to come. mos (river), arvalotos (latticed / riddled pattern), Through the embroideries of Lefkara that are ex- klonotos (branched), ammatotos (with eye-shaped tant, the continuation and the evolution of the as- patterns), arachnotos (spider-web), aplos (sim- proploumia (white, embroidered ornaments with ple), diplos (double), karouli (bobbin), miloudi cotton-thread) is made clearly visible. (small apple), and many more swarm the local and foreign market and become the main source of in- The first embroideries of Lefkara are made come for the skilful female weaver of Lefkara - the with the same manufacture ingredients as the “kentitria” - and the male embroideries’ merchant asproploumia, that is, they are made entirely of of Lefkara – the “kentitaris”. cotton coming from local, hand-made, woven, thick fabric. For the past century Lefkara has become world Later on the kampri (or hases) was used - a thin, The group lesson that took place in the courtyard of the Museum of Traditional Embroidery & Silver-Smithing in Lefkara © Cyprus National famous as the homeland of embroideries. Indeed, Commission for UNESCO (Photo by Antigoni Polyniki) the peculiarities and the technique of the embroi- imported fabric - as well as the bakaris, (cotton- thread - bobbin). Around 1913 they began using deries that are manufactured in Lefkara have con- There is a diversification of the “Lefkaritiko” style boundaries of the designs in the asproploumia. All tributed to shaping a form of needlecraft with a the local, linen fabric from Zodia and Astromeri- in these designs. The silk embroideries are done these characteristics are transferred to the lace em- special style that has now been established and tis and the linen threads, which they spun and with more anevata, gemota designs (satin-stitch broideries of Lefkara, which start taking their own, named as “Lefkaritiko Kentima” (Embroidery of whitened for that purpose, when making the embroidery that is more ravelled) and are most particular form. Lefkara) or simply “Lefkaritika”. Unfortunately, embroideries of Lefkara. Along with the use of suited for cutting and removing a small number of In Lefkara the technique of the asproploumia, many of the old designs have stopped being pro- linen, people in Lapithos and Karavas began threads. In their final form the designs resemble which improved and diversified according to the duced due to the difficulty in execution and the weaving Lefkaritika using local, silk fabrics and the results of the “Lefkaritiko” style but present skill of each needlewoman, is preserved. At the time required to manufacture them, thus leading with silk threads. differences in the manner of their constitution. In same time, the lace embroidery of Lefkara was also the case of straogazo (a type of stitch without rav- enriched by the technique of the “Venise Lace”, els), apart from the difference in technique, there is which became known in Cyprus during the era of also a difference in the final result. the Venetian Domination (1489-1571). Through In all the types of embroideries there is a uniform- this lace technique the needlewomen of Lefkara ity of fabric and thread that creates a perfect join- create designs on the cut fabric and change them ing of the materials with the embroidery. – adapting them to the area upon which they will The first old embroideries of Lefkara, aspro- weave, in line with their imagination, their artistry, ploumia, are no longer produced and the old ones and their skill. that still exist are made of local, thick, cotton fab- Starting from Lefkara, the small village of the ric that is hand-made and cotton threads, which Larnaca district from which the lace embroider- they spun for this purpose. ies took their name, they have become known in The designs of the asproploumia are simple, usu- many countries. ally geometric, without any details. They are lim- The tradition was maintained and came to life ited and the same ones are repeated throughout the again on 19 October 1986. On this day of the whole range of the embroidery. Their main charac- main altar’s consecration in the Duomo Cathedral teristic is the cutting and removal of threads from in Milan, the Community of Lefkara donated an the fabric, the use of a limited number of stitches, embroidered tablecloth that was made in Lefkara, and the making of gazia in a number of varia- in memory and as a continuation of this tradition. Embroiderer-teacher Evdokia Stavri with her student © Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO (Photo by Antigoni Polyniki) tions. The gazia usually end, complete, and set the By the end of the previous century the inhabit-
20 21 ants of Lefkara visited the cities of neighbouring broidery, as they have for centuries. The village is 13th International Countryside Animafest Cyprus countries, wherever the Greek element was pre- also known for its skilled silversmiths who pro- sent – Alexandria, Cairo, Smyrna (Izmir), Con- duce fine filigree work. Views of the World stantinople – and spread the reputation of the lace According to legend, Leonardo da Vinci visited embroideries of Lefkara. Through Greece they the village in 1481, and purchased a lace cloth for were transferred throughout Europe, to the Scan- the main altar of the Duomo di Milano. dinavian countries, and America. The merchants t is a little appreciated genre of film; yet what of Lefkara –“kentitarides” – travelled to or stayed Iis there not to love about animation? It ap- in Europe and roamed from house to house, selling UNESCO: Intangible Cultural peals to all ages, crosses all borders and speaks and making their embroideries known, while the Heritage of Humanity all languages. And thanks to Cyprus’ very own needlewomen of Lefkara remained in the village, According to Decision 4.COM 13.37 of UNESCO, animation festival – the International Countryside organising the production. Lefkara Lace satisfied the criteria for inscription on Animafest Cyprus - Views of the World – now cel- In this way their name became well known and the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural ebrating 13 years of success, it is a film genre that the lace embroideries of Lefkara reached – in the Heritage of Humanity, as follows: Cypriots can enjoy too. beginning of the century, from 1900 until 1930 – a R.1: Passed on from generation to generation over A summer celebration of the art of animation, point of perfection in terms of the combination of many years, the craft of Lefkaritika is sustained by against the backdrop of the Cypriot countryside, technique and the end result. its aesthetic and socio-economic values, providing the 13th International Countryside Animafest Cy- women of Lefkara with an enviable sense of iden- Source: http://www.katolefkara.org/english/lefk_ prus — Views of the World left behind fond memo- tity and continuity; lace.shtml ries and excellent impressions among Cypriot au- R.2: Inscription of the element on the Representa- diences and international guests alike. tive List would contribute to raising awareness of Lefkara Having accomplished its mission of bringing the significance of traditional handicraft skills and some of the greatest independent animated films Lefkara takes its name from the white of its silica the successful integration of diverse cultural influ- from around the world to the Cypriot audience, and limestone; hence the name Lefkara is derived ences and modern techniques; and promoting the work of Cypriot filmmakers, from a combination of the Greek words “lefka” R.3: Efforts to safeguard the element will be car- in the context of a fruitful artistic and personal (white) and “ori” (mountains, hills). ried out by governmental bodies and the commu- interplay, festivalgoers had the opportunity to It is located on the southern slopes of the Troodos nities concerned and will include such measures as see amazing films, meet world-renowned artists, Mountain Range in the Larnaca District of Cyprus. creating an archive, organizing contests, establish- make new friends and enjoy the beauty of the It features cobbled streets and picturesque archi- ing scholarships, research projects, a lacemaking Cypriot countryside; and all this in just the space tecture. The village is split into two administrative school and a foundation; of four days. regions: upper and lower Lefkara, with around R.4: Community involvement is evident at all Returning for its 13th edition on 17-20 July 2014, cinemas. This year the international competition 1,100 inhabitants. stages of the nomination, and signed consent let- with international participants, an exciting screen- programme included films from Italy, Estonia, A common sight is groups of women sitting in the ters are testimony of its free, prior and informed ing programme, as well as exhibitions, tributes and Germany, Belgium, China and Canada. Fur- narrow village streets working on their fine em- consent. concerts, this year the festival took place at the Me- thermore, the work of Cypriot filmmakers was dieval Manor House at Palaepaphos Kouklia, near showcased, who then competed in the national the ancient place of worship of the Greek goddess competition programme. The development of Aphrodite. This enchanting location overlooking local production of animated film is one of the the coast of Kouklia, is a UNESCO world herit- longstanding goals of the festival and among its age site dating back to the time of the Lusignan founding principles. Kings (13th c. AD), making it the ideal backdrop for one of the most renowned summer festivals on the island; an event celebrating the magical art of Best animation films of the year awarded animation. As is the case every year, the closing night saw The audience once again had the unique op- the best animation movies receive awards by a portunity to watch a selection of the best inde- special jury. The jury members – Chris Robinson, Embroiderer Chryso Kola explains how to create the Potamos (River) artistic director of Ottawa International Anima- motif, the basic Lefkaritiko embroidery pattern © Cyprus National pendent animated films from around the world, Museum of Traditional Embroidery & Silver-Smithing Commission for UNESCO (Photo by Antigoni Polyniki) which are not usually distributed to commercial tion Festival, Gerben Schermer, co-founder of the
22 23 Musics of the World bitions, special screenings and master classes by As if all the above was not enough to satisfy the world-renowned artists. The Hambis Printmaking senses of our animation lovers, this year Interna- Museum, co-organiser and co-founder of the festi- tional Countryside Animafest Cyprus inaugurated val, hosted a unique workshop on sand animation a new addition to its activities: the musical part of with Estonian artist Olga Parn. the festival, Musics of the World, which was the result of a collaboration with Rialto Theatre’s Eth- Children’s Animation Programme nic Festival. This year on closing night, the festi- In 2013, the festival inaugurated a new section val hosted a concert by the Howa Jani project and in its programming, devoted to the promotion Neta Elkayam, from Israel. This group of young of children’s animation. “Our aim is to enrich Absent Minded by Roberto Catani musicians, who have enjoyed great international Cypriot children’s perception of animation and acclaim in recent years, revives the musical tradi- cultivate love and respect of the genre,” ex- tion of North Africa with emphasis on the music plained Yiorgos Tsangaris, the festival’s arti- of Moroccan Jews. stic director. “We intend to collaborate with other festivals internationally with the purpose Collaboration with Pafos - of exchanging children’s programmes as well European Cultural Capital of Europe 2017 as organising educational workshops, thus in- This year saw the beginning of a strategic collabo- viting children and their parents to participate ration between International Countryside Animaf- creatively in the festival.” Baths by Tomek Duck Bettys Blues by Remi Vandenitte est Cyprus and Pafos - European Cultural Capi- The children’s programme, presented this year in tal of Europe 2017. The 13th edition of the festival collaboration with Kuki Festival of Interilm Ber- Holland Animation Film Festival, What is there not to mas Patrovits and Anna Ida was included in the institution’s cultural activities, lin, one of the most prestigious short film festivals and Cypriot director Lea Maleni – love about animation? Oroz (curators of PRIMANIMA while the continuing collaboration aims at devel- in the world, took place at Columbia Hotels and awarded the Grand Prix in the In- It appeals to all ages, the Hungary animation festival) opment projects and will culminate in 2017. Resorts at Pissouri Bay. and Anu Laura Tuttelberg (Di- ternational Competition Programme crosses all borders and to the Polish film Hippopotamy by rector of the film The other side Parallel events About Animafest Cyprus – Views of the World Piotr Dumala, and the first prize speaks all languages of the Woods) whom the audi- A number of events ran in parallel with the 13th “It began 12 years ago,” says Yiorgos Tsangaris, in the National Competition Pro- ence and the participants in the International Countryside Animafest Cyprus — artistic director. With its roots in Plataniskia, at the festival had the opportunity to meet. gramme to the film Dance of a Mass by Marinos Views of the World, including workshops, exhi- Hambis Printing School belonging to Tsangaris Savva. Special mentions were given to the films A special tribute was presented in honour of the Baths by Tomek Duck (Poland), Love Games by great Estonian animator Priit Parn, whose films Yumi Joung (South Korea) and Wonder by Mirai have enjoyed international acclaim. An exhi- Mizue (Japan/France). bition of Parn’s prints was shown in the great The first prize in the International Competi- hall of the Manor House for the duration of the tion Programme was €1,000 and was sponsored festival. It was accompanied by screenings of by Hellenic Bank. The prize in the Cypriot Pro- some of his most celebrated films dating back gramme was €500 and was sponsored by the law to the 1970s. Priit Parn gave a talk about his firm Markides and Markides LLC. work and also participated in the international competition section with his latest film, Pilots on their way Home, a co-production with the International guests and tributes National Film Board of Canada. This year’s international guests included Chris Animafest also continued its series of tributes to Robinson (Ottawa International Animation Cypriot pioneers in the art of animation. This year Festival), Gerben Schernen (Holland Anima- the festival honoured filmmaker Kyros Rossides tion Festival), Alex Stein (Kuki- Interfilm with a screening of his first animated film and a Berlin), Adam Ptak (from SE-MA-FOR The presentation of his production drawings, which he puppet animation studio in Polland), Ta- created at the famous Royal College of Art in 1973. Pilots on their way Home by Priit Parn
24 25 ists. Renowned Canadian animator Norman McLaren was elected the first president of ASIFA. McLaren, John Halas and our other founding fa- thers envisioned a world of peace and dialogue to settle our differences. Today ASIFA can be described as an internation- al network of numerous local ASIFA Chapters, which have developed their own local identities and special activities. These ‘local’ ASIFA Chap- ters send their representatives to the ASIFA Board, where all important decisions are made. Compared to the early years of ASIFA, when the Board Members comprised only animation Love Games by Yumi Joung Wonder by Mirai Mizue Hippopotamy by Piotr Dumala artists, the ASIFA Board today is composed of animation specialists from very different back- senior, the festival began when Yiorgos introduced ternational event of astounding proportions. at various locations around the country through- grounds. They are animation artists, producers, journalists, teachers, workshop leaders, festival the renowned director of the Thessalonica Film As well as the many associated master classes, out the year, including schools, film festivals, directors and employees of local ASIFA Groups Festival – Dimitris Eipides – to the village. “He workshops, presentations, exhibitions and lec- cinemas and galleries, always in non-commercial among others. loved the location, and immediately suggested we tures, Animafest boasts the screening of a selec- screenings. Every November, an Academic forum start a documentary film festival in the village.” tion of the best animation film productions from on Animation at the Cyprus University of Tech- One of its most successful new projects is Interna- Thus began the International Countryside Docu- around the world – a huge leap from the festival’s nology is organised, bringing together academics tional Animation Day (28 October), a project that extends to non-ASIFA groups. The international An- mentary and Animated Film Festival - Views of humble beginnings. “When we started, back in from Cyprus and abroad. This forum is organised imation Workshop Group (AWG) continues with its the World, which ran for four years before its con- Plataniskia, the environment was magical. We in collaboration with Media Desk Cyprus. version purely to the latter genre: “Gradually the highly successful children’s workshops, while the screened in a small garden under the stars and, due festival changed to become only animation; it’s an famous ASIFA Prize, founded in 1985, is given an- to the countryside location, hosted all walks of life. underexploited area and the Ministry of Education ASIFA Cyprus nually to outstanding personalities who have sup- And because we’ve kept the countryside location, and Culture has encouraged us to emphasise it be- In May 2013, the Association Internationale du ported the art of animation. it is still like that today.” cause it’s an artistic and cinematic form with no Film d’Animation (ASIFA) Board approved the Working with UNESCO, ASIFA strived to unite As audiences have grown significantly in recent tradition on the island.” foundation of a new chapter - ASIFA Cyprus, the animation world in peace. The main goal of years, the festival has moved to different villag- This evolution led not only to a change of name, based on an application by the artistic director of ASIFA was to share animation films and develop but also to a change of venue, an increase in as- es to accommodate the large number of specta- Animafest Cyprus, Yiorgos Tsangaris. lasting international friendships. Now, with almost sociated events, the formation of an NGO and the tors and is currently held at the ancient town of ASIFA was founded in 1960 in Annecy, France, as 40 chapters worldwide this spirit of peace, love establishment of a Cyprus chapter of ASIFA, the Palaepaphos. It continues to draw a very diverse an association of individual animation art- and tolerance continues to guide ASIFA. Association Internationale du Film d’Animation. audience, from across the social spectrum. “The fact that it draws young people from metropolitan By 2011, the festival had moved to Avdimou to areas to previously unknown rural areas we feel Grand Prix in the International Competition Programme accommodate the numbers of attendees, and an In- is a very important contribution to the country’s ternational Competition Section – complete with a Hipopotamy by Piotr Dumała cultural life,” says Tsangaris. jury comprised of celebrated international anima- A few naked women and children are bathing in a river. They are being secretly observed by a Animafest Cyprus is the main platform for Ani- tors – was inaugurated. “This was a really big deal group of men, who, at one point, decide to approach them, in a violent manner, as if inspired by mated Film in Cyprus and has the official support for Cyprus,” Yiorgos Tsangaris explains. “When the behaviour of hippopotamuses. these judges came to Cyprus and saw what was of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Piotr Dumala happening they suggested we develop workshops, Republic of Cyprus and ASIFA Cyprus. The Fes- lectures, screenings which would run throughout tival is co-organised with the Hambis Printmaking Piotr Dumała (1956) is a screenwriter, animator, set designer, teacher, graphic artist, illustrator, the year. And so we did, with the festival in the Museum & Views of the World. cartoonist, writer, critic and actor. He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and is a director of numerous animations, often addressing existentialistic questions such as A Gentle Spirit summer being the highlight of the process.” The festival is active throughout the year, with (1985), Wolność nogi (1988), Franz Kafka (1991), Crime and Punishment (2000) and Las (2009). Yiorgos and his team of volunteers are kept busy its main activities including Animafest Cyprus on In his animations he uses a traditional stroke and a plaster panel technique he invented himself. all year round organising what has become an in- tour, which presents the best of Animafest Cyprus
26 27 1st Apollon International Chamber Music Festival
pollon Artists will launch the first annual hannes Brahms and Ástor Pantaleón Piazzolla. AApollon International Chamber Music Fes- “Through the programming, we have strived to tival in November 2014. meet a wide range of musical tastes, from tradi- The AICMF will take place over four nights tional quartets, to both smaller and larger ensem- in the beautiful and luxurious surroundings of bles and have designed it to appeal to judicious, the five-star Annabelle Hotel in Pafos. Festival regular concert-goers while hopefully enchant- Director, Saskia Constantinou explained: “Our ing and enticing newcomers,” Zhislin explained. mission is to foster a greater appreciation of “I’m naturally delighted to be working with so classical music in the Mediterranean region by many renowned, internationally acclaimed mu- presenting performances featuring world-class sicians including violinist Natalia Lomeiko, musicians in beautiful surroundings, while em- violist Lise Berthaud, cellist Kyril Zlotnikov and phasising the development of a broad based, pianist Charles Owen.” sustainable audience through education. After many years in the music profession, as a mu- Promoting cultural tourism sician, promoter and broadcaster, and not least Apollon Artists, as an international company, of all as a mother, I realise more than ever the has maintained its perspective by collaborat- importance of sustainable audience develop- ing with tour operator Top Kinisis. “We are im- ment for future generations. To this end, there Yuri Zhislin Natalia Lomeiko (photo by Jane Blundell 2014) mensely grateful to Vice-President Elena Tanou will be educational concerts in the mornings for for her interest, enthusiasm and unstinting sup- students. Classical music is deemed by many area which we hope, together with Apollon Art- About the artists port of our project,” said Saskia Constantinou. to be elitist and there is a worldwide struggle ists to further develop and expand. We need to “She, and her company contribute a high level Yuri Zhislin – Artistic Director (violin/viola) to find alternative ways of encouraging people attract high caliber tourists who not only spend, of professionalism to the island through their Described by The Strad as a “virtuoso with a to concerts. but improve the country’s image. However, we industry, and we are honoured to be associated truly Romantic temperament”, Yuri Zhislin is are not only targeting the international markets In the Festival, we have tried, together with Ar- and collaborate with Top Kinisis. We deem it one of the most versatile musicians of his gen- tistic Director Yuri Zhislin, to create a concert very important for Apollon Artists to develop but hope that our local population will also take eration. Equally at home on both violin and vi- atmosphere where both the audience and musi- and elevate the level of cultural tourism. This advantage of the excellent packages on offer. ola, Zhislin enjoys an active and illustrious ca- cians feel they are sharing an evening of music task is undoubtedly made much easier with If everyone takes just one friend to experience reer as soloist and chamber musician, perform- together – where everyone is comfortable and the exceptional calibre of artists who visit the something new, we will have achieved our goal ing in his native Russia, as well as throughout relaxed. The aim is to make attending a classical island. We firmly believe that Cyprus has far of opening possibilities. We have now made it Europe, Japan, the US and South America, music concert attractive to new audiences, while more to offer than sun and sand – in addition very easy to book, as our product is completely Australia and New Zealand. simultaneously presenting chamber music of the digitalized. People now book holidays in the to the many UNESCO World Heritage sites, Born in Moscow in 1974, Yuri Zhislin began highest quality to the discerning listener.” comfort of their home, and so packages, hotels we have varied and wonderful scenery, enor- playing the violin at the age of six, joining the mous historical wealth and of course, we are a and flights are clearly shown with booking op- Moscow Music Gnessin School for gifted child- Beautiful music in beautiful surroundings friendly nation.” tions which are fast and uncomplicated. The ren where he studied with Irina Svetlova. From with world-class musicians Vice President of Top Kinisis Elena Tanou re- Apollon International Chamber Music Festival his early years, Zhislin took part in numerous Yuri Zhislin has compiled four superb evenings iterated the importance of cultural tourism. “In has packages in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels with tickets public concerts, representing the School both in of chamber music, including works by Jo- these economically challenging times, it is es- for the concerts each night. We look forward to Russia and abroad, performing as a soloist with hann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, sential for companies to increase their market- welcoming everyone.” orchestras such as The Kishinev Philharmonic, Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mo- ing strategy to include diverse and possibly un- For further information and bookings, www. The Ermitage Chamber Orchestra and The Yaro- zart, Franz Peter Schubert, Robert Schumann, tapped markets. Culture naturally encompasses apollonartists.com or email info@apollon- slavl Philharmonic. He recorded for Moscow Ra- Gustav Mahler, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Jo- so many aspects but special interest tourism is an artists.com Tel: 70009303 dio and appeared on national radio and television.
28 29 Natalia Lomeiko (violin) the Strad described it as “... a stunning recital”. Born into a family of musicians in Novosibirsk, Her CD with husband violinist/violist Yuri Zhis- Russia, Natalia has established herself inter- lin was released in 2011 on the NAXOS label. nationally as a versatile performing artist. She Her latest CD of Prokofiev’s music on the AT- has won numerous prizes in the Tibor Varga, OLL label was released in 2013 and met with Tchaikovsky, Menuhin, Stradivari International five-star reviews. Violin competitions and in 2000, received the Natalia has performed extensively as a soloist Gold Medal and 1st Prize in the Premio Pagani- and chamber musician in prestigious venues in ni International Violin Competition (Genoa, London, such as Buckingham Palace, Wigmore Italy) and the 1st Prize in the Michael Hill Inter- Hall, Purcell Room, Kings Place, Queen Eliza- national Violin Competition (Auckland, New beth Hall, the Barbican and Royal Festival Hall. Zealand) in 2003. She has performed chamber music with distin- Natalia studied at the Specialist Music guished musicians including Gideon Kremer, School in Novosibirsk with Professor Alexey Yuri Bashmet, the late Boris Pergamenschikov, Gvozdev, at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Tabea Zimmerman, Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Sh- England with Lord Yehudi Menuhin and Pro- lomo Mintz, Daishin Kashimoto, Natalie Clein, fessor Natalia Boyarskaya, at the Royal Col- Nicholas Daniel and many others. She has ap- lege of Music and the Royal Academy of Mu- peared on numerous Radio and TV broadcasts sic with Professor Hu Kun. and toured the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Finland, Russia, Poland, Spain, the Since her debut with the Novosibirsk Symphony USA, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Singapore, Orchestra at the age of seven, Natalia performed Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Lise Berthaud Kyril Zlotnikov as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton Natalia Lomeiko was appointed a Professor of of Lord Menuhin, the Philharmonia, the Singa- Violin at the Royal College of Music in London Yuri Zhislin is the recipient of many prizes and tet recital by invitation of HRH, The Prince of pore Symphony, the New Zealand Symphony, in 2010. She is currently based in London. awards and in 1989, won the Balis Dvarionas In- Wales at Highgrove. the Auckland Philharmonia, the Christchurch ternational Competition for Young Musicians in In 1993, Yuri Zhislin became the BBC Radio 2 Symphony, the Tokyo Royal Philharmonic, Lise Berthaud (viola) Lithuania. In January 1990, he took part in the Young Musician of the Year and in 1994, won the New European Strings, the Moscow State Lise Berthaud is unanimously praised as an out- “Young Talents” concert in Moscow. A major the Malcolm Sargent Award. In 1996, he was a Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony, standing rising figure on the music scene. She prize-winner in the 1991 Sarasate International prize winner at the Douai International Violin Adelaide Symphony, St. Petersburg Radio Sym- is a guest of various prestigious concert venues Violin Competition in Spain, Yuri entered the Competition in France and in 1997, received phony, the Nice Philharmonic, the Russian State and festivals throughout Europe (Wigmore Hall, Royal College of Music in London, where he Special Prize for the best performance of the Philharmonic Orchestra – to name a few. Théâtre du Châtelet, Théâtre des Champs-Ely- studied with his father, Grigory Zhislin and sub- Mozart Violin Sonata at the Premio Trio di Tri- Natalia has collaborated with such distinguished sées, Salle Pleyel, Festival de Montpellier-Radio sequently with Dr Felix Andrievsky. este Chamber Music Competition in Italy. conductors as the late Lord Menuhin, Lionel France, Festival Berlioz de la Côte Saint-André, He won major college prizes, including the Amongst Zhislin’s objectives is to advance clas- Bringuier, Werner Andreas Albert, Matthias Festival de la Roque d’Anthéron, Davos Festi- prize for Outstanding String Player of the Year, sical music to younger audiences. Apart from the Bamert, Arvo Volmer, Olari Elts, Sir William val, Cheltenham Festival, Cork Festival, Moritz- and gained his ARCM Diploma with Honours. numerous master-classes and educational con- Southgate, Vladimir Verbitsky, Christian Knapp, burg Festival, Louisiana Museum in Denmark, He has represented the College in several Eu- certs he has given, he has also promoted clas- Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Eckehard Stier, Mikhail Sunmore Festival, Korsholm Festival, Palazzet- ropean cities, including Madrid, Helsinki, Oslo sical music to non-classical audiences by col- Gerts, Valery Poliansky, Pavel Kogan and many to Bru Zane in Venice) with such artists as Re- and Brussels and appeared as a soloist with the laborating with a number of distinguished jazz others. naud Capuçon, Eric Le Sage, Augustin Dumay, RCM Orchestras. musicians such as Guy Barker, Clark Tracey In 2001 Natalia recorded the Three Grieg Violin Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Emmanuel Pahud, As a member of the Rosamunde Quartet found- and Tommy Smith, and pop artists, such as Nick Sonatas with pianist Olga Sitkovetsky for the Gordan Nikollich, Martin Helmchen, Marie- ed at the College in 1994, Zhislin has won Cave, Vanessa Mae and Sash. DYNAMIC label, to high critical acclaim. Her Elisabeth Hecker, Alina Ibragimova, Veronika chamber music prizes and toured extensively His future plans include tours with the Russian recital in Cremona on Paganini’s violin was re- Eberle, Christian Poltera, David Kadouch, throughout the UK, taking part in the Tippett Virtuosi of Europe and more concerts as a so- corded live on FONE and released in 2003. Her Daishin Kashimoto, Quatuor Ebène, the Mod- Festival in Berlin in January 1995, performing loist and recitalist throughout the UK, Europe CD of French Sonatas with pianist Olga Sitko- igliani Quartet. in the composer’s presence and giving a quar- and the US. vetsky was released by Trust Records in 2004; In September 2013, she was selected to be
30 31 under the direction of Professor Michael Khom- itzer at the Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music Programme and Dance. While a student, Kyril Zlotnikov Friday, 7 November 2014 participated in master classes and courses with such prominent musicians as Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Ma, Natalia Gutman, Boris Pergamenschikov, – Serenade for Strings in G major “Eine Aldo Parisot and Gyorgy Kurtag. Kleine Nachtmusik” K.525 and Divertimen- In 1991 Kyril Zlotnikov was a recipient of a to for strings in D major K. 136 scholarship for musical achievements from Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) – Selected the America-Israel Culture Foundation, and piano sonatas has won prizes in many contests with the Franz Schubert (1797-1828) – String Trio in Clairmont Competition, the Braun-Roger B flat major, D.471 Siegl Competition, and the Pierre Tarcali Prize being the most recent. Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) – Piano He is a founding member of The Jerusalem Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26 Quartet, recognised for its artistic creativity, and as one of the most dynamic and exciting young Saturday, 8 November 2014 quartets currently performing. The musicians Charles Owen Saskia Constantinou Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) – Trio have given multiple performances all over the No. 1 in G minor, Op. Posth. “Elegiaque” world and become Israel’s leading string quar- part of BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists Gabriel Urbain Fauré’s complete works, receiv- tet. Since 2002 The Jerusalem Quartet records Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) – Scheme and invited to perform with the BBC ing rave reviews and varied prizes including the exclusively for Harmonia Mundi. Andante Cantabile from String Quartet No. Choc de l’Année by Classica Magazine (Paris) 1 in D major Op 11 Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and Along with his extensive chamber music appear- and a Jahrespreis der Deutschen Schallplattenk- the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Her 2013 ances Kyril Zlotnikov has performed and broad- Arturo Cuellar – Concertino for Strings diary included recitals at Wigmore Hall, Kam- ritik in Germany. cast as a soloist with internationally renowned Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) – String mermusikfest Lockenhaus, Auvers-sur-Oise, Lise has collaborated with several major con- orchestras, such as the Israel Philharmonic Or- Quartet No. 2 in D major Renaud Capuçon’s Festival de Pâques in Aix-en- temporary composers, including Philippe Her- chestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, the Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) – Adios Noni- Provence. In October 2013, Leonard Slatkin in- sant, Thierry Escaich, Henri Dutilleux, Gyorgy Ludwigsburg Symphony Orchestra, The Gul- vited Lise to perform and record Berlioz’ Harold Kurtag and Guillaume Connesson. benkian Orchestra, West-Eastern Divan Orches- no-Libertango in Italy with the Orchestre National de Lyon as Lise Berthaud was born in 1982 and started study- tra and The Jerusalem Camerata. He also enjoys part of the orchestra’s Berlioz cycle for Naxos. ing the violin at the age of 5 before moving to the artistic collaboration with acclaimed conduc- Sunday, 9 November 2014 That same month, her first CD as soloist with viola. She studied with Pierre-Henry Xuereb and tors including Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) – pianist Adam Laloum was released and Gérard Caussé at the Conservatoire National Supé- Pierre Boulez, Lawrence Foster, Asher Fish and Goldberg Variations BWV988 transcribed awarded several prizes including the prestig- rieur de Paris and was a prize winner of the Euro- Simone Young. for String Trio by D Sitkovetsky ious Diapason d’Or. pean Young Instrumentalists Competition in 2000. A keen recitalist and chamber musician, Zlot- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) – In- In 2005, she won the Hindemith Prize at the Gene- As a soloist, Lise has performed with the Or- nikov has shared the stage with some of the ventions and Sinfonias BWV772 – 801- chestre National de Belgique, Düsseldorfer va International Competition. She was short listed most prominent artists of today including Da- transcribed for String Trio by D Sitkovetsky Symphoniker, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, by the Victoires de la Musique Classique 2009 as niel Barenboim, Jessye Norman, Pierre Boulez, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, les Musiciens du Lou- “Révélation de l’Année” (Revelation of the Year). Elena Bashkirova, Mitsuko Uchida, Natalia Gut- vre and the Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra – man, Tabea Zimmerman, Miriam Fried, Hagai Monday, 10 November 2014 among others. Kyril Zlotnikov (Cello) Shaham, Michael Tree, Asher Fish, Nikolaj Handel-Johan August Halvorsen (1864- In 2010 she was invited to play Harold in Italy Born in Minsk, Belarus, to a family of profes- Znaider, Lang Lang and Richard Stoltzman. 1935) – Passacaglia for Violin and Viola with Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du sional musicians, Kyril Zlotnikov began his Since 2003 Kyril Zlotnikov was Principal cellist Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) – Piano Quar- Louvre for the opening night of the prestig- studies at the Belarusian State Music Academy and pedagogue of the cello group at the “West- tet in A minor ious Berlioz Festival at La Côte Saint-André in with Professor Vladimir Perlin. He continued his Eastern Divan Orchestra” under Maestro Daniel Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) – Piano France. In 2011 and 2012 she took part in Eric studies in Israel with Professors Uzi Wiesel and Barenboim. He also frequently takes part in spe- Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 Le Sage’s recording of Robert Schumann’s and Hillel Zori, completing his musical education cial projects and tours of the Berlin Staatskapelle
32 33 Orchestra as a Principal cellist. Brendel, Natalie Clein, Guy Johnston and the 9th Lemesos International Documentary Film Festival Zlotnikov has recorded the complete Mozart pi- Wihan, Vertavo and Vogler quartets. ano trios with Maestro Daniel Barenboim and As a solo recitalist and chamber musician he has violinist Nikolaj Znaider. The two CDs were re- played for numerous concert societies and es- leased by EMI in April 2006. tablished festivals in the UK and internationally including the Homecoming Festival in Moscow, emesos International Documentary Festi- Ireland’s West Cork Chamber Music Festival Charles Owen (Piano) val, already in its 9th edition, returned to the and the Vogler Spring Festival in County Sligo, L Charles has performed in many of Britain’s lead- big screen with an exquisite programme on 1-8 the Perth International Music Festival in Western ing concert halls including the Barbican, Queen August 2014, showcasing this year’s creative Australia, the Oxford Chamber Music Festival Elizabeth Hall, Wigmore Hall and Symphony peaks in the demanding film genre. and the Elverum Festival in Norway. Hall, Birmingham. Internationally, he has ap- Twenty-three of the most talked-about and His first solo CD for SOMM featuring the piano peared at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall awarded documentaries of the year were in New York, Vienna’s Musikverein, the Paris music of Leos Janácek was listed as a “key” re- screened for the first time in Cyprus at the Fes- Louvre, the St Petersburg Philharmonic and the cording in The Penguin Good CD Guide followed tival’s permanent venue, Theatro Ena, and at Moscow Conservatoire. by a highly acclaimed CD of works by Francis Sousami bar, in the historic centre of Limassol. Jean Marcel Poulenc, selected as Editor’s Choice As well as his solo recitals, Charles has per- A good documentary opens a window to the in the June 2004 edition of Gramophone. A disc of formed with celebrated orchestras including the world and as is the case every year, the Lemesos the 13 Nocturnes by Fauré, on the Avie label was Philharmonia, Royal Scottish National, English International Documentary Festival, through its released in 2008 to outstanding critical acclaim. Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, diverse and multifaceted programme, attempted Together with Natalie Clein, he has recorded Lodz Filharmonia and the Moscow State Aca- to create a setting under which the viewers could cello and piano sonatas by Brahms, Schubert, demic Symphony. He has also collaborated participate in a cultural event and become recipi- Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff and Frédéric with many outstanding artists including vio- ents of alternative and substantial information. François Chopin for EMI. linists Julian Rachlin, Chloe Hanslip, Henning With this year’s films, viewers had the oppor- Kraggerud, Jack Liebeck, Renaud Capucon and Charles Owen is a Professor at the Guildhall tunity to watch and learn about cases of human Catherine Leonard, as well as cellists Adrian School of Music and Drama in London. exploitation and environmental disaster; meet people who managed to create and succeed in times of hardships, young girls who transformed their body into a weapon of resistance against learning more about the various aspects of cre- the political establishment, great artists whose ating a documentary film, such as storytelling work has changed the world and children try- and the story’s structure, the social importance ing to cope with their demanding life. These are of documentary, producing and developing, and human stories and on-the-ground realities of a new ways of documentary-making as is interac- complex, contradicting and absurd world. tive documentary. The event was organised by Brave New Culture Docs Talk, which took place at the Curium Pal- and it was supported and funded by the Cultural ace Hotel in Lemesos, was organised in collabo- Services of the Ministry of Education and Cul- ration with the Directors Guild of Cyprus. ture. The Festival was co-organised by the Cy- prus Broadcasting Corporation, the festival’s of- On 2 August, the lecture Sources 2 Lecture and ficial communication sponsor. Case Studies: Storytelling for Documentary took place with Sources 2 adviser Arash T. Riahi, where case studies were shown about the gen- Docs Talk eral principles of storytelling. These included the In the framework of the 9th edition of the Lemesos role of a well-constructed script in documenting International Documentary Festival, a documen- a real life story; how to construct documentary tary professional event, Docs Talk, was organ- narrative and create visual stories with a cross- ised. The initiative was addressed to professional border appeal; the theory and examples for a Annabelle Hotel in Pafos directors / producers and to anyone interested in better understanding of how documentaries are
34 35 20,000 days on Earth in on deposits, as a means to rescue the island’s Directed by Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard (97’, problematic banks. In this documentary, sev- UK – 2014) en stories emerge from the banks’ black hole. The director was present at the Festival Drama and reality combine in a fictitious 24 screening. hours in the life of musician and international cultural icon Nick Cave. Awards: Directing Award: World Cinema Docu- Kismet mentary - Sundance FF, Utah, USA, 2014; Best Directed by Nina Maria Paschalidou (66’, Editing Award: World Cinema Documentary Greece – 2013) 20,000 Days on Earth by Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard A Haircut Story by Danae Stylianou - Sundance FF, Utah, USA, 2014; FIPRESCI What makes Turkish soap operas so incredibly Prize - Istanbul Int’l FF, Turkey, 2014; Grand popular? Kismet gets answers from the people Jury Prize Nomination - Sundance FF, Utah, who make them and loyal fans from all over the USA, 2014. world. Awards: Best Mid-Length Documentary Award Ne Me Quitte Pas Nomination - International Documentary FF of Amsterdam (IDFA), The Netherlands, 2013. Directed by Niels Van Koevorden, Sabine Lubbe Bakker (106’, The Netherlands and Belgium – 2014) Walking under water A Direct Cinema portrait of Flemish Bob and Directed by Eliza Kubarska (76’, Poland, Ger- Walloon Marcel, two Belgian friends who share many and UK – 2014) loneliness, humour, alcoholism and suicide plans. A touching story of a young boy torn between Awards: Special Mention - ZagrebDox, Croa- being a fisherman like his uncle and the tempta- tia, 2014; Best Documentary Award - Discovery tions of the modern resorts as civilisation brings an end to the Badjao, an ancient tribe of ocean Ne Me Quitte Pas by Niels Van Koevorden, Sabine Lubbe Bakker Zone FF, Luxembourg, 2014; Best Documentary Award - Eurodoks, Oslo, Norway, 2014; Best nomads. shaped and how filmmakers can make the most we tell stories, allowing the field of interactive Editing Award - Tribeca FF, New York, USA, Awards: Special Jury Prize: International Fea- out of a strong subject, the focus being on in- documentary to rapidly grow. She also looked at 2014; Filmmaker Award - Hotdocs, Toronto, ture Documentary - Hotdocs, Toronto, Canada, Canada, 2014; Documentary Feature Nomina- dependent filmmakers working on projects with some of the common frameworks used for in- 2014. tion - Tribeca FF, New York, USA, 2014. low or close-to-zero budgets. teractive storytelling, contextualising them with On the same day, a presentation on The Social some key examples of work from the genre. Cutie and the Boxer Importance of Documentary was held with Concluding, the seminar looked to the future, A haircut story Directed by Zachary Heinzerling (82’, USA – Nicole van Schaik, the European Outreach Di- highlighting possibilities with regards to funding Directed by Danae Stylianou (75’, Cyprus – 2014) 2013) rector of the BRITDOC Foundation. The pres- and support, as well as introducing some ground In March 2013, Cyprus became the first Euro- Humour and tragedy take turns in this tender entation was on how independent documentary breaking projects that are taking the field a step zone member state that was subjected to a bail- portrait of Japanese artists Noriko Shinohara and film can be used as a tool for social or / and en- further. During the presentation, Arash T. Riahi, vironmental change, and on how the documen- co-creator of the celebrated interactive documen- tary landscape has changed, specifically over tary Everyday Rebellion, presented the project. the last 10 years. In addition, she referred to the effects this has had on the funding of documen- Screenings taries today. Millennials made in Cyprus A seminar entitled: Interactive Documentary: An overview of the field and a look to the future Directed by Paris Dimitriades (22’, Cyprus – 2014) followed on 3 August with Jess Linington from University graduates and unemployed, globa- the i-docs organisation. Linington talked about lised, depressed egocentrics, optimists and anti- how new technologies are changing the way conformists. A (short) food-for-thought story. Kismet by Nina Maria Paschalidou Walking Under Water by Eliza Kubarska
36 37 tion - Miami FF, USA, 2014. Awards, Germany, 2014. The Green Prince Ukraine is not a brothel Directed by Nadav Schirman (99’, Israel, Ger- Directed by Kitty Green (78’, Australia – 2013) many and UK – 2013) This is the story of Ukraine’s topless feminist This real life thriller tells the story of one of Is- sensation, Femen. Outraged by the world’s im- rael’s prized intelligence sources, the son of a top age of Ukrainian women as commodities, Fe- Hamas leader. men bare their breasts in protest to overturn this Awards: Audience Award: World Cinema perception. Documentary - Sundance FF, Utah, USA, Rich Hill by Tracy Droz Tragos, Andrew Droz Palermo Supermensch: The legend of Sep Gordon by Mike Myers Awards: Special Mention: Lina Mangiacapre 2014; Grand Jury Prize Nomination: World Award - Venice FF, Italy, 2013; Grierson Award Cinema Documentary - Sundance FF, Utah, for Best Documentary Nomination - London FF, USA, 2014. UK, 2013. her “boxing artist” husband Ushio. Song from the forest Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Best Master of the Universe Documentary Feature - OSCARS, USA, 2014; Directed by Michael Obert (97’, Germany – 2013) Emerging Artist Award - Full Frame Documen- Directed by Marc Bauder (90’, Germany and An American named Louis Sarno has been living tary FF, Durham, USA, 2013; Directing Award: Austria – 2013) in the jungle for 25 years, among the pygmies of U.S. Documentary - Sundance FF, Utah, USA, A laid-off investment banker provides a frank central Africa. Now he’s taking his pygmy son to 2013; 2nd Audience Award - Tribeca FF, New and disheartening glimpse into the world of trad- see the USA for the first time. York, USA, 2013; Outstanding Debut, Out- ing megalomania in the financial sector. The Award: Best Feature Length Documentary Award Cutie and the Boxer by Zachary Heinzerling film’s director was present at the screening. standing Graphics and Animation, Outstanding - International Documentary FF of Amsterdam Original Score - Cinema Eye Honors, New York, Awards: Critics Week Award - Locarno Int’l FF, (IDFA), The Netherlands, 2013. USA, 2013. Switzerland, 2014; Documentary Award Nomi- Return to Homs nation - German Film Awards, Germany, 2014; Best Documentary Award: German Film Crit- Good ol’ Freda Der Kreis (The Circle) Directed by Talal Derki (87’, Syria and German – 2013) ics’ Awards - German Film Critics Association Directed by Ryan White (86’, UK, USA – 2013) Directed by Stefan Haupt (102’, Switzerland – 2014) A remarkably intimate portrait of the unequal struggle of a group of young revolutionaries in Zürich in the mid 50s: While the repression Homs, Syria, against the national army destroying against homosexuals became increasingly more their city. The director was present at the screening. intense, two young men fight for their love and for gay rights. Awards: Grand Jury Prize: World Cinema Docu- Awards: Teddy Bear Award - Berlinale, Germa- mentary - Sundance FF, Utah, USA, 2014; Best ny, 2014; Audience Award - Berlinale, Germany, Documentary Feature Award - San Francisco FF, 2014 USA, 2014; Best Feature Length Documentary Award - Krakow FF, Poland, 2014; Cracow Stu- dents Jury Award - Krakow FF, Poland, 2014; The Green Prince by Nadav Schirman Ukraine is Not a Brothel by Kitty Green Rich Hill Emerging Artist Award - Full Frame Documen- Directed by Tracy Droz Tragos, Andrew Droz tary FF, Durham, USA, 2014. Palermo (91’, USA – 2014) In a small-town in rural America, three isolated Supermensch: The legend of Sep Gordon kids confront heart-breaking choices and mar- ginalized parents struggle to survive. Directed by Mike Myers (85’, USA – 2013) Awards: Grand Jury Prize: US Documentary - Mike Myers documents the astounding career of Sundance FF, Utah, USA, 2014; Special Jury Hollywood insider, the loveable Shep Gordon. Prize - Sarasota FF, USA 2014; Best Documen- Awards: Audience Award for Best Documentary tary Feature - Kansas City FF, USA, 2014. - Sarasota FF, USA, 2014; Jury Prize Nomina- Song from the Forest by Michael Obert Good ol’ Freda by Ryan White
38 39 This is the story of Freda Kelly, a shy teenager Awards: Best Documentary Feature Award - asked to work for a young local band hoping to Tribeca FF, New York, USA, 2014; Special Jury make it big: The Beatles. Their loyal secretary, Prize: Extraordinary Courage in Filmmaking - from beginning to end, tells her story for the Little Rock FF, Arkansas, USA, 2014. first time in 50 years. Awards: Best Sound Editing Award Nomina- Finding Vivian Maier tion - Motion Picture Sound Editors, Califor- Directed by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel nia, USA, 2014. (Director present) (84’, UK and USA – 2014) This intriguing documentary traces the life story Hardships and Beauties (Mitsigan) of the late Vivian Maier, one of America’s most Directed by Kimon Tsakiris (58’, Greece and accomplished and insightful street photographers. Hardships and Beauties (Mitsigan) by Kimon Tsakiris Waiting for August by Teodora Ana Mihai France – 2013) Awards: Grand Jury Prize: Knight Documen- Mitsos is an empirical philosopher and a farm tary Competition - Miami FF, USA, 2014; John owner. His road trip in the heart of Greece be- Schlesinger Award for Best Documentary - mentary - Göteborg Int’l FF, Sweden, 2014. Waiting for August comes a symbolical journey into a country that Palm Springs Int’l FF, USA, 2014. Directed by Teodora Ana Mihai (88’, Belgium will never be the same again. Kings of the Wind and Electric Queens – 2014) Awards: Best Documentary Award - London Twin sisters Directed by Cédric Dupire and Gaspard Kuentz The film explores the life of 15-year-old Geor- Greek FF, UK, 2013; Best Music Award - Lon- giana Halmac who lives with her six siblings in Directed by Mona Friis Bertheussen (58’, Nor- (56’, France – 2014) don Greek FF, UK, 2013. a social housing block in Romania while their way – 2013) The Sonepur Fair in India, the largest animal mother is away earning a living in Italy. This is a story about Chinese twin sisters, who market in Asia, is an event like no other. It’s a Award: Best Film Award: International Fea- Point and Shoot were adopted in two completely different parts carnival of magical realism inhabited by exotic ture Documentary - Hotdocs, Toronto, Canada, Directed by Marshall Curry (83’, USA – 2014) of the world but who are bound to one another dancers, exorcists and elephant tamers. 2014. Matthew Van Dyke left home and set off for through fate. Award: Best Mid-Length Documentary Award Libya. With a gun in one hand and a video cam- Awards: Audience Award - International Docu- - Hotdocs, Toronto, Canada, 2014. era in the other, he struggled to achieve politi- mentary FF of Amsterdam (IDFA), The Nether- Twenty feet from Stardom cal revolution — and personal transformation. lands, 2013; Audience Award for Best Docu- The Missing Picture Directed by Morgan Neville (90’, USA – 2013) Directed by Rithy Panh (90’, Cambodia and Millions know their voices, but no one knows France – 2013) their names. This is the untold true story of the A visually astonishing, harrowing account of backup singers behind some of the greatest mu- Pol Pot’s Cambodia using miniature clay fig- sical legends of the 21st century. ures and archive footage to explore memory Awards: Academy Award for Best Documen- and trauma. tary - OSCARS, USA, 2014; Music Docu- Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Best mentary Audience Award - International Foreign Language Film of the Year- OSCARS, Documentary FF of Amsterdam (IDFA), The USA, 2014; Un Certain Regard Award - Cannes Netherlands, 2013; Best Editing Award - FF, France, 2013; Grand Jury Prize: Interna- American Cinema Editors, USA, 2014; Out- tional Competition - Cinemanila Int’l FF, Philip- standing Documentary Award - Black Reel pines, 2013; Best Documentary Award Nomina- Awards, Washington DC, USA, 2014; Grand tion - European Film Awards, Germany, 2013; Jury Prize for Best Documentary Nomination Special Mention Award - Ghent Int’l FF, Bel- - Sundance FF, Utah, USA, 2014; Best Docu- gium, 2013; FACE Award for Best Documen- mentary Award - Seattle Int’l FF, USA, 2013; tary - Istanbul Int’l FF, Turkey, 2014; Best Audience Award for Best Documentary - San Documentary Award - Jerusalem FF, Israel, Francisco Int’l FF, USA, 2013; Best Docu- 2013; Grierson Award for Best Documentary mentary Award - Independent Spirits Awards, Twin Sisters by Mona Friis Bertheussen Nomination - London FF, UK, 2013. Los Angeles, USA, 2014
40 41 6th International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival
4-8 October 2014
he 6th International Pharos Contemporary TMusic Festival opened on 4 October 2014, at The Shoe Factory in Nicosia, with an innova- tive concert-concept by the Ergon Ensemble dur- ing which films of the ‘silent era’ were screened simultaneously with the live performance of new works, attaining therefore a new dimension, char- acter and denotation. The concert featured cinematic masterpieces such as Un Chien Andalou – Luis Buñuel’s first film, written in collaboration with the surrealist artist Salva- dor Dali, Joris Ivens’ Regen – a cinematic poem on the transformation of Amsterdam by rain – and with the fascinating violinist Hugo Ticciati, and Anemic Cinema, a Dada and Surrealist experi- it concluded on 8 October with Soundspaces – A mental film by Marcel Duchamp, which depicts concert of live electronics, improvisation and free whirling animated drawings alternated with puns jazz by Johannes Schwarz (bassoon) and Sascha and whimsical rhymes in French. It also featured Armbruster (saxophone). The concert took place Ralph Steiner’s short film Mechanical Princi- on the roof-garden of The Shoe Factory, which ples – an abstract, mesmerising look at the world was transformed for the first time into an exclusive of gears, pistons, and other forms of mechanical open-air concert platform where the audience was movement, which was set to music by the two able to enjoy an extraordinary, unconventional winners of the “Call for Works”. musical experience in a leisurely setting with a The International Pharos Contemporary Music glass of wine. Festival has established itself as one of the most innovative and cutting-edge annual music events in the Eastern Mediterranean. Under the artistic An enchanting process direction of the renowned Cypriot composer, According to Alexandros Mouzas, artistic director Evis Sammoutis, the Festival is dedicated to the of the Ergon Ensemble, setting music to silent promotion of new music, from the well-established films is an enchanting process for composers and masterpieces of 20th century contemporary music audience alike: For the composers because they literature to new works by the younger generation discover a new ground – beyond “Absolute Music” of composers, some of whom are commissioned – that is conducive for experimentation, expression by the Foundation to write new pieces especially and interaction, and for the viewers because they are for this occasion. given the opportunity to experience a new way of The Festival focuses on the connection of enjoying these classic films. Particularly in films new music and other forms of art, as well as which do not involve a conventional storyline, alternative forms of contemporary music such as a linear narrative or actors who can express “free jazz” and electronics. Over the span of five themselves through speech, the perspective of the days, the Festival featured a number of exciting co-creator composer is suggestive of new ways events such as lectures, documentary screenings, of interpretation. The concert presents cinematic educational activities, a recital with pianist Hayk milestones of the silent era – films that influenced OST DOCUMENTARY - Screening 5 Oct Melikyan who returned to Cyprus to join forces the industry’s later course. Stylistically, these films
42 43 shift between the vague boundaries of Abstract that the script would not contain any image or idea Art, Dadaism and Surrealism, while at the same that could call for logical interpretation. “Nothing, time, through a cinematic, photographic, poetic and in the film, symbolises anything. The only method musical dialogue, the viewers uncover the interesting of investigating the symbols would be, perhaps, partnerships of leading masters: Ivens with Eisler in psychoanalysis. Beyond any symbolism, we were Regen, Dali with Buñuel in Un Chien Andalou. looking for a way to balance the rational with the irrational so that we could better comprehend the Un Chien Andalou unspeakable and unite the dream with reality, the consciousness with the unconsciousness,” said The short silent film by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Buñuel. Dali is an illustrative example of the Surrealist cinematic expression. Inspired by the dreams of its creators, the film features a series of phenomenally Regen loose scenes, which in Freudian theories have Joris Ivens’ Regen (Rain) belongs to the filmic often been interpreted as allegories. The script was tradition of City Symphony, such as Berlin: completed in approximately ten days while the Symphony of a City and Man with a Movie shooting of the film was finalised in around two Camera. This exceptionally striking and poetic weeks. The first public screening of Un Chien film, which established Ivens internationally as Andalou took place in Paris’ Studio des Ursulines one of the most important filmmakers of the 20th and it was attended by a number of illustrious century, describes the way in which Amsterdam is artists. According to Buñuel, his only condition transformed on a rainy day: From the sunny streets with regards to his collaboration with Dali was to the worsening weather conditions; the first Ergon Ensemble - Silent Films & Music
raindrops falling into the water canals, the rain abstraction and sometimes bizarre subject matter, drenched windows, sunshades, trams and streets, while his experimental films are considered until the sky gradually clears and the sun comes central to the literature of early American avant- out again. The film, which could be regarded as garde cinema. Shot in 1930, his film Mechanical a documentary, does not concentrate on specific Principles is an abstract, mesmerising look at characters but on the city as a whole. the world of gears, pistons, and other forms of mechanical movement. The film has often been set to music – and with the right soundtrack the Anemic Cinema end result is remarkably balletic, transcendental Visual artist Marcel Duchamp collaborated and mystifying. with Man Ray on the experimental film Anemic Cinema. The film consists of abstract spiral- Un Chien Andalou rotating images which give the illusion of a three- Ergon Ensemble dimensional motion. They are combined with nine (under conductor Andreas Tselikas) rhymes-puns attached to black cardboard discs, For the past 6 years, the Ergon Ensemble – an which are spinning with the aid of a gramophone. ensemble specialising in contemporary music This Dada and Surrealist film aimed to minimise – has regularly appeared in the most important its content to just literary and visual footage (the concert venues and festivals in Athens, such as the word Anemic is an anagram of the word Cinema). Megaron, the Hellenic Festival and the Onassis Cultural Centre, enjoying great critical and audience acclaim. One of the leading contemporary Mechanical Principles music ensembles in Greece, Ergon’s mission is Ralph Steiner was an American photographer, to promote, through its virtuosic performances pioneer documentarian and a key figure among and ambitious programming, contemporary avant-garde filmmakers in the 1930s. His still masterpieces, particularly the most recent works Alexandros Mouzas Regen photographs are notable for their odd angles, of Greek and foreign composers.
44 45 from organisations and orchestras, including: (Michalis Cacoyannis Foundation and Megaron – The education programme S-[cool]-life (2014), The Athens Concert Hall). His latest music-theatre film scores for Len Lye’s Tusalava (2012) and piece, City Lives, was presented at the Athens Alan Schneider’s Film (2012), Asma Asmaton Megaron in May 2014. (2008), Struwwelpeter (2004), Trisha Never Left Mouzas is a member of the Greek Composers’ Home (1999) by the Athens Megaron; Cam- Union and was the Treasurer of its Board of Media (2009) by the Athens Camerata (the Directors during the period 1998-2012. His CD Friends of Music Orchestra); film score for Luis Music for an imaginary film, with orchestral works Buñuel’s Un chien Andalou (2013) by the Ergon performed by the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble; Stones of Destiny (2010), Giant with was released by NAXOS. the Red Boots (2010), Trisevgeni (2008) by the Orchestra of Colours; Monologue (2001) by Alea III, Boston; Prima Materia (1996) by the Greek Documentary Ost-Original Soundtrack National Radio. Ost-Original Soundtrack: “A documentary film Many of his works have also been performed about music in the motion pictures” screened at by the Athens State Orchestra, the Orchestra of The Shoe Factory on 5 October. The documentary Patras, and the Kyiv Classic Orchestra, amongst is an independent production by Fanis Logothetis others. Alexandros Mouzas has collaborated with and Spiros Andreadis, a collective effort to pay the choreographer Konstantinos Michos and the tribute to those who inspired us to the creation ‘Lathos Kinissi’ dance group in many productions, of what we call today, original soundtrack. The among them Trisha Never Left Home, Days of mission of the documentary is to acquaint the Films of the ‘silent era’ were screened simultaneously with the live performance of new works Vironas, Papageno and Calamity till the Dawn, as audience with a form of art that is fundamental well as the Airesis Dance Company. in the film industry, yet invisible and relatively unknown to the general public. As an Athens-based ensemble with the advantage and guided by the knowledge and the valuable His professional activities include image-related of direct access to the contemporary compositions experience of the world-leading ensemble of new music. He has written original music for short films, Ost-Original Soundtrack tracks the path which by Greek composers, the Ensemble’s ultimate aim music. For 2013-2014, the Ergon Ensemble has television series, documentaries and commercials the pioneers of creativity and inspiration engrave is the endorsement of Greek musical creation on the friendly support of the Ernst von Siemens for the majority of the Greek television channels. through the magical world of music and the the international music scene. Music Foundation. Artistic coordination: In 2003, he was the Artistic Director of the Greek movies. Their personal experiences, knowledge Section of the European programme “New Media and opinions guide us step by step through the Founded in 2008, Ergon is based on a core Alexandros Mouzas. Edge Project”, and in 2004, he was commissioned cinematic process. formation of soloists and is joined by talented by the Athens 2004 Organising Committee, to artists specialised in new music, shaping therefore The documentary features interviews with a Film music: From the silent era compose original music for the Athens Olympic a flexible musical ensemble of immense versatility. number of renowned film composers from Greece to the coming of sound Games corporate videos. His recent professional Its members comprise some of the most talented and abroad, such as Nicola Piovani (especially Alexandros Mouzas, Artistic Director of the activities include production management of young musicians of our time, all participants of known for his Oscar winning score to Roberto Ergon Ensemble, tracked the history of film music various important CD releases of Greek orchestral Benigni film La Vita è Bella) and Trevor Jones the International Ensemble Modern Academy. – from its early beginnings to recent days – the music. He is the manager and founding member of The musicians of Ergon come from a wide variety (famous for his original film scores to films such methods and practices of producing film music, the Ergon Ensemble, he runs his own production as The Last of the Mohicans, Mississippi Burning, of academic and professional backgrounds, as well as the secrets in shaping a language that company, Anax – Cultural Projects, and he Runaway Train, Notting Hill and In the Name of but share a mutual love for the performance of directly communicates with the viewer, presented teaches music technology and Film music at top the Father), as well as artists from other faculties contemporary music and a great commitment to in a lecture at The Shoe Factory on 5 October. The schools in Athens. who give us their very own perspective on the performing excellence. lecture, which also featured rare cinematic and Alexandros Mouzas has conceived and issue of film music. Apart from their regular concerts, their key photographic footage, was given in Greek and coordinated the educational programmes Cam- activities include CD recordings, educational lasted approximately two hours. media and S-[cool]-life for high school students, From Contemporary classics to new music activities and inter-disciplinary collaborations, Alexandros Mouzas studied composition with and he has been coordinating the Festival of Sacred which combine various forms of performing arts Theodore Antoniou, advanced theory with Haris Music of Patmos since 2009, and productions such Violin and piano recital with Hugo Ticciati and such as Dance, Music Theatre and Multimedia. Xanthoudakis and electronic music with Dimitris as Tribute to Iannis Xenakis (Athens Festival), Hayk Melikyan The Ergon Ensemble works in close collaboration Kamarotos. He has composed for various Peter Maxwell Davies: Icones (Megaron-The Recognised internationally as one of the most with the Ensemble Modern, and it is supported ensembles and has received many commissions Athens Concert Hall) and Silent Films and Music versatile and imaginative performers of the 20th
46 47 century and Contemporary Music, and among German guards, Messiaen’s meditative chamber today’s most engaging virtuoso pianists, Hayk suite was received with rapt silence: “Never Melikyan returned to Cyprus to join forces with have I been heard with as much attention and the fascinating violinist Hugo Ticciati, who has understanding,” he later recalled. So impressed been described by the great Arvo Pärt as “an was his guard patron that Messiaen was smuggled artist who has a rare ability to convey a profound back to Paris to continue his work. It comes as understanding of the music and shed light on its little surprise, for the Quartet is one of the most spiritual intent.” remarkable compositions of the 20th century. A The recital on 6 October included a number of deeply committed Catholic, Messiaen composed, contemporary classics by composers such as not a lament of war or death, or a bitter strike Olivier Messiaen, Witold Roman Lutoslawski, at oppression, but instead a paean to the world Arvo Pärt and Toru Takemitsu, interspersed with beyond (and above) of transcendence, redemption, works by the younger generation of internationally and even, of joy. Takemitsu’s Rain Tree Sketches renowned composers such as Evis Sammoutis, II (1992) was composed as a memorial piece for Vito Zuraj, Esaias Järnegard and Albert Schnelzer. Messiaen, who was a strong influence on the composer. He had composed several pieces based The story of the genesis of Olivier Messiaen’s on Kenzaburo Oe’s short stories about the rain Quartet for the End of Time (1941) is widely tree, whose many small curved leaves trap the known and often repeated. But what is often Hugo Ticciati & Hayk Melikyan rainfall then release the water to the ground over a ignored in the telling is the remarkable nature time long after the rain has ceased. “An ingenious of what was produced, given what one would meaningless). He composed Fratres, originally for North and South America. He also loves devising tree, isn’t it?” asks the story. The work is French have expected in the circumstances. Born in string quintet and wind quintet, in 1977 for Hortus concerts and events that combine music with in sound, somewhere between Messiaen and the midst of war, death, frost and famine, the Musicus, an early-music ensemble in Tallinn. the other arts, notably dance and literature. He is Achille-Claude Debussy in harmonic language. Quartet, though explicitly apocalyptic, is not a The title refers to the fraternal spirit of the Hortus The short piece is one of the most joyful and currently working with the English composer Bill fiery Requiem, striving to translate divine wrath, Musicus. In the decades since then he has written accessible pieces Takemitsu has written. It was Connor on An Improvised Violin Concerto. Last but rather an intensely devotional, transcendent versions of this popular piece for many different also his last piano piece. season’s highlights included concertos by Bach, composition, that reaches a realm in which combinations: wind octet and percussion, strings Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sergei Sergeyevich Witold Lutoslawski’s fame rose to international such worldly troubles matter little, or not at all. and percussion, and string quartet; and versions in Prokofiev, Alfred Schnittke, Karl Amadeus stardom after the Second World War and the Played in the chilly night for the prisoners and the which violin, cello or guitar take a solo role. Hartmann, Rodion Konstantinovich Shchedrin, premiere of his First Symphony in 1948. He Ástor Pantaleón Piazzolla, Lera Auerbach, Philip composed his Partita for Violin and Piano in the Morris Glass, Lutoslawski and Takemitsu, and Programme autumn of 1984 for Pinchas Zuckerman and Marc Hugo Ticciati world premieres of concertos by Tobias Broström, Neikrug at the request of The Saint Paul Chamber “Hugo has a rare ability to convey a profound Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992): Louange à Orchestra. Consisting of five movements, three of understanding of the music and shed light on its Sergey N. Evtushenko and Schnelzer in venues l’immortalité de Jésus from the Quartet for the which give the impression that they rhythmically spiritual intent.” —Arvo Pärt including Carnegie Hall, Mariinsky Theatre End of Time (1941) Concert Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall and belong to the tradition of the Baroque keyboard Hugo Ticciati is an exceptional violinist with Cadogan Hall (London). Next season features Esaias Järnegard (b. 1983): Stretto (2010) music, the Partita is nevertheless quite ground- a uniquely intellectual approach to his work, Albert Schnelzer (b. 1972): Solitude (1999) breaking in terms of its harmonic and melodic incorporating aspects of literature, philosophy, tours in China and the USA with his own string orchestra, a series of concerts at the Muziekgebouw Witold Lutoslawski (1913-1994): Partita material. Regarding his choice of title, Lutoslawski spirituality and meditation. Since his debut at the aan ‘t IJ in Amsterdam and a weekend of concerts (1984) has explained: “The word ‘partita’, as used by age of twelve, Hugo has performed concertos with (Johann Sebastian) Bach to denominate some of at the Wigmore Hall. Arvo Pärt (b. 1935): Fratres (1977) orchestras in Britain, Sweden, Romania, Japan, his suite-like works, appears here to point out a Korea, North America and Estonia, and collected Hugo Ticciati has a passion for chamber music Vito Zuraj (b.1979): Tango (2000) few allusions to Baroque music, for example at the numerous international prizes. and gives regular recitals at prestigious halls across Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996): Rain Tree beginning of the first movement, the main theme Ticciati embraces the world of contemporary Europe and the Far East, collaborating with artists Sketches II (1992) of the Largo, and the gigue-like Finale.” music, collaborating with composers such as such as Anne-Sofie von Otter, Steven Isserlis, Evis Sammoutis (b. 1979): Prelude (2002) Arvo Pärt (b. 1935) is an Estonian composer, often Sven-David Sandström, Albert Schnelzer, and Angela Hewitt, Evelyn Glennie, Michael Collins, Albert Schnelzer (b. 1972): Apollonian Dances identified with the school of minimalism, though he Anders Hillborg, among others. In the coming Torleif Thedéen, Leslie Howard, Staffan Scheja, (2003) rejects this label (and, even more vehemently, the seasons he will be performing world premières of Michael Tsalka and Henrik Måwe. He is also label of “holy minimalism”, which he describes as concertos dedicated to him in Europe, Asia, and regularly invited to renowned music festivals such
48 49 as The Baltic Sea Festival (Sweden), Hermitage has produced a number of piano solo, chamber, Music Festival (St Petersburg), Saint-Denis instrumental, vocal and symphonic works. Festival (Paris), Cervantino (Mexico), Edinburgh His piano transcriptions, concert paraphrases Festival (England), Gotland Chamber Music and arrangements are among the favourite in Festival (Sweden). Hugo is the artistic director repertoires of many pianists worldwide. Hayk of his own festival O/MODƏRNT at Ulrikdals Melikyan has earned a reputation as one of the Palace Theatre Confidencen, Stockholm, and a most creative improvisators by world audiences, string festival in Kazan, Russia. which adds an unusual value to his recitals.
Hayk Melikyan Talk by Joanna Jones: Living One’s Practice: “I am very grateful to Hayk Melikyan that he took Performing One’s Work the risk of creating that piece…” –György Kurtág For an artist, to live one’s practice, to live in a Hayk Melikyan is recognised internationally as one way that perfectly brings together art and life, is of the most versatile and imaginative performers to pursue a Utopian project and at the same time of 20th century contemporary music and among constantly question whether and how this can be today’s most engaging virtuoso pianists. His achieved. This is according to visual artist Joanna international concert debut took place at the Jones, who held a talk at The Shoe Factory on “Concerto di Concerti” International Festival of 7 October. The talk aimed to show how such a the 20th Century Music in Rome in 2000. He leads project might be envisaged through the experience an active concert life, playing throughout Europe, of grassroots cultural activism combined with a Asia and the Americas. more strategic approach to influencing cultural policy and embedding the arts in a town with little After having won the 2nd Prize in the International experience and considerable scepticism towards Piano Competition of the 20th Century and contemporary art practice, particularly publicly- Contemporary Music “Premio Valentino Bucchi” funded arts projects. in Rome in 2000, he included contemporary music Joanna Jones lives and works in Dover. After as the leading part of his concert programmes. In Re-veil-le 2012, Hayk Melikyan was awarded a Gold Medal by studying painting at The Byam Shaw School the Moscow Composers Union for his contribution and the Royal Academy Schools, she spent over to and promotion of World Contemporary Music, twenty years in Germany developing her practice that was both documentation and a work in its own Re-veil-le and exhibiting internationally. She returned to the while in 2013, he was awarded the Title of an right. The resulting 30-minute film, an intelligent In Re-veil-le, the journey of visual artist Joanna UK in 1997 and in 2001, was the recipient of an Honorary Artist of the Republic of Armenia. He response to the brief as well as a fascinating Jones’ new painting is unveiled in a 19-minute film Arts Council Year of the Artist award for a light is the first performer of numerous works by many new piece of work by the artist/film-maker, was in symbiosis with Mihailo Trandafilovski’s Diptych projection on the cliffs at Samphire Hoe in Kent. composers of our time and dozens of pieces were screened at The Shoe Factory on 7 October. Violin Concerto No. 2. “I decided to make a painting Over several decades, Jones’ work has evolved especially composed for him. “The Earth, like the body of an animal, is wasted for Dover that would, at the same time, be a metaphor as part of an intense emotional and intellectual at the same time as it is repaired. It has a state of for history and change. Out of a series of photographs In 2009, Melikyan initiated the Concert Series process of self-discovery and unveiling. Her work growth and augmentation; it has another state, – documenting a painting evolving over 42 painting 1900+, which promotes piano music of encompasses performance and painting. In 2006, which is that of diminution and decay. This world sessions – I made a film,” said Joanna Jones. The composers born after 1900. Several solo albums she extended her practice in the public realm, paintings’ development compositionally parallels by Hayk Melikyan have been released since founding and developing (DAD) Dover Arts is thus destroyed in one part, but is renewed in 2007 and in 2014 his solo album was released by Development with artist Clare Smith. another. From the top of the mountain to the shore the composition of Trandafilovski’s Diptych Violin Naxos. Hayk Melikyan conducts master-classes of the sea, which are the two extremities of our land, Concerto, both art forms working in synergy with on contemporary music across the globe and is everything is in a state of change; the rock and each other. There is no finished painting as the final regularly invited to perform at music festivals such War and Peace: The Film solid strath dissolving, breaking and decomposing, painted canvas was cut into 324 pieces, a piece of as Festival de Valmagne and Festival de Musique Dover Arts Development (DAD) commissioned for the purpose of becoming soil; the soil travelling which was given to each audience member at the en Côte de Nacre (France), Festival O/MODƏRNT Dominic de Vere, the director of War and Peace: along the surface of the earth, on its way to the War and Peace Grand Finale Concert premiere (Sweden), the Geneva Piano Festival, the Warsaw The Film, to make a “project film” from the shore; and the shore wearing and wasting by the on 11 October 2013 at Dover Town Hall. It was Royal Arcades of Art Festival, and the Nuovi Spazi many strands of their 18-month War & Peace agitation of the sea, an agitation which is essential performed by Longbow under the direction of Peter Musicali Festival (Italy). As a composer, Melikyan programme, asking him to make a piece of work to the purposes of a living world.” –James Hutton Sheppard Skaerved.
50 51 Varese’s sirens, (George) Antheil’s airplane and the ICST (Institute for Computer Music th propeller, (John) Cage’s radio, and rock and and Sound Technology in Zürich). Events marking the 6 roll’s use of all of the above and more starting Johannes Schwarz (bassoon) has been a International Pharos at least in the 1970s, and more recently in rap member of the Ensemble Modern since 2003, Contemporary Music Festival music, the desire to include everyday sounds and the artistic leader of the Ensemble Modern in music has been growing. The sampling Academy, coordinating all educational projects 4 October: Educational Workshop for young keyboard now makes this a practical reality. of Ensemble Modern, since 2013. Apart composers and students of Media – Ergon In City Life not only samples of speech but from regularly performing in renowned radio Ensemble and Alexandros Mouzas also car horns, door slam, air brakes, subway and symphony orchestras, he performed for 4 October: Concert Silent Films and Music – chimes, pile driver, car alarms, heartbeats, several years in baroque ensembles on original Ergon Ensemble, Andreas Tselikas (Conductor) boat horns, buoys, fire and police sirens are instruments, and has appeared with radio part of the fabric of the piece.” big bands as well as various improvisation 5 October: Master Class for young pianists ensembles. His CD productions feature works and violinists – Hayk Melikiyan (piano) and An open-air concert of live electronics, for solo bassoon premiered by him as well as Hugo Ticciati (violin) improvisation and free jazz classical and baroque music, but also a number 5 October: Lecture Film music: from the The 6th International Pharos Contemporary of arrangements. silent era to the coming of sound – Alexandros Music Festival wrapped with an open-air After winning the “Premier prix à l’ Unanimité” Mouzas (Artistic Director of the Ergon concert of live electronics, improvisation and at the Conservatoire de Paris where he studied Ensemble) free jazz by Soundscapes – a fascinating duo with Claude Delangle, Sascha Armbruster 5 October: Screening Ost-original Soundtrack: programme with Johannes Schwarz (bassoon) (saxophone) decided to specialise in “A documentary film about music in the motion and Sascha Armbruster (saxophone), who were contemporary music. His concert-activities as a pictures” – Director Fanis Logothetis joined by sound-engineer Sebastian Schottke. soloist and with chamber groups have brought The concert took place on the roof garden of him to famous festivals in Japan, the US and all 6 October: Educational concert for secondary Soundscapes The Shoe Factory on 8 October 2014, in an over Europe, and he has appeared with leading education students – Hayk Malikiyan (piano) amazing symbiosis between the natural world of contemporary ensembles such as the Ensemble and Hugo Ticciati (violin) sound and electronics in a leisurely setting with City Life: The Documentary Modern, Ensemble Recherche and Klangforum 6 October: Violin and piano recital with works refreshments. The concert was co-organised Wien. He is the founder and member of the Manfred Waffender’s City Life: The by Messiaen, Lutoslavski, Pärt, Takemitsu, with the Goethe-Institut Zypern in Cyprus. ARTE Quartett, and since 2011, he has been documentary was screened on 7 October. The Evis Sammoutis, Vito Zuraj, Esaias Järnegard tutor at the Conservatory of Lucerne. documentary is dedicated to Steve Reich (b. and Albert Schnelzer – Hayk Melikiyan (piano) 1936), one of the most significant American Soundscapes Sebastian Schottke studied sound engineering and Hugo Ticciati (violin) th and music production at the University of composers of the 20 century. Waffender’s Soundspaces is a fascinating project for bassoon, 7 October: Screening of two short films: major documentary traces the background Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, and won saxophone and electronics formed by Johannes Re-Veil-Le and War and Peace: The Film – to the creation of his piece City Life. Reich Schwarz (bassoon) and Sascha Armbruster a scholarship to the International Ensemble Director Dominic De Vere masterfully captures sounds from New York (saxophone). The genesis of Soundspaces Modern Academy in Frankfurt / Main. His City street life with the aid of two sampling has its roots in the common background of intensive activities (in concert and studio) in 7 October: Living One’s Practice: Performing keyboards and microphone, forging the noise the two musicians. Both Johannes and Sacha the field of contemporary music led him to One’s work – Talk by Joanna Jones (visual of the city street into a work for string quartet, have performed and interpreted pieces in their collaborations as a sound director with numerous artist) wind, percussion and two pianos. The film solo programmes, which have been highly composers, ensembles and dance companies 7 October: Screening Steve Reich: City Life “A culminates in a performance of the piece from at festivals such as the Avignon Festival, the influenced by the use of synthesised music, documentary” – Director Manfred Waffender the Frankfurt Opera House, with the Ensemble therefore they decided to join forces and Edinburgh Festival, the Ruhrtriennale, the Modern conducted by Sian Edwards. integrate electronic music as the central theme Munich Biennale, the Beethovenfest Bonn, 8 October: An open-air concert of live Reich said about City Life: “The idea that of their programme. The high standard and Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival, electronics, improvisation & free jazz – any sound may be used as part of a piece of freshness of Soundspaces is enhanced by the Wien Modern and the Modern Academy Soundscapes (Johannes Schwarz on bassoon music has been in the air during much of the inclusion of live-electronic and live-sampling Concert Series in Hong Kong. Since 2008, and Sacha Armbruster on saxophone) 20th Century. From the use of taxi horns in straight into the live improvisations. The Sebastian Schottke has worked as a sound All events take place at the Shoe Factory in (George) Gershwin’s An American in Paris electronic sound-system of Soundspaces was engineer for the ZKM (Zentrum für Kunst und Nicosia. through (Edgard Victor Achille Charles) exclusively developed at the ZKM in Karlsruhe Medientechnologie) in Karlsruhe.
52 53 George Philippou Pierides of the Asia Minor Disaster – George Philippou a Greek translation of the German novel Pierides was recruited at a cotton company, which Concentration Camp, based on the camps where allowed him the opportunity to travel around Egypt Nazis tortured and killed thousands of people. Workshop to mark the 100th anniversary of his birthday and become acquainted with its peoples’ anguishes. The Cotton Growers was published in 1945 and At around the same time, he started becoming welcomed by critics. The writer’s “Cyprus era” interested in literature, mainly reading, while he began a year later, after he decided to leave Egypt workshop was organised on 13 June 2014 to became a member of a group of Greek intellectuals and come to the island. He set up home in Varosha, th Amark the 110 anniversary of the late Cypriot in Cairo, comprising, among others, his brother, the Famagusta, where he began cultivating his own writer Georgios Philippou Pierides’ birthday. poet Thodosis Pierides, writer Stratis Tsirkas and orange tree orchard. The workshop, organised by the Cultural Services director and writer Nicos Nicolaides. In 1949 he published the volume Short stories of the Ministry of Education and Culture in As fascism swept through Europe, he joined the from the Middle East and by 1954, he took charge cooperation with the University of Cyprus’ colony’s anti-fascist organisations, while two of of the Famagusta Public Library, which he ran Petronda Institute of Modern Greek, took a look his younger brothers were deployed to fight in until his retirement in 1971, turning it into the back at Georgios Philippou Pierides’ wealth of World War II just as the Government of Greece town’s intellectual centre. contribution to the field of Letters. transferred its headquarters to Egypt. It was In 1963, his short story compilation Times of The writer is most celebrated for his compilation of George Philippou Pierides’ business meetings in Difficulty was published by Kedros publications short stories entitled: Tetralogy of the Times, which villages of the Egyptian south that led to his first in Athens, followed by Times Immovable in 1966. provides a chronological overview of the events literary work, The Cotton Growers, which he leading up to the Turkish invasion and occupation began writing in 1942 after being prompted by After retiring, George Philippou Pierides started of the island, and beyond. Times Immovable deals the “Horizons” publishing company. “Horizons” working at the Faneromeni Library and by with the period before the 1955 Greek Cypriot was established at the time by the magazine 1973 he was elected a Member of the Hellenic Authors Society. uprising; Times of Difficulty looks at the period George Philippou Pierides Ellin, which was run by intellectual comrades between 1955 and 1959, while Times of Affluence of the author. It was the first literature ever to be The establishment of the Union of Cyprus Writers followed in 1978, with Pierides elected refers to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus ke ta “paidia tis gis ta vasanismena” in George published by an Egyptian Greek, which spoke as its first president. A year later he published (1960-1974). The final piece of the puzzle, Times of Philippou Pierides’ Vamvakarides (The “little about the Egyptian people, and in that sense, it Times of Suffering, which won the State Prize for Suffering, examines the reactions and experiences white” Greek and the “tortured children of the land” is considered a landmark in the Greek literature Essay/Study in 1981. The Tetralogy of the Times that resulted from the 1974 coup and invasion. in George Philippou Pierides’ book Vamvakarides); of Egypt, as according to the author himself, the was published by the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Among others, the writer was honoured with the book Eikones tis Egyptou sto ergo tou G. P. Greek colony and its intellectual members “were Foundation in Athens in 1989. the State Prize for his overall contribution to Pieridi (Pictures of Egypt in G. P. Pierides’ work), kind of like a small society, enclosed and nested in Letters in 1982; the 1994 Award for Excellence in by Mostafa Hakim Refai; G. P. Pierides and F. M. the country that hosted it, almost without contact George Philippou Pierides passed away in 1999 with the people of this country”. Letters and Arts; and in 1996, he was proclaimed Dostoevsky by Zorka Sljivancanin; and Skliri Keri and countless literary magazines in Cyprus and Honorary Doctorate of the University of Cyprus’ (Tough Times) by Pantelis Voutouris. In the midst of writing his first book, George Greece paid homage to a great Cypriot writer, Department of Classics and Philosophy. Philppou Pierides published a booklet entitled: whose work lives on by being included in the The gathering was addressed by the Minister of Stalingrad – one battle four months, alongside Cypriot educational curriculum. About George Philippou Pierides Education and Culture, Costas Kadis, University of Cyprus’ Rector Constantinos Christofides and George Philippou Pierides was born in the Nicosia Senate Member of the Department of Classics suburb of Dali in 1904, to parents who had migrated and Philosophy Michalis Pieris, and the Head of to Cairo a few years earlier. His childhood and the University’s Department of Byzantine and teenage years were spent in Egypt at the peak of Modern Greek Studies, Pantelis Voutouris. Greek colonisation; before it received a massive Participants presented and discussed publications by blow in 1937, when the Montreux Convention academics and eminent scholars, who have studied came and cancelled all the privileges enjoyed by and analysed George Philippou Pierides’ work. Europeans in Egypt. The books and write-ups were Michalis Pieris’ He went on to experience the country’s social Stigmes me ton G. P. Pieridi (Moments with G. P. and national battles, including both World Wars, Pierides); Maha Salem’s H egypiaki empiria tou the country’s limited independence and the Greek From left to right: the Director of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education G. P. Pieridi (G. P. Pierides’ Egyptian experience); colony’s political, intellectual and social quests. and Culture, Pavlos Paraskevas; House of Representatives MP Prodromos Prodromou (DISY); University of Cyprus’ Rector Constantinos Christofides; and Minister of Manolis Maragoulis Manolis Maragoulis’ O Ellinas “mikros lefkos” Graduating from high school in 1922 – the year Education and Culture, Costas Kadis.
54 55 Painting the Divine
n icon-exhibition entitled: Painting the Di- nakis Omirou and the Minister of Education and Avine: Trends and influences in church paint- Culture, Costas Kadis. th th ing of Cyprus during the 19 and 20 century and The icon-exhibition explored the relations be- the role of the Modern Greek state was inaugurat- tween the newly-founded Greek state (1830) and ed at the Palace of the Old Archbishopric, which Cyprus under British rule in the field of painting. houses the Society of Cypriot Studies (opposite The westernised style of painting that was adopted the Pancyprian Gymnasium), on 1 July 2014. by what was then referred to as the “Kingdom of The exhibition, which ran until 25 October, was Greece” spread to Mount Athos and then on to the organised by the Society of Cypriot Studies and British-held island. In the eyes of Cypriots, the the Cyprus Committee for Byzantine Studies, in westernised painting was held as a new artisan collaboration with the Embassy of Greece in Cy- stream connected to the Greek state. Therefore, prus and with the support of the Leventis Scholars by adopting this style of painting, the Cypriots A view of the exhibition Association (Cyprus) to mark the completion of felt closer to independent Greece and were sym- the Greek Presidency of the Council of the Euro- bolically expressing their desire for liberation and pean Union. union with the Greek mainland. The new pictorial The exhibition was inaugurated by the President of trend was widespread all over Cyprus from the the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades – who monastic workshops of Stavrovouni, Agios Geor- also addressed the gathering – as well as a number gios Alamanou, Trooditissa and Agios Varnavas, of other state officials and public personalities, in- to Cypriots who studied in Athens and non-Cypri- cluding House of Representatives President Yian- ot Greeks who were invited to the island.
Book cover - Painting the Divine Icon exhibits
Some 100 works exhibited vouni, Agios Georgios Alamanou, Trooditissa and The exhibition included approximately 100 works Agios Varnavas (today under Turkish occupation), of clerical and secular painters, drawings, patterns, workshops of the Holy Mount Athos and Russia. studies and sketches, as well as items of religious Curators of the exhibition were Dr Charalambos folk art, where the history of art of the 19th and 20th Chotzakoglou and Dr Ioannis Eliades. The exhi- century in Greece is reflected. The exhibition dis- bition reflected the cooperation of a plethora of played works by the artists Paul Pavlides, Vasilis institutions and individuals, who offered exhibits, Michaelides, Adamantios Diamantis, Otto Gian- such as the State Gallery of Contemporary Art, nopoulos, Ioannes, Andreas Chrysochos, Panare- the Byzantine Museum and Art Gallery of Arch- tos Kousoulides, Nicholas Kounelakes, Michael bishop Makarios III. Foundation, Kallinikeion Christodoulides, Ioannis Kissonergis, Solomos Municipal Museum of Athienou, the churches of Frangoullides, Nicos Nicolaides, Gabriel The- the Holy Virgin in Agros, Agia Varvara in Kaim- ocharides, Ioannikios Mavropoulos, father Kal- akli, Agios Antonios in Nicosia, The Holy Cross (From left to right) Dr Charalambos Chotzakoglou, Director of the Society of Cypriot Studies; the wife of Greek Ambassador in Cyprus linikos Stavrovouniotis and modern hagiographer in Omodos, Transfiguration of Christ in Larnaka, Vasilios Papaioannou and the Ambassador himself; the Minister of Defence, Christoforos Fokaides; the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades; Metropolitan Timotheos (Margaritis) of Bostra; House of Representatives President Yiannakis Omirou; Dr Matthaios Matthaiou, as well as works of hagi- Archangel Michael Trypiotis in Nicosia, Holy Vir- Ioannis Eliades, Director presso of the Byzantine Museum; and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou. ographical workshops of the monasteries Stavro- gin Hodegetria in Galata, Agios Ioannis of Vaft-
56 57 istis in Nicosia and others, including Diamanti’ s “The aim of this exhibition is to explore attitudes Summer Music Academy Family, Helena and Nikos Elioti. The exhibition and spontaneous feelings of common people, to- also included repatriated icons from the Turkish- wards the imposed separation of Cyprus from the Occupied Areas of Cyprus. Greek mainland, as expressed through the reli- The exhibition was accompanied by an illustrated gious art,” Dr Chotzakoglou explained. catalogue of 280 pages with scientific texts, de- “The devoutness of the island’s inhabitants has tailed entries of exhibited works and a rich photo- been noted by numerous visitors and travellers, graphic appendix under the scientific supervision and ecclesiastical art genuinely captured this pure of Dr Charalambos Chotzakoglou. and spontaneous folk sentiment,” he added. Addressing the exhibition’s opening, Dr Chot- zakoglou pointed out that this year’s takeover of Tasos Mitsopoulos, a friend the Greek Presidency of the EU, for the fifth time and promoter of Culture since joining the European Union, coincided with Before stepping down, Dr Chotzakoglou paid two historic anniversaries: The completion of 180 tribute “to a friend of the Society, and promoter of years since the declaration of Athens as the capital Culture and the great spirit of Hellenism, who is th of the modern Greek state, and the 10 anniversary unfortunately no longer among us – the late Tasos of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union. “The Mitsopoulos, who passed away on 15 March this th 19 century liberated Athens city from Ottoman year, after suffering a brain haemorrhage and heart rule, has acted as a lighthouse towards Hellenism attack that left him in an irreversible condition. he Summer Music Academy of the Cyprus framework of the week dedicated to the promotion in Cyprus, whereas the accession of Cyprus into The exhibition’s inauguration night marked the TYouth Symphony Orchestra has become an of Cyprus’ history and culture. the European Union has acted as a cut-off land- 100th day since the young, former Defence Minis- important part of Cyprus’ music educational activ- This invitation is of vast importance and a unique mark in the history of the two countries,” he said. ter’s death. “His last visit to the Society of Cypriot ities. The Academy takes place at the high moun- opportunity to promote the talent of Cypriot youths In a bid to highlight the relations between Studies was a few months ago, when participat- tain resort of Pedoulas (1200m above sea level) abroad and endorse the important work which is Cyprus and mainland Greece, the exhibition ing in our Scientific Symposium ‘Cyprus-Russia’, during the last two weeks of August. being done within the Youth Orchestra’s activities, explored two time-periods, during which the co-organised with the Russian Embassy and the Attention is given over to master classes, wind Cyprus’ most important youth music ensemble. Cypriot and Greek administrations were under Russian Cultural Centre, during which he read his orchestra, sectional rehearsals and chamber The programme included Gioachino Antonio the “guardianship” of Western powers; namely profound address and imparted several political music training as well as preparing a symphonic Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville; Britain and Bavaria respectively. and cultural meanings.” programme. Towards the end of the Academy, this Alkis Baltas’ Cypriot Suite; Maurice Ravel’s symphonic programme is presented at an evening Tzigane (Soloist: Andreas Zinonos – violin); and concert open to the public at the Events Hall of the Antonín Leopold Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E Pedoulas Gymnasium. minor, From the New World, Op. 95. The Academy has taken place at the Gymnasium’s Whilst preparing the programme for the concerts, facilities since 2007, after they were renovated using the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra also funding offered by the Cultural Services of the welcomed the Music Lyceum Choirs in Pedoulas, Ministry of Education and Culture. The community as well as the cast and collaborators who will work of Pedoulas now identifies itself with the Academy on the preparation of the Orchestra’s next important (and the concerts given by the Orchestra), which grand production; the opera Cavalleria Rusticana attracts both foreign and Cypriot tourists. by Italian composer Pietro Mascagni. The training This year, the Academy took place between 20 of the soloists and the Choirs took place over 7 days and 29 August, accommodating 80 young people during the Summer Academy and will continue for between 9 and 26 years old. During the Academy, a further 7 days during the Spring Academy. experienced teachers coached the young musicians The opera takes place in Easter 2015. In free and at the same time, the orchestra prepared translation the title means Rural Chivalry and the the programme which was presented in two setting is a village in Sicily. It is a dramatic story concerts. The first concert took place in Nicosia of passion with a tragic ending. Two concerts will and the second in Rome, after an invitation from take place on 24 and 25 April at the Strovolos Dr Charalambos Chotzakoglou, Director of the Society of Cypriot Studies, takes guests on a tour of the icon-exhibition, on opening night the Association of Cypriots in Italy, within the Municipal Theatre, Nicosia.
58 59 My London by Renos
major solo exhibition of Cypriot artist Renos ALavithis’ works, inspired by his beloved London, was held at the Gallery in the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London’s Trafalgar Square from June 23 until July 20, 2014. Renos Lavithis is an experienced all round artist who lives in the London Borough of Barnet. The My London by Renos project started when the artist visited his old haunts of Fleet Street where he worked as an artist for the Daily Mail Group. This led to an exploration of the area – then extended to most other parts of London – through drawing with ink, pencil, pen, and water colour wash. My London by Renos has mushroomed into an ex- ploration of London’s most famous landmarks and River Thames scenes. The artist and his work The blue skies and the sea of the Eastern Medi- From right to left: Chancellor Lisa Rutter from Barnet Council; Peter Droussiotis, who’s company PGD Strategy Ltd sponsored the terranean and the Aegean, featuring boats and exhibition; the Right Honourable Theresa Villiers MP; the artist, Renos Lavithis; Stanley McMurtry MBE, the Mac cartoonist of the Daily Mail and long standing friend of Renos, opening the artist’s exhibition (photo by Petros Pentayiotis) coastal seascapes, provide the artist with con- at the age of 18. He arrived in London in 1966 to tinuous stimulation. They remain the memories further his knowledge of art but Graphic Design of his childhood and are still his most constant became his chosen professional career. Working inspiration. by day, in the evenings he studied life drawing and In contrast, the lush and green landscapes of Eng- graphic composition at Saint Martin’s School of land such as the Lake District or the coastal beau- Art (1965-1966). ties of Cornwall and beyond, the cityscapes from There followed a year at Sir John Cass’ Founda- St Albans to Central London are just as stimulat- tion doing a foundation course. The years 1967- ing. The My London works from the old haunts of 1970 were a time of creativity and Graphic Arts Fleet Street to the architectural excitement of Ca- exploration at Ealing School of Art, where dur- nary Wharf are the dominant current explorations. ing his final year he studied alongside rock star In general, as an artist with a great passion for pre- Freddie Mercury of Queen. He finished his serving and exploring our natural surroundings, studies in 1971 with an Advance Typographic anything that relates to life, human activity and Design course at the London College of Print- Kensington Gardens in winter with Henry Moore sculpture The Gallery in the Crypt the beauty under the heavens with all the glory of ing. He followed a career in Graphic Arts as a form, colour and light, these find their way onto freelance artist, he wrote and published travel his canvases or paper. books, and from 1974 pursued a career as a In 1997 he visited Nepal and those magnificent abroad. Two of his works can be found in the graphic and retouching artist at the Daily Mail colours and majestic mountains heralded his House of Lords British Landscapes collection, About the artist Group for 30 years, starting first in public- serious return to art. He subsequently took ear- one in the Loukia and Michael Zampelas Art Painting has been a passion for Renos since his ity and the Evening News. In all this time the ly retirement to devote all his time to what he Museum collection in Nicosia, and many others childhood, attracted by the idyllic harbour and the burning desire for fine art never left Renos. He loves and enjoys. His work is exhibited mainly in private collections and institutions. He also ancient ruins of his native Pafos, Cyprus. He was conducted one workshop after another for life in London and Hertfordshire where he lives donated two of his works to the National Strug- honoured with a one-man show at the Town Hall drawing and painting. and works, but also in other places at home and gle Museum in Nicosia.
60 61 Renos’ most ambitious exhibition yet – namely favourite haunts and landmarks in and By Dr Criton Tomazos – art critic, poet/writer, artist around Fleet Street. But his vision is broader still, also encompassing all important recent city events The astounding success of the opening night and pri- vate view of the new exhibition by Renos Lavithis, and scenes, which left their mark on the people’s an artist living and working in London, in the pres- consciousness and have a lasting memory span, tigious venue of the Crypt Gallery, was hardly sur- i.e. the London Olympic Games of 2012, the City prising, given Renos’ established reputation, espe- Crash of 2008 and some seminal contemporary cially as a graphic artist, and also given the amount buildings which marked the new millennium. of time and work invested over the last few months and meticulous care and attention he dedicated in A continuous project preparing this so impressive and exciting show. “It is a continuous project,” Renos explains This new exhibition of drawings and paintings of, “which started with some early basic drawings of or specifically relating to London, was the larg- Fleet Street, which evolved through developing Buckingham Palace in the Spring (oil) The London Olympics est and most ambitious yet of Renos’ many art the drawing technique by adding wash, colour and exhibitions. It covered approximately 4-5 years people, i.e. characters in each scene.” of artwork and included 74 works – mostly draw- The exhibits were grouped in seven categories. ings in a variety of intriguing and well-mastered London General and London’s Open Spaces were techniques – as well as several paintings in oils. eleven paintings in oil on canvas or canvas board. These works depict some landmark views, well known places but also less known but treasured All remaining 62 exhibits were drawings in a variety corners of the metropolis, imbued with a per- of techniques and comprised London 2012 Olym- sonal sense of nostalgia and fondness. Renos’ pics, River and The Parliament, Canary Wharf Area, wide angle of vision takes in the old and historic Fleet Street Area and London General. sites, the everyday and regularly visited parts of Renos usually works on watercolour paper, worldwide recognition, London’s green and open drawing with pen, pencil and graphite and using spaces, but also highlights a personal selection white gouache to break lines and forms. Wash St James’ Park in spring (oil) The London Olympics of special places associated with his long career colours are also added. He achieves some fine as a graphic/retouching artist for the Daily Mail and delicate atmospheric results and original effects – using his drawing instruments with as- is also a colleague and personal friend of the art- sured skill and confidence, often boldly and at ist; Peter Droussiotis, Chairman and CEO at PGD other times more evocatively and conveying an Strategy Ltd, who has also been elected four times atmospheric effect. as President of the National Federation of Cypriots Needless to say Renos’ prolific output as a in the UK and is also Chairman of the UK Cyprus draughtsman includes many more drawings of Enterprise Council. PGD was also the sponsor of well and less known places in the United King- this exhibition; and Renos Lavithis, the exhibiting dom, such as the Lake District, the Continent, artist and organiser of the private view. Greece, Cyprus, Western Canada and Nepal. The three guest speakers spent time in praising the The exhibition attracted an impressive crowd of exhibition with extensive references to Renos’ crea- guests, including established personalities from tive work and amiable, friendly character, his contri- the political, cultural, educational, business, art bution to community arts and cultural life in general, and community sectors, and many friends, col- but also to his chosen theme, A Journey through Lon- leagues and fellow artists from all backgrounds don with Drawings, which has a wider appeal and and different nationalities. popularity to many diverse people and groups. There were four speakers on the opening night: It proved to be a most successful opening night and The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP (who is the artist’s private view and a very impressive and inspiring local MP), Cabinet Member – Secretary of State exhibition of works of considerable skill, calibre for Northern Ireland; Stanley McMurtry MBE, the and popular appeal, in a central and prestigious Renos at Ealing School of Art with some of his graphic work. 1970 well-known Mac cartoonist of the Daily Mail, who London venue for nearly one month.
62 63 The Howa Jani Project
he Howa Jani Project from Jerusalem, which Thas gained much recognition in recent years and represents the new generation of Israeli musi- cians, held three concerts in July, in Cyprus. The Howa Jani Project, led by Neta Elkayam, was presented on 19 July in Paphos as part of the 13th International Countryside Animafest Cyprus - Views of the World, on 21 July in collaboration with the popular local band Monsieur Doumani at the Axiothea Festival, and on 22 July at the Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival in Limassol. Based in Jerusalem, the group revisit in their own distinct way the traditional music of North Af- selves: the children of Jews from the Maghreb, rica with emphasis on the music of the Moroc- with a desire to continue and propel the music into can Jews. The Cypriot group Monsieur Doumani the future, and write new arrangements for mate- is also known for its innovative approach to the rial that is relevant to today. traditional music of Cyprus and have already es- Thus, the Howa Jani Project was born. The show tablished a name on the international world music is based on new arrangements of Moroccan songs, scene, so the 21 July concert was indeed a must with an emphasis on the Jews of Morocco, which see. The result of their cooperation was a musical are based on archival recordings and old records encounter with an intense Mediterranean flavour. that the performers acquired through collectors The concerts were held in cooperation with the and the internet. The show also features original Embassy of Israel to Cyprus. pieces. Howa Jani (“Here It Comes To Me” in Moroccan The artists behind the Howa Jani Project Arabic) is the name of an original song from the Inspired by their childhood, and as a gesture to performance, written by Neta Elkayam and Amit Jewish artists from North Africa, Neta Elkayam Hai Cohen. (vocals) and Amit Hai Cohen (piano) created two Due to its unique ensemble, Howa Jani manages, music videos that garnering much praise and cu- alongside the classics that are played in new and riosity after being uploaded to the internet. From refreshing versions, to set a new musical standard there, the two began to put together a musical per- of tradition and innovation. Each one of the art- formance with musicians that were raised on the ists carries they’re own personal language, yet also same music. Today, along with Elad Levi (violin) leans on the tradition of their teachers, turning the Netanel Ben Shitrit (darbuka) and Moshe Bakhar performance into a relevant and interesting con- (oud), they are the young generation which is temporary musical experience. spearheading the revival of Moroccan music in Even the original songs, written in Darija (collo- Israel. quial Moroccan), aspired to remain as faithful to With one foot in the past, and all the while con- the contemporary version (based on the original) tinuing to deepen their understanding of the music, as possible, to reach a wider crowd, to connect be- the group sought to revive Moroccan music from tween the different Maghrebi communities (Jews exactly the point at which it stopped being made. and Muslims) in the diaspora through music and to However, they also sought to remain true to them- expose it to as many people as possible.
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