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Document Sample
Cyprus World Heritage Sites on Film
The Cyprus National UNESCO Committee presented a documentary film entitled: "Archaeo-
logical Sites and Monuments on the World Heritage List of UNESCO" at a special event held
on 29 January, 2008 at the Castelliotissa Hall. The event was sponsored by the Cultural Ser-
vices of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Cyprus UNESCO Committee and the
Leventis Foundation.
The documentary was researched, written and directed by Dr Maro Theodosiadou and co-
produced by the Cyprus National UNESCO Committee and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corpo-
ration. The music was composed by Costas Karayiannis. Elena Ioannou was responsible for
the editing and Panicos Ioannides was director of photography.
43
Cyprus’ Permanent Representative at man-made hazards so that future genera-
UNESCO, Ms Edme Leventis addressed tions will have the same opportunity as
the occasion. Speeches were also delivered us to derive pleasure and inspiration
by Dr Eleni Nikita, Director of the Cul- from these exquisite vestiges of the past.
tural Services of the Ministry of Education In chronological order, the successful sub-
and Culture, Dr Vassos Karageorghis, Direc- mission for nomination of Cyprus sites for
tor of the Leventis Foundation, Themis their inscription on the World Heritage List
Themistocleous, CyBC Director General is as follows:
and Dr Maro Theodosiadou, the docu-
mentary producer. • 1980 Archaeological site of Kato Paphos
(mosaics, Tombs of the Kings, Chrysopoli-
The 72-minute film referred to the Khi- tissa area, Theatre area) and Palaepaphos
rokitia Neolithic settlement, the Paphos at Kouklia (Temple of Aphrodite and
mosaics, the archaeological site at Kouklia Petra tou Romiou)
and the Byzantine painted churches of
Troodos. • 1985 Nine Byzantine Churches in the
Troodos mountains (Panayia Asinou-
Cyprus ratified the UNESCO Convention Nikitari, Ayios Nikolaos tis Steghis -
for the Protection of the World Cultural Kakopetria, Panayia tou Arakos – Lagoud-
and Natural Heritage in 1975 and five years era, Ayios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery
later the island’s first archaeological sites, – Kalopanayiotis, Panayia tou Moutoula,
those of Kouklia and Paphos, appeared on Timios Stavros – Pelendri, Archangelos
the World Heritage List. Once a property Michael – Pedhoulas, Timios Stavros Ayi-
is inscribed on the List it has a major claim asmati – Platanistassa, Panayia Podi-
to conservation against both natural and tou – Galata)
44
• 1998 Neolithic settlement of Khirokitia The documentary produced by Dr Maro
• 2002 Church of Metamorphosis tou Theodosiadou serves the purpose of filling
Sotiros – Palaichori was added to the a gap which will help not only our people,
Troodos Churches List Cypriots of every age, but also others inter-
ested, to become familiar with, and to learn
For a country the size of Cyprus it is an about the true significance of our heritage,
honour to have so many sites inscribed and also to appreciate the responsibility
on the World Heritage List and the most which we have as protectors of part of the
significant fact is that they represent entire- world’s heritage.
ly different phases of the island’s history
– a testimony to the breadth and diversity Dr Maro Theodosiadou deserves every praise
of its heritage. for the scholarship and professionalism she
showed, presenting in an accurate and artic-
"This privilege bestowed upon us by ulate manner the different regions from the
UNESCO", Dr Karageorghis mentioned archaeological, historical and artistic point
in his speech, "is due to the good man- of view. Congratulations are also due to all
agement of the monuments by the Depart- those who contributed to this wonderful
ment of Antiquities, and to the Cyprus per- production: the music, the photography,
manent delegation at UNESCO". the direction, and worked with profes-
Dr Karageorghis further recalled the excel- sionalism and dedication.
lent cooperation between the Department It should not be forgotten that outstand-
of Antiquities and the late Constantinos ing monuments in Cyprus are found in the
Leventis in 1980 and 1985 which helped area of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops
to achieve the inclusion of the Cyprus mon- since 1974, such as Salamis and the old
uments in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Famagusta, which, under other cir-
List. cumstances would have an enviable place
"Enthusiastic and visionary, Constantinos in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
Leventis believed in the power of culture List. Let us hope that better days are to
and the particular significance of the pro- come for our country, for culture and for
jection of Cyprus on a global scale", Dr these monuments to acquire their right-
Karageorghis added. ful place in the world’s legacy.
45
Biennale of Alexandria
Cyprus has been participating in the Alexandria Biennale for Mediterranean
Countries since 1963. Over the years, this great international event has reached
prominence as it offers so many countries of diverse cultural backgrounds the
opportunity to present their latest achievements in the visual arts and estab-
lish a discourse addressing timeless questions of identity and globalisation.
Three artists represented Cyprus at the 24th Biennale of Alexandria: Tatiana Fer-
ahian, Ketta Ioannidou and Julia Georgiadou. Here is a glimpse of their work
presented by the artists themselves. The Ministry of Education and Culture
Commissioner was Petros Dymiotis.
Julia Georgiadou It is easier said than done to try to entangle
your work with lines. Working with lines you
start considering lines as a fact of life or as
Born in 1981 in Limassol, Cyprus your life’s fact. Without even realizing you
Education may find yourself painting a prison of feel-
2001-2005 Studied at the National Academy ings and thoughts. Whatever we may say now,
of Art of Sofia – Bulgaria or whatever we try to change, every 'line' can
1999-2000 Attended art lessons at Nikos exist on a different dimension in time.
Christofidis’ art school – Athens Since everything that we are surrounded by
Lives and works in Cyprus. is of lines, I decided to build and compose
my work in that way. Based on lines and lin-
No Title ear marks, I tried to create some shapes and
Straight line, zigzagged line, curved line, gross figures, which in fact do not exist in reality
line, time line, horizontal line, start line, dead but they exist just like lines (or vice-versa). A
line, border line, offensive line, defensive line, figure, and/or, a shape, that is presented
life line, and so many other lines. I believe can be composed of infinity of points (a
that everything around us is formed of lines. following of pointillism). The existence of
Sometimes they become visible though all the the lines makes the structure of the figures
creations that have shape, form or figure disappear, so new born aspects and/or con-
and sometimes they explain a circumstance cepts are created, that can be translated dif-
or even a point in time. ferently by each one of us.
46
47
Ketta Ioannidou Mediterranean Jungle Paradise #2
Born in 1974 in Nicosia, Cyprus Aquatic flora and fauna, Japanese comic books,
Education
Byzantine patterns and Turkish tapestry designs
all influence my art. Reflecting upon the con-
M.F.A., School of Visual Arts, New York, B.A. (Hons),
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, UK nection between landscape and imagina-
tion, my work depicts an intermediate state
Solo Exhibitions
that is not clearly defined. My installation
2008 Go North, A Space for Contemporary Art,
Beacon, New York (forthcoming)
work creates an atmosphere where the view-
er can glimpse the outlines of another world
2007 Diatopos Centre of Contemporary Art, Nicosia
beneath the surface. A palpable tension exists
2004 Argo, Nicosia, Cyprus
between sound and vision, real and artifi-
2002 P.S. 122 Gallery, Hallway Project Space,
New York
cial, and dream and loneliness, to provide pri-
vate moments and a compelling relationship
2001 Argo, Nicosia, Cyprus
between nature and design.
1999 Visual Arts Gallery, New York
Selected Exhibitions For the Alexandria Biennale I propose to com-
2007 • Here and Elsewhere, AIM 27, The Bronx bine vinyl papers in wall assemblages that
Museum of the Arts, Bronx, New York engage a multitude of imagery related to foliage,
2006 • Projects 06, The Carriage House, Islip Art tree formations and floral vegetation. Devel-
Museum, Islip, New York oping "industrialized" organisms made of
• Art of the Word, Haven, Bronx, New York removable adhesive vinyl, the installation will
• 3 Steps to a Maze, Argo, Nicosia, Cyprus be a reinterpretation of the natural landscape.
2005 • Sasquatch Society, Sixty seven, New York Parasites and weeds, vines, roots and branch-
• Now Playing, curated by Karlos Carcamo, es will be spreading over the floor and
ParaSite, Beacon, New York climbing the walls of the indoor gallery space,
• Welcome Home, Argo, Nicosia, Cyprus creating a network of their own that is con-
2004 • Screwball, organised by Chris Bors, Vox Pop- stantly evolving. A video projection of the
uli, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Cyprus Sea shot close up will be projected on
• The Infinite Fill Show, curated by Cory the wall. Painted butterflies cut out of trans-
and Jamie Arcangel, Foxy Production, New parent acetate will be suspended from the ceil-
York ing. Blue and green spotlights will be placed
2003 • 9th International Cairo Biennale, Cairo, Egypt discreetly around the darkened room, creat-
• Emerge 2002, curated by Calvin Reid, Alji- ing shadows of the hanging butterflies on the
ra,Newark, New Jersey walls and accenting elements on the walls.
2002 Return to the Battle of the Iron Clads, Here
Art, New York The exhibition space will be mimicking the
2001 Emerging Artists, Here Art, New York natural world, reproducing an image that is
2000 Snapshot, Contemporary Museum, Baltimore,
typical of natural environments. I want to
Maryland explore the real and bring it into the world of
1999 Rome Biennale for Young Artists from Euro- memory and imagination by making an ecosys-
pean and Mediterranean Countries, Rome, tem that exists somewhere between repre-
Italy. Lives and works in New York and Cyprus. sentation and abstraction.
48
49
Tatiana Ferahian
Born in 1970 in Beirut, Lebanon
Education Solo Exhibitions
Degree of Master of Liberal Studies, University of Den- 2006 "Freeplay", Opus 39 Gallery, Nicosia, Cyprus
ver, B.Sc Degree in Fine Arts, Empire State College, 2002 Rouan Gallery, Limassol, Cyprus Lives and
(SUNY), Diploma in Graphic Art & Advertising Design, works in Cyprus
Frederick Polytechnic University, Cyprus, Melkonian
Educational Institute, Cyprus B-hive
Additional Diplomas
The B-hive is an installation about cohabi-
tation, effective communication, coordina-
2002 Member of Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts
(EKATE) tion, cultural exchange and ultimately col-
1990 Diploma in Graphic Art & Interior Design, lective survival in a multicultural society. As
University of Wales Participated in over twen- a symbol, the bees’ lifestyle mimics that of the
ty group exhibitions human social order – a cooperative, produc-
Special Exhibitions tive social hierarchy. The Bee’s never-flagging
2006 "Breaking the Mould", Helsinki City Hall, Fin-
labours make them an emblem of team work,
land perseverance, selflessness, and constancy. The
2006 2nd Beijing International Art Biennale, Beijing, beehive is a visual metaphor for how people
China while strongly valuing their individuality and
2004 Artiade 2004, Olympics of Visual Art, Athens, freedom of choice, could also place a premi-
Greece um on entering the local community (the bee-
hive), engaging the members of that com-
munity in the recognition of the natural, moral
law which provides a common ground between
different religious believers about the funda-
mental moral issues affecting the common
good in societies.
The work is an installation/environmental art
taking into account the viewer’s entire sen-
sory experience. It is composed of over one
hundred cut-out ink-drawings on rice paper
which are fastened directly onto the wall.
Superimposed on top is a circular honeycomb
made of around six hundred plexy tubes. Final-
ly, an operatic stereophonic ambience of buzzing
sound of bees commandeering the audience’s
senses, creating a sense of drama, plight and
euphoria!
50
51
52
Sincerely
Yours
from the Ma
rfin Lai ki Bank C
ollection
Selections tunity to acquire a comprehensive picture of
contemporary art in Cyprus and get an idea
of the many different directions and streams
The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre in col- in which Cypriot artists have moved.
laboration with the Pierides Foundation,
the Cultural Services of the Ministry of The exhibition starts with the first generation
Education and Culture and the Cyprus Cham- of artists, the "fathers" of the contemporary
Cypriot art whose artistic career began
ber of Fine Arts organised within the frame-
much earlier than 1960 but their recognition
work of the art event: "YK- EMX - Under
came after the establishment of the Repub-
Construction: Alternative Museum Spaces"
lic of Cyprus. Representative works by S. Fran-
an exhibition of paintings, engravings, sculp-
goullides, V. Ioannides, I. Kissonergis who
tures and electronic installations from the
chose to follow a realistic style by receiving
Marfin Laiki Bank Art Collection. inspiration from the local environment, are a
During the past 25 years, the Cultural Cen- good illustration of this period. Another artist
tre of the Marfin Laiki Bank with its long- from the same period is Pol Georgiou who
standing plan of supporting and promoting found an outlet for his expression in Byzan-
art, has succeeded in creating an impressive tine art.
private collection of Cyprus contemporary Modernism is represented by a number of
works of art which was open to the public for artists like Christoforos Savva, a painter of
the first time. The exceptional standard of the international stature who exhibited work of
collection, a great tribute to this country, is cubistic plastic solutions with a fauvistic palette,
definitely due to the selective ability and artis- and Votsis who experiments with geometric
tic vision of the Director of the M.L.B. Cul- simplifications of colour planes in haunting
tural Centre, Marina Vryonidou- Yiangou landscapes.
who for 23 years has been involved heart and
soul in this project. After 1960, the artists that returned to Cyprus
following their studies abroad, created
Through the different sections of the exhi- works influenced by various contemporary
bition, the art-loving visitor has the oppor- European styles. Y, Skotinos, R. Bailey, M.
53
Tourou followed a surrealistic idiom while Heterogeneity still reigns in the youngest gen-
other artists included in the collection such eration of Cypriot artists and no common line
as Charalambides, Sfikas, Makrides, Savvides, of perception or style dominates the art scene.
Ladommatos believed in contemporary styles In their artistic pursuits, they may be described
and searched for absolute relations of elements. as "artists without frontiers". The great num-
ber of works from this section of the collec-
Cypriot originality was enriched by the tion presents different trends and tech-
tragic experiences of 1974. The artists drew niques which are a subjective projection of
up from the depth of their art some latent ele- the artist rather than a collective idiom. Work-
ments in order to express their wounded Cypri- ing with idioms and techniques that are basi-
ot essence. The collection presents some stun- cally of western origin, they still keep the
ning engravings by T. Kanthos which are not strength of their Cypriot identity.
his usual lyrical landscapes but measure the The exhibition was open from the 14 March
shock of the events. to 20 April 2008.
54
Pharos Trust Concerts
The Pharos Trust Cyprus- The March concert fea-
based charitable foun- tured the Kopelman
dation is celebrating its Quartet with a pro-
tenth anniversary with gramme including works
a wide range of activi- by Borodin, Shostakovich
ties in the fields of music, and Weinberg. Inter-
arts and humanities. nationally acclaimed for
Continuing its tradi- "their great humanity
tion of commitment to and the finesse of their
artistic excellence, music lovers in Cyprus were playing", the Kopelman Quartet composed
offered the chance to listen to a pleiad of of Michael Kopelman, first violin, Boris
celebrated soloists turning the Pharos Trust Kuschnir, second violin, violist Igor Sulyga
spring season into a long-lasting feast. and cellist Mikhail Milman appeared in Nicosia
The January concerts presented the Pharos with piano soloist Elizaveta Kopelman.
Piano Trio with Sergei Khachatryan, violin, They did not only delight the audience but
Alex Chaushian, cello and Vahan Mardiross- they also gave a separate educational concert
ian, piano. The programme, including Tchaikovsky, as part of the Pharos Trust Music Education
Shostakovitch and Babadjanian was an aus- Programme, developed in association with the
picious opening for the highly successful spring Ministry of Education and Culture.
season. Apparently, the concerts were in a crescendo
In February, the recital held at Casteliotissa mood as April brought the highlight of the
Hall came within the framework of the Cyprus events: a unique recital by Russian leg-
Artists Series, an attempt made by Pharos Trust endary pianist Grigory Sokolov. The pro-
to promote and support leading musicians gramme included two Mozart Sonatas both
from Cyprus. Soprano Margarita Elia and in K major K 280 and K 332 and Chopin’s
Manolis Neophytou on piano presented a 24 Preludes Op. 28. With his highly indi-
recital of Russian music. The programme vidual interpretations and infinitely great tonal
included works by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovs- varieties, the soloist stunned the audience. His
ki, Balakirev, Rimsky-Korsakov and the world rousing, exhilarating style rightfully earned
premiere of three songs by Stanislav Prokudin. him extended ovations.
Throughout the programme, Elia was vocal- As every year during May and June, the Inter-
ly spectacular with her powerful, agile and national Pharos Chamber Music Festival will
expressive voice. Neophytou impressed with bring some of the world’s most accomplished
his wide range of interpretative qualities soloists and ensembles for world-class cham-
during the solo pieces while proving that he ber music performances in the unique atmos-
can also be an accomplished accompanist in phere of historic Kouklia, part of the Aphrodite
perfect harmony with the soprano. Cultural Route in Cyprus.
55
8th Dance Platform
By Constantina Markides
The Dance Platform, the most significant
contemporary dance event is organised annu-
ally by the Ministry of Education and Cul-
ture in collaboration with the Rialto The-
atre in Limassol. For the past eight years,
it has provided a forum for the choreogra-
phers of Cyprus to express their artistic con-
cerns and has encouraged the creation and
promotion of choreography, not only in
Cyprus but also abroad, since every year it
arouses the interest of artistic agents from
abroad invited to attend the event.
The Dance Platform has proved its value
over the years. It began through the need
choreographers had to present their work
and has developed into a national institu-
tion! Testimony to this is the number of par-
ticipants: it began with four groups and now
attendance has tripled. The standard of mate-
rial which is presented is also certainly high-
er, thanks to the financial support of the
Ministry of Education and Culture as well
as the excellent technical support provided
by the Theatre Rialto. According to Geor-
gia Dedser, the artistic director of Theatre
Rialto, it was one of the first organised
attempts to raise contemporary dance to the
forefront, given that up to ten years ago –
aside from some isolated attempts, like that
by Ariana Economou – contemporary dance
was still unknown in Cyprus. The Platform
placed contemporary dance, a relatively new,
but fast growing art, on Cyprus’ artistic map.
Eleven groups presented their work, five
of which participated in the event for the
56
first time. This is especially positive, giv-
en that the Platform wants to encourage
creativity and attract new talent.
The inauguration of the Platform this year
took place on Friday 14 February, with the
group Interact. The choreography by Vic-
toria Philippou Arestidou is entitled About
Us and explores the characters and expe-
riences of three women who try to discov-
er who they are through life experiences in
an attempt to surpass their selves, their Ego.
This was followed by the group Jeunesses
Musicales with Milena Urgen as choreog-
rapher and dancing the solo Nothing, a piece
about the process of ageing; the loss of man’s
charm, having been consumed and tired
from life, who just waits to die. It is an
intense piece of work, as much emotion-
ally as in movement. The music written by
George Koulas, was minimalist and atmos-
pheric, while the second part by Lubos Fis-
er, was neoclassic. The night ended with
the group AELION performing the chore-
ography 21 Minutes by Alexandra and Foti-
ni Perdikakis and Maria Mavromichali. It
is their first choreography presentation at
the Platform, a collective effort in collab-
oration with the stage director Vangelis
Zilelis. A work as much kinesiological as it
is visual that allows the viewer to give his
own interpretation to the dance.
On Saturday 15 March the group En Drasi
presented the work Give Me Not, choreo-
graphed by Evi Demetriou; a duet between
the choreographer and Victoria Philip-
pou Arestidou whose subject is the trans-
actions in relationships. In continuation,
the group Echo Arts in a choreography
by Ariana Economou presented the work
If It Was Not For You, a choreography with
a strong element of experimentation. The
third part of the evening was followed by 57
Amfidromo Chorotheatro with the work So
Far and Yet So Near, choreographed by Ele-
na Christodoulidou. It is a piece inspired by
Alzheimer’s disease. The choreographer notes,
‘The loss of consciousness and the loss of
memory makes the past present. Darkness
makes the situation worse. Man becomes
like a small child with one huge difference:
‘with a child you have the cer-
tainty of develop-
ment,
here
you In
have the a n
certainty of the end.’ The last work of the effort
second evening was This is What You Get to help
by the group Epilogi. It is choreographed this event
by Elena Antoniou, as a first presentation of grow and
her work at the Platform, in collaboration further develop,
with Polis Peslikas. The starting point of the some new positive steps were taken. For the
piece is the subject of relationships and how first time ‘Dance Throughout the Year’
each of us experiences it. was presented alongside the Dance Platform
in a new acquired space, the Limassol Dance
On Sunday 16 March, the evening began House. This was a two-day performance
with the work 3-Fold by the Chorothe- showing productions presented during the
atro Omada Pente, choreographed by Roul- previous two years. A Round Table Discus-
la Kleovoulou, a trio which tests the lim- sion was organised during which Marina
its of human existence, followed by Noema Economou-Stavrinidou, Cultural Officer
Dance works with a piece entitled Termi- gave an account of the dance scene in Cyprus
nus, choreographed by Alexandra Weirstall. with a detailed picture of the dance groups
Afterwards the group Soma presented Athena and with her personal vision of the future.
Christodoulou’s Exposed. Like all forms Another parallel event at the Art Studio 55
of art, including that of dance, choreogra- was an exhibition titled ‘Light Line’, of pho-
pher and dancer are exposed and at any tographs, drawings and video by Christos
time a critique can deflate even the most Avraamides and Horst Weierstall. Both artists
confident artist. The Platform came to a presented works related to the phenomenon
close with a choreographer who appears for of movement in their own ways and while
the first time, belonging to the group En the photos document space, movement and
Choro. Elena Kyprianou presented Utopia, light from the past Dance Platforms and
in which she seeks happiness in chaos, try- European Dance Festivals, Weierstall’s works
ing to create an optimistic, idealistic, almost are ink-drawings attempting to capture move-
impossible perfection. ment at a given moment in time.
58
Cyprus Symphony Orchestra
In the series of concerts presented during Orchestra gave a concert in memory of the
the January – March season, the Cyprus Sym- late Minister of Education and Culture, Pefkios
phony Orchestra has become a platform to Georgiades, under their director, Ayis Ioan-
showcase Cypriot young musicians and com- nides. The orchestra was reinforced by mem-
posers who have obtained recognition abroad bers of the String Ensemble of the Anton
before being acknowledged in their own coun- Bruckner Music University of Linz, who are
try. It has been a rewarding season with pleas- past and present students of Matheos Kari-
ant surprises. olou. Violinist Kariolou and pianist Denise
Benda gave a sparkling reading of Brahms’
In the January concerts entitled Fun and Vari-
Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano Op.108.
ation, the orchestra performed works by
In Vivaldi’s Concerto for four Violins in B
Haydn, Tchaikovski and Mozart under the
Minor talented Sandy Chen, Lydia Peherstor-
baton of its much appreciated Artistic Direc- fer, Melina Harrer-Kanthou and Stephanie
tor, Spiros Pisinos. The well-known Variations Clausing joined forces in a balanced, solid per-
on a Rococo Theme Op. 33 by Tchaikovski formance. Paganini’s notoriously difficult
captured the romantic spirit in the moving 24 Caprices Op.1, brought out the techni-
and convincing interpretation by Romanian cal facility of young Victor Lin, and Cleo Karp-
cellist, Florin Gaureanu. asitis with her brother Panayiotis displayed
During the same month, the Cyprus Youth their growing potential.
59
This concert was a wonderful opportunity for
young Cypriot soloists to come into contact
with their European counterparts, to gain
experience and to realize that they do not lack
any chances for professional advancement.
The February series of concerts of the C.S.O.,
entitled Early Romantics were conducted by
maestro John Georgiades who held the pres-
tigious position of Concertmaster of the Lon-
don Symphony Orchestra. The programme
explored the music of Mendelssohn and Weber.
Cypriot violinist, Alexis Theophylactou, present-
ly Concertmaster of the Greek National Opera,
performed Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
Op. 64 in E Minor. He achieved a good equi-
librium between passion and control, mes-
merizing the audience.
A great success was marked by the March series Educational Concerts
of concerts entitled Russian Fireworks pre-
senting works from the golden era of Russian The Music Education Programme initiated
music by Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Borodin, Rach- in 1999 by Ms Maro Skordi, Music Inspec-
tor at the Ministry of Education and Culture,
maninov. The Nicosia concert with Ludmil
continued to introduce children and young
Nenchev, guest concertmaster and Spiros Pisi-
people to the beautiful world of music through
nos on the podium was sold out. The orches-
different activities such as: school visits by
tra performed the challenging programme members of the orchestra, Song Composition
with passion and vitality, rising to the occa- Workshops in collaboration with Cypriot com-
sion. Cypriot pianist, Manolis Neophytou posers, Music Education Workshops in col-
played Rachmaninov’s popular Piano Con- laboration with Pharos Trust, family concerts
cert No.2 Op.18 in C Minor. The passion and presented by the Cyprus Symphony Orches-
virtuosity he showed in his interpretation tra and others. These activities are designed
account for the numerous prizes he obtained to encourage active listening, performing, cre-
in piano competitions in Russia, Poland, ating music and in general inducing children
Greece, Italy, France, Korea. to perceive the aesthetic qualities of music.
In Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Ouverture and Borodin’s The highlight of these programmes was undoubt-
Polovtsian Dances conductor Pisinos obtained edly the Family Concert on 27th February,
power and grandeur from the orchestra and 2008 at the Strovolos Theatre. The Cyprus
the intensity and speed required in national Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Spiros
dances. Pisinos presented a programme of classical
works selected for their spirited, exhilarating
60
MMus Degree from Cambridge University
and his PhD from Princeton University.
In addition to composing, Dymiotis was Asso-
ciate Concertmaster of the Mid-Atlantic Sym-
phony Orchestra and performed regularly-
with the Annapolis Symphony, Delaware Sym-
phony and Baltimore Opera Company. He
won numerous composition awards includ-
ing the Bernadr Shore Viola Composition
Award in 1986 and a Prize at the Benjamin
Britten International Composition Compe-
tition in 1987. In 2004, he was commissioned
by the Ministry of Education and Culture
to write a work celebrating Cyprus’ EU acces-
sion and just prior to his death he complet-
ed The Soldier’s Blues for the Mid-Atlantic
Symphony Orchestra.
The first part of the concert included works
character. The presentation of the works by by Andreas Yiangopoulos, Marina Panayiotou
Maro Skordi, Chief Education Officer offered ans Nicos Troullos. The second half, dedicated
interesting explanations of the history of each exclusively to Phanos Dymiotis, began with
work illustrated by a slideshow of eloquent the Academic Overture written in 1992. The
pictures of the composer’s life. A free pro-
work was submitted as part of a competi-
gramme especially prepared for the Family
tion organized by the University of Cyprus to
Concert with detailed notes and richly illus-
be performed at the inauguration ceremony
trated further assisted in the initiation of the
young music lovers. The good attendance of of the University in October 1992. It was a
this concert shows that all these efforts are well constructed work with melodious
greatly appreciated by audiences. horns and oboe solos and intricate fugal inter-
jections. The second work, Suite for String
Orchestra, was an extremely melodious and
Tribute to Phanos Dymiotis appealing piece with many sections typical
The C.S.O. under the guest conductor Americana and an elating final movement.
Vladimiros Symeonides presented three The final piece, Divertimento for Chamber
concerts paying tribute to the Cypriot com- Orchestra, concluded the concert in a total-
poser Phanos Dymiotis who died tragical- ly different change in style with warm bass
ly, in 2007, at the age of 41. clarinet echoes and outstanding timpani solos.
Dymiotis began to compose at ten and went It was a remarkable evening that highlighted
on to study at the Chetham School of Cypriot composers and received due appre-
Music in Manchester before obtaining his ciation from the public.
61
Documentary Film Festival
The First International Documentary Film peasant life in China gives a disquiet-
Festival opened on 19 March 2008 at the ing glimpse into a future that awaits us
Melina Mercouri Hall in Nicosia adding all. Also delving into local life with
to the cinematic events of the city a new the revealing eye of the camera, "A Bet-
artistic expression that was long overdue. ter Hole" by Cypriot filmmaker Theo
Although the capital is blessed with a great Panayides refers to the dramatic changes
number of film festivals, the first Inter- that have overwhelmed Paphos in the
national Documentary Festival, aptly named past 25 years.
"Views of the World" aims to expand our • To capture history, to record important
cinematic horizon, shed light on obscure cultural elements and prominent per-
parts of the world, serving as a social inter- sonalities that would otherwise forever
vention rather than pure entertainment. fade into darkness: Turkish painter
Organised by the Municipality of Nicosia Burhan Uygur is a perfect example of a
and the Thessaloniki Documentary Festi- forgotten genius, whose gripping story
val with the support of the Ministry of Edu- was revised thanks to Floor Kooij and
cation and Culture and the Cyprus Youth Sibel Bilgin’s documentary "Passion
Board, the festival is hoping to become a of an Artist".
contemporary institution, in keeping with • To educate: "Views of the World" organ-
our times, that will revolve around social, ised three master-class workshops with
environmental and cultural issues. well-known personalities Sotiris Danezis
Hand-picked by artistic director Dimitris from Greece, Arto Halonen from Fin-
Eipides and an expert team of documen- land and Costas Constantinides from
tary enthusiasts, each choice highlights the Cyprus who translated their passion for
multiple roles documentary films fulfil. researching and directing into simple
terms in an effort to initiate the Cypri-
• To inform: Recording a different reali- ot fans to a yet unexplored film genre.
ty we never get to see, as in the heart- "Views of the World" broke the norm
wrenching "Two Dancer for a Dicta- by accompanying the select documen-
torship", where Sotiris Danezis with a tary programme with two animation
small camera infiltrates Burma, docu- extravaganzas, a late-night experimen-
menting, revealing images and shock- tal programme and a mixed technique
ing testimonials about the crude dic- panorama.
tatorship.
Besides film screenings, master classes, talks
• To raise consciousness on subjects which and photography shows, the Melina Mer-
concern all of us but are sadly known couri Hall was turned into a unique meet-
to very few of us: In "Up the Yangtze", ing place for the young generation, offer-
Chinese-Canadian filmmaker Yung ing a source of inspiration and ultimately
Chang with his powerful narrative of influencing the local film scene.
62
THOC Theatre Awards
In a glittering and moving ceremony held at
the Municipal Theatre of Nicosia on the
7th January 2008, the Cyprus Theatre Organ-
isation (THOC) presented the Theatre Awards
in honour of its most talented creators. First
introduced in 2001, the Theatre Awards take
place every two years.
The ceremony, attended by former President,
Tassos Papadopoulos and a great number of
dignitaries, was staged as a theatre rehearsal
directed by Stathis Piperides, during which
the meaning of the theater was discussed and
illustrated through the awarded prizes. The
music background was given by Tat-Tnabar
group.
The Thoc Grand Theatre Award was given to
writer, researcher and theatre historian, Dr
Yiannis Katsouris for his laborious research
work and invaluable contribution to the world
of the stage. This is in fact the second recog-
nition for his two volume monumental work
"The Theatre in Cyprus". Last December, he
was awarded the Academy of Athens Prize for
this labour of love on which he spent almost
four decades of painstaking study before it
was completed in 2004.
The awards in other categories were as fol-
lows:
• Best Set Design Award went to Eduard
Georgiou for his work on Ethal’s 2005-
2006 production of Harold Pinter "Home-
coming".
• Best Costume Design Award was given
to Haris Kafkarides and Melita Kouta for
their work in Paravan Productions "Zoo"
during the 2006-2007 theatre season.
63
• Best Music Award was given to the evening’s
live band, Tat-Tnabar for their work in
"Zoo".
• Choreography and Movement Award went
to Elena Antoniou for her work in Nico-
lai Gogol’s "Diary of a Madman", a Thoc
2006-2007 production.
• Best Lighting design Award was received
by George Koukoumas for the lighting effe
he achieved in Nicolai Gogol’s "Diary of a
Madman", Staged at Thoc in 2006-2007
season.
• Best Playwright/Adaptation Award was
won by Antonis Georgiou for his play
"Agapimeno mou Plyntirio" (My Beloved
Washing-Machine), a Thoc production,
stage directed by Monica Vassiliou in 2006-
2007.
• Best Female Performance Award was
won by Anita Santorinaiou for her role as
Leonora in "Monsieur Amilcar" by Yves
Jamiaque, a 2005-2006 Thoc produc-
tion directed by Christos Zanos and to
Lenia Sorocou for her role as Nitsa in "Agapi-
meno mou Plyntirio".
• Best Male Performance Award went to Var-
nava Kyriazis for his role as Poprishchin in
"Diary of a Madman". Being handed the
award by the former Minister of Educa-
tion, Akis Cleanthous, Kyriazis said that
in his capacity of Thoc Director he cannot
accept the prize, so he dedicated it to the
much appreciated but recently deceased
Cypriot actor, Sotiris Moustakas.
• Best Director Award was won by two nom-
inees: Christos Zanos for his Thoc pro-
duction of "Monsieur Amilcar" and Minas
Tingilis for staging Harold Pinter’s "Home-
coming" at Ethal.
64
"About Cyprus"
The Press and Information Office (PIO) has
issued a new edition of the publication "About
Cyprus" in English. This reference work, updat-
ed and published about every two years, com-
prises about 400 pages and includes infor-
mation on the work carried out by the vari-
ous government departments, the main fields
of activity on the island as well as information
on the services provided by the state both to
the local population and to foreign nation-
als wishing to do business or invest in Cyprus.
The publication is richly illustrated.
The book is divided into various sections sub-
divided into themes related to the main sec-
tion. The first section entitled "Geography
– Environment" provides the latest statisti-
cal data on the population of Cyprus, the
climate and natural environment of the island,
and further information on the administra-
tive districts and local authorities outlining
the competencies of the municipalities, the
Department of Town Planning and the Lands
and Surveys Department. islature, the political parties, results of presi-
The "History" chapter includes a brief survey dential and parliamentary elections. Refer-
of Cyprus’ history going back 11.000 years ence is also made to civil aviation, develop-
with representative images from each peri- ment of maritime activities, contribution of
od, up to the recent history of the island includ- agriculture to economy and confronting the
ing its accession to the EU and the efforts over water shortage problem.
the years to solve the Cyprus problem. Cultural life in Cyprus, the promotion of sports
The chapter on the Economy portrays the and the protection of antiquities are subjects
characteristics of the Cyprus economy, its mon- included in the chapter entitled "Culture".
etary policy, its banking system and the recent "About Cyprus" is distributed free of charge
tax reforms in compliance with the EU legislation. around the world as well as in Cyprus. A
Other chapters give information on the struc- catalogue of all publications is available at the
ture of the government, the judiciary, the leg- PIO as well as on line at www.moi.gov.cy/pio
65
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