Traditional Cypriot tunes are expected to bring a rich musical heritage in life when the Sounds of Cyprus ensemble is set to premiere a showcase of traditional Cypriot music and dance at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in New York City.
Co-founded by Peter Douskalis and Elena Chris, this ensemble is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich musical traditions of Cyprus, bringing them to new audiences in America.
The event promises to transport audiences into the heart of Cypriot culture through an immersive experience filled with soul-stirring melodies and dynamic dance performances. The ensemble comprises highly skilled musicians and dancers passionate about preserving Cyprus’s cultural legacy and aims to foster a greater appreciation for the multicultural diversity of Cypriot traditions.
Partnering with the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, the event underscores the New York Public Library’s (NYPL) commitment to showcasing the global heritage of New York City. Through this collaboration, Sounds of Cyprus seeks to encourage cross-cultural dialogue, highlighting the island’s diverse music tapestry and fostering intercultural exchange.
The concert will take attendees on a journey through the intricate rhythms and evocative ballads that define Cypriot music. From lively folk tunes to heartfelt ballads, the performance will explore the depth and variety of Cyprus’s musical traditions, offering a glimpse into the sunny landscapes and vibrant communities that have shaped this unique cultural heritage.
Preserving Cypriot Heritage in America
Sounds of Cyprus began as a modest event celebrating traditional Cypriot music, evolving into a well-known ensemble that unites members of the Cypriot diaspora.
“I wanted to organize a Cypriot night in New York, but I could not find a band that knew exclusively Cypriot music. This meant that no band could do a whole night of Cypriot music,” Peter Douskalis recalled. “So, Elena Chris told me what you are looking for doesn’t exist here. We should make a band.”
After meeting Elena Chris in 2015, the duo decided to collaborate, forming a band centered on Cypriot music. Since their first public event in 2017, Sounds of Cyprus has grown into an ensemble performing traditional music in various orchestrations and styles, honoring the period of composition and instruments while incorporating modern approaches.
Elena Chris, the group’s vocalist and Creative/Artistic Director, sings traditional songs in both the Cypriot dialect of Greek and Turkish, reflecting Cyprus’s multicultural nature. Her performances showcase the island’s diverse traditions, promoting intercultural understanding through music.
As Project/Music Director, Peter Douskalis plays multiple traditional instruments, including the laouto, oud, mandolin, and guitar. The group also includes other talented musicians: Alex Tasopoulos on violin/viola, Erikos Vlesmas on contrabass, Stavros Papadopoulos on pithkiavli and ney, Mark Katsaounis on percussion, Gizem Gokoglu on vocals, and Murat Keyder on oud.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Sounds of Cyprus plays a crucial role in promoting cultural inclusiveness. The ensemble collaborates with diverse artists, including Turkish Cypriot singer Gizem Gokoglu and Turkish oud player Murat Heyder, ensuring diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination in their performances.
The group’s repertoire also includes Cypriot-Armenian music, Cypriot-French compositions from the 14th century, and contemporary works by living Cypriot composers.
“We are called Sound of Cyprus because we want to promote all the sounds of Cyprus. And Cyprus has always been a diverse and multicultural society. They are Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Maronite and Latin Cypriots,” Peter Douskalis explains. “These are all Cypriots and have music which is native to Cyprus.”
Primarily performing in open-air venues like Athens Square Park, Gantry Park State Plaza, Queens Night Market, and Times Square, Sounds of Cyprus offers free public shows, making their rich cultural performances accessible to all.
They have also performed at prestigious venues like Princeton University alongside renowned Cypriot composer Alkinoos Ioannidis and at the Ionian University in Greece, where they integrate educational dialogue about the origins of the music and instruments.
Elena Chris believes that cultural heritage is a vital connection to one’s roots, home, and family. “These sounds are worthy to keep them alive. We try to preserve and promote that music so it will not get lost,” Chris explains. “There are so many ways with live concerts, online videos, lectures in universities and many methods for delivering that message.”
Sounds of Cyprus continues to captivate audiences, preserving and celebrating Cyprus’s cultural heritage while fostering understanding and appreciation across diverse communities.
