The Cyprus High Commission in the United Kingdom presented the concert “Mythical Song: Myth, Word, Melody” on Sunday 12 June at the Hellenic Centre in London.
Inspired from the myths and legends of Cyprus, Greece and Europe, the concert Mythical Song is a mythological, lyrical voyage into the world of art song. Characters like Adonis and Aphrodite come to life through the songs of contemporary Cypriot composer Constantinos Stylianou, while the Cypriot poetess of antiquity Bilitis sings through the ages to us the sensuous, impressionistic music of Claude Debussy. The Wesendock Lieder by German romantic composer Richard Wagner written as a study for the opera Tristan und Isolde are the ultimate expression of mythical romanticism, while the songs of Yianni Constantinidi blend the characteristics of Greek folk song with classical art song to artistic perfection.
The concert was produced and performed by Marianna Souri (soprano), who was accompanied by Andri Hadjiandreou (piano), and the Concordia String Quartet: Konstantinos Dermitzoglou (first violin), Vicky Hadjiandreou (second violin), Nicholas Efthimiou (viola), and Doros Zisimos (cello).
Cultural Counsellor, Dr Marios Psaras, welcomed the international audience who attended the concert and introduced the Cypriot musicians. The concert was followed by a reception in which the audience had the opportunity to meet and congratulate the musicians.
Organised by the Cyprus High Commission – Cultural Section. Sponsored by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth – Cultural Services.
Photos by Tas Anastasi.
