The Co-operative Central Bank Business Partner of the European Capital of Culture Pafos2017

Within the framework of the events and activities held by the European Capital of Culture Pafos2017, the Co-operative Central Bank, joins the journey as a Business Partner.

As a sponsor of the travelling playground “Dragons of Europe”, The Co-operative Central Bank joins the Organisation of Pafos2017 on a journey to the communities of Pafos. Two containers have been transformed into a playground at the square of the Panayia Evangelistria Church in Kathikas village, setting off on their journey on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Drawing inspiration from the various myths and stories associated with the dragons of Europe, this series of interactive games (for children and adults) combine entertainment and learning.

You can visit the playground at the square of the Panayia Evangelistria Church until Thursday, June 25, 2017, as it will then travel to the villages of Chloraka (June 2017) and Peyia (July 2017).

The European Capital of Culture Pafos2017 presents the programme “Mediterranean Musical Traditions”, comprising of five concerts performed by groups coming from Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Syria and Spain. The event is sponsored by the Co-operative Central Bank.

Bearing influences from the musical traditions of the Mediterranean and the common language developed in the surrounding countries, each group will be presenting a unique repertoire inspired by its country of origin. The programme Mediterranean Musical Traditions is curated by Kyriakos Kalaitzides.

Friday, May 26, 2017
A/ Cypriot Kaleidoscope 20:00
A concert by four promising musicians, representing the new generation of Cypriot music. Music influences and particularities swinging between the Arab tradition, Byzantine art of chanting, Jazz and Sufi traditions, come together in this music encounter to create a union of colouring compositions.
Participating artists: Yiannis Koutis (artistic direction oud, fretless guitar), Alkis Agathokleous (ney), Nicolas Tryfonos (contrabass), Rodos Panagiotou (percussion).

B/ Orchestra Popolare Italiana Ambrogio Sparagna, 21:00
This orchestra consists of musicians and musical instruments, typical of Italian folk tradition, offering the audience a thrilling evening of singing and dancing. A performance with cantate and dances from several regions of the peninsula, emphasizing particularly on the Apulia dances of Tarantella and Pizzica. Ambrogio Sparagna conducts the orchestra, creating an atmosphere of a joyous Italian fiesta. A music festivity, a mixture of charm and energy, bound to take you off and seduce you. Participating artists: Ambrogio Sparagna (accordion, vocals), Erasmo Treglia (violin, idiophones), Valentina Ferraiuolo (percussion), Raffaello Simeone (flutes, vocals), Clara Graziano (accordion, dance).

The Fawaz Baker Ensemble is the latest artistic project by Fawaz Baker, an oud player, singer, scholar, composer and tireless ambassador of the musical heritage of his hometown. Aleppo of Syria, was renowned throughout the Arab world and beyond for its unique musical tradition, marked by an exceptional diversity of influences. Participating artists: Fawaz Baker (oud), Joudi Batri (vocals), Mohamed Samir (kanun, ney), Sameh Qatalan (violin), Samir Al-Houmsi (toumperleki, vocals) and Muhanad Aljaramani (riq, vocals).

Β/ Flamenco Roots, 21:00
The percussionist and composer Sergio Martinez presents a night of flamenco, inspired by the thousand-year-old Andalusian tradition, combining music and dance. Four of the most significant artists of the genre join forces in a performance distinguished for its mastery, passion and emotional intensity. This concert is a tribute to the quintessence of Flamenco and its world.
Participating artists: Paco Cruz (guitar), Niko de los Reyes (dance), Campos Muñoz (vocals), Sergio Martínez (percussion/artistic direction)
Tickets: 10€ for both concerts

Sunday, May 28, 2017, 20:00
Exile
“Exile” as a music project is an attractive blend of eastern and western elements, having a particular musicality and sensitivity as a common denominator. A concert full of feelings of love and separation, prospect and hope for those who lived or are still living in exile in a foreign place or at home.
Kyriakos Kalaitzides, composer and artistic director of the ensemble “En Chordais” is one of the most important musicians and researchers in the field of Mediterranean music. Coming from a family of refugees from Pontus and Cappadocia, he has dealt in depth with the issue of exile, fusing, with sensitivity and mastery, eastern and western musical traditions. Participating artists: Kyriakos Petras (violin), Kyriakos Kalaitzides (oud, vocals), Drosos Koutsokostas (vocals, lute), Alkis Zopoglou (kanun), Petros Papageorgiou (toumberleki, bendir), Giorgos Kokkinakis (piano), Leonidas Palaskas (sound engineering).

With the participation of the Commandaria Orchestra, conducted by Francis Guy.
Entrance: 10€
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