Andys Skordis' 'β' in Pancyprian premiere at the Nicosia International Festival

Nicosia 2030, a candidate for the European Capital of Culture, as part of its mission to showcase the work of Cypriot creators excelling abroad, is presenting the Cyprus premiere of Andys Skordis’ work 'β'.

The concert will take place on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at 8.30pm, in the framework of the 5th Nicosia International Festival 2024.

'β' is an interdisciplinary performance featuring four musicians, a conductor/electronics and live VJ performers. The music unfolds as a cycle of seven pieces, including four larger works separated by short electronic interludes. The performance is defined by its music, lighting, text, and moving images, forming a ritual that evolves through three stages: Preparation – Event – Catharsis.

This work is inspired by Reiner Maria Rilke’s 'Duino Elegies', specifically the first elegy. The music is composed for mezzo-soprano, bass clarinet, cello, percussion, and electronics, blending elements of contemporary classical music with Balinese gamelan, Carnatic music, and techno. This combination creates a sonic experience inviting the audience into a ritual where the concepts of beauty and terror are highlighted and guiding the performance.

'β' was commissioned by the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, where it premiered on 11 June 2024, and since July 2024, it has also been available on vinyl in both Cyprus and Greece.

The performance includes the use of strobe lights and loud sound effects.

Credits:

Composition/ electronics: Andys Skordis

Mezzo-soprano: Sofia Sarri

Bass clarinet: Giorgos Georgiou

Cello: Iason Ioannou

Percussion: Alexandros Ioannou

Projections/ visual identity: Elia Kaloyianni

Duration: 60΄

Tickets: Available online via Soldout Tickets: bit.ly/NIF24_tickets, at Stephanis stores, and the Nicosia Municipal Theatre box office (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00).

Ticket prices:

ZONE A: €16/ €12

ZONE B: €14/ €10

ZONE C: €12/ €8

ZONE D: €10/ €6

Information: 22797979 (Monday - Friday 10am-1pm) and bit.ly/Website_NIF2024