Press Release
HAYASA Productions presented the 1st ‘Nicosia Jazz Festival in Stasikratous’
Well renowned international and local jazz groups came together for two live performances, under the breezy Nicosia summer sky, to create a unique cultural hybrid of rhythmic jazz fusions, within an ambiance of sophistication and elegance on PLOT703 in Nicosia’s high brand street ‘Stasikratous’. The jazz soaring melodies travelled all who were present across the Mediterranean to a dreamlike world less explored of movement, freedom and travelling musicians in market squares of the orient, the west and the south.
The festival was held under the auspices of the Mayor of Nicosia, Ms.Eleni Mavrou and was supported by the Nicosia Municipality and the “Stasikratous Shop Owners Association”. The main sponsor of the festival was HAYASA Productions.
The jazz festival commenced with the mesmerizing modern jazz melodies of “Gagatsis Quartet” who enchanted us through their home grown talent.
As the Festival moved into full swing on Saturday night (26 June), “HICAZ” magically transported our mind and spirit into the Orient, through their multi rhythmical and colourful traditional instruments. “HICAZ” is made up of musicians from different musical platforms, who share a common philosophy of ethnic musical expression which is conveyed through their sounds.
Their amalgamation of Byzantine sounds and rhythms of the Balkans with traditional classical melodies of our region was deeply enjoyed by the audience.
The “KOHARAPAYL” group is comprised of 15 distinguished performing artists in the genre of their musical performances. “KOHARAPAYL” musicians have endeavoured to present the Armenian national and folk music, meticulously adhering to its origin, but with modern arrangements. Their ingenious orchestration gives a new vigour to Armenian popular songs. Their repertoire for the ‘Nicosia Jazz Festival in Stasikratous’ was a release of diverse musical techniques where east meets west in a magical Mediterranean ambiance. A surprising touch to the musical jazz evening was the orchestration of “Zorba The Greek” into jazz rhythmical tunes, which enthused the hundreds of spectators present.
A magnificent photographic exhibition of the “Cyprus Volunteer Doctors” & the “Cyprus Photographic Society” entitled ”Missions” was on display in PLOT703 throughout the duration of the jazz festival.
All proceeds of the event were donated to the two local charity organizations ‘Cyprus Volunteer Doctors’ and ‘VAGONI AGAPIS’.
