Echoes of Occupied Cyprus

A Musical and Cultural Tribute to 50 Years of Invasion and Occupation

Kalavasos Community Council in collaboration with the Kalavasos Primary School, presents a moving musical and visual performance:

"Echoes of Occupied Cyprus"

This heartfelt event commemorates 50 years since the 1974 invasion and ongoing occupation of Cyprus, honoring the island’s rich musical tradition and collective memory.

Through a powerful blend of music, storytelling, and visual imagery, this performance brings to life the voices of a divided land—voices of longing, resistance, and remembrance. Inspired by the oral tradition of Cyprus, the performance draws from ancient roots, folklore, and contemporary reflections, reconnecting the audience with the timeless melodies of a land scarred by history.

Each musical piece is accompanied by narrative texts written in the Cypriot dialect, capturing the rhythm and tone of different historical periods, myths, and traditions. The performance also weaves in poetic descriptions and visuals to enhance the emotional experience and emphasize the ongoing cultural resilience of Cyprus.

The program features two exceptionally talented performers:

• Notis Georgiou: Acclaimed for his work in musical performance, composition, visual design, and storytelling. Notis has meticulously crafted a program that transcends time, offering a deeply personal and historically sensitive interpretation of Cyprus's music. His mastery of both traditional and contemporary forms shines through in this evocative tribute.
• Susan Marku: A gifted musician whose artistry complements the performance with profound emotional depth and technical precision. Together, the two performers deliver a captivating musical dialogue that bridges the past and present.

“Echoes of Occupied Cyprus” is not just a performance—it is a testament to memory, identity, and resilience. By reviving the sounds and stories of occupied villages, forgotten places, and ancestral homes, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural heritage of Cyprus.

This project highlights the island’s musical traditions, including the:

• Ancient “Ramoudi” style (a style of improvised folk songs by soloists).
• Modern “Tsattista” style (a poetic and often rhythmic form of oral storytelling).

The program pays tribute to the voices of those silenced, reconnecting the audience with the melodies of displacement, struggle, and hope.

• Date: Monday, 16 December 2024
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Location: Kalavasos Museum
• Free Admission

This event invites everyone to reflect, remember, and connect through music—a universal language that transcends borders, unites communities, and keeps cultural memory alive.