Nicosia, Cyprus. The Accordion Festival will return this summer in Aglandjia for the first time this year, running from June 5 to 7. Events including concerts, workshops, exhibitions and activities will take place throughout the old neighbourhood.
Concerts and programme
Live music concerts are scheduled for all three evenings. The programme currently includes Italian accordionist Mirco Patarini, the Eutopia Duo featuring Yiannis Michael (DJ Krox), Thanos Stavrides and Drom, Antonis Antoniou (DJ Koulla), a children’s choir and the five-member female group ANeraides.
Organisers said more performers may be added as the programme continues to change.
Workshops and masterclasses
The festival will include seminars and hands-on workshops for experts and enthusiasts. Scheduled sessions include the accordion workshop Feel It. Play It. Show It. with Nikos Pantechis, an introductory workshop to the Bayan Accordion with Pantechis, and a masterclass with Italian accordionist Raffaelle Conti.
On Sunday, Thanos Stavrides will lead a masterclass titled Improvisation as a Means of Expression in Mediterranean and Balkan Traditions – Solo or Taksim?
Additional workshops include Live Creation of Balkan Sound with the band from Greece Drom, and The Inner World of the Accordion with Mehmet Yiğiter and Pantechis.
Exhibitions and activities
An accordion exhibition and technical support will be presented by Yiğiter at the Olive Mango Art Studio. The Eco Art and Music exhibition will display recycled-material artworks by students of Aglandjia schools and art studios.
A Collectible Bicycle exhibition will also be held in the old square, with bicycles available for children and adults to borrow to move around the festival area.
Children’s sessions and community events
Children’s workshops using recycled materials and sessions to make DIY musical instruments will take place, alongside a ceramics workshop, a storytelling and music workshop, and a create-a-song workshop.
The OPU organisation will hold a cycling and walking event in the area. Musician Cleopatra Charalambous will lead an experiential session for visitors aged 11 and older titled Music as a Tool Against Stress.
Organisers’ message and event details
“The festival is not just about music,” organisers said, adding that it is also a place to learn, share ideas and celebrate culture, helping music grow in Cyprus and connecting people from around the world.
The event is listed as the 8th Cyprus International Accordion Festival and will run June 5 to 7 in Aglandjia, Nicosia. More information is available at www.cyprusaccordionfestival.com.
Which festival event are you most interested in attending?