The International Pharos Chamber Music Festival is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary, showcasing an impressive array of chamber music performances. Running from May 29 to June 4, the festival will host six concerts at the Royal Manor House in Kouklia, featuring 20 of today’s leading international virtuosos.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- For more information, visit www.pharosartsfoundation.org or contact 22-663871.
Pharos chamber: Concert Highlights and Notable Artists
The festival culminates with an orchestral concert on June 6 at The Olive Grove, an open-air venue operated by the Pharos Arts Foundation. This grand finale will see two soloists from the festival performing alongside the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Continuing its tradition of excellence, the festival will feature a core group of returning musicians alongside a roster of guest artists, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. Among those making their debut this year is Anton Sorokow, a distinguished violinist and former First Concertmaster of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Joining him is cellist Claudio Bohórquez, known for his accolades at competitions such as Geneva, Rostropovich, and Pablo Casals.
Returning Talents and New Faces
This year also sees the return of celebrated musicians, including cellist Jing Zhao, renowned for her musical depth, and violinist Elly Suh, who has won over ten prestigious international competitions. Additionally, Yura Lee, a versatile violinist and violist, is back after a decade-long hiatus. Lee is acclaimed for her achievements at the ARD Competition, where she won First Prizes across four categories.
The festival’s line-up also includes debut appearances from Venice-born pianist Pietro De Maria and Irish pianist Finghin Collins. De Maria gained prominence at just 13 years old after winning the Alfred Cortot International Piano Competition, while Collins made his mark following his victory at the Clara Haskil Competition in 1999.
Emerging Cypriot Talents
Adding to the festival’s diversity, young Cypriot pianist Christos Fountos, a recent prize-winner at the Busoni International Piano Competition, will perform. His strong presence in both solo and chamber music has already garnered attention on the international stage.
Returning Cypriot artist Mavroudes Troullos, celebrated as one of the most prominent bassoonists of his generation, will also feature in this year’s festival. His sensitivity and artistry have received acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
A World-Class Ensemble
The festival will also welcome renowned musicians such as Niek de Groot, a celebrated double-bassist known for his collaborative work with contemporary composers, and Enrico Pace, a pianist praised for his characterful performances. Their participation underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing a blend of established talent and rising stars.
Adding to the lineup are clarinettist Sharon Kam, acclaimed for her imaginative artistry, and horn player Ben Goldscheider, the Principal Horn of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. The festival will also feature soprano Anush Hovhannisyan, known for her compelling interpretations across Europe’s leading opera houses.
Artistic Core of the Festival
At the heart of the International Pharos Chamber Music Festival are its core soloists, who return year after year to create a vibrant musical atmosphere. This includes Daishin Kashimoto, the first concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, and Alexander Chaushian, the festival’s Artistic Director and a celebrated cellist.
The festival’s culmination will occur at The Olive Grove, where the gala concert will take place. Boris Belkin and Finghin Collins will join forces with both the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra for a performance under the direction of conductor Yiorgos Kountouris.
Event Details
The 25th International Pharos Chamber Music Festival promises an exceptional celebration of chamber music, featuring an impressive line-up of renowned artists and emerging talents. Concerts will take place from May 29 to June 6, with performances at the Royal Manor House in Kouklia and the gala at The Olive Grove in Delikipos, Nicosia district, beginning each evening at 8:30 PM.
For more information, visit www.pharosartsfoundation.org or contact 22-663871.
